Useful information for your architectural project

The useful information below is for guidance only. It is relevant for small residential works for home owners, which will vary from project to project.

Project Budgeting

• Digital OS (Ordnance Survey) map
• Structural Engineers fee
• Council Planning Fees
• Council Building Regulations fees (Both plan and inspection fees)
• CDM 2015 Regulations Health & Safety Compliance
• Party Wall Surveyors fees (if applicable)
• Build over sewer application and fee (if applicable)
• Any liaising or fees relating to Landlords permission (if applicable)
• SAP calcs (if applicable)
• Arboriculturist report (if applicable)
• Asbestos survey (if applicable)
• Bespoke Furniture design (if applicable)
• Satisfying any planning condition matters (if applicable)

Planning Approval

Planning approval is arguably the most important stage of a project and due to its subjective nature the most challenging. We can advise on the best strategy to obtain either full planning approval or a Certificate of Lawfulness (Permitted Development) Planning Portal link: planningportal.co.uk

Building Regulations

All building work in the UK requires approval either by the local council or approved inspectors. Green Cu3ed is a partner with the Local Authority Building Control scheme (LABC) and has direct access to their knowledge base and can seek advice for any project we are involved in. LABC Building Regulations link: labc.co.uk

Structural Calculations

Please note that Building Control will require a structural design and calculations for approval. For this you will have to employ a structural engineer, separately. We can assist with obtaining quotations for this work.

Party Wall Matters

Depending on the proximity of the proposed works, it is recommended that you notify your neighbours with Party Wall notices. If you need any assistance with Party wall matters, we can assist in getting quotes for a party wall surveyor to carry out these notices correctly and with any liaising, condition surveys etc. required. Party Wall Act Guide link: gov.uk/guidance/party-wall-etc-act-1996-guidance

CDM Regulations, Health & Safety

Since 6th April 2015 the CDM regulations have changed considerably, including non-commercial construction sites such as domestic extensions / refurbishments etc. These new regulations put health & safety responsibilities, directly upon the client (including domestic clients), designers and contractors. CDM link: hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/buildingcontrol "If you are having work done on your own home, or the home of a family member, and it is not in connection with a business, you will be a domestic client. The only responsibility a domestic client has under CDM 2015 is to appoint a principal designer and a principal contractor when there is more than one contractor. However, if you do not do this, (as is common practice) your duties as a domestic client are automatically transferred to the contractor or principal contractor. If you already have a relationship with your designer before the work starts, the designer can take on your duties, provided there is a written agreement between you and the designer to do so." - As a principle designer there are additional duties to be carried out and therefore an extra time commitment and insurance obligation and therefore they would have to charge for this service.

Asbestos Survey

Under the CDM regulations, it is the Client's responsibility to inform the designer and contractor of any health & safety issues that are present in the existing building. To be compliant it would be reasonable that the Client commissions a building condition survey and a separate Asbestos survey.

Project Program & Duration

Please note the time frames below are a guide and can vary considerably. Survey & preparation of existing drawings = 2 weeks Sketch Designs = 1 week Planning drawings - 2 weeks Planning approval (from validation date) = 8 weeks Building Control drawings = 2-4 weeks Structural Engineers Design & input = variable depending on their work load Building Control approval (from validation date) = 3-5 weeks Party Wall Notices & condition surveys (submitted simultaneous with Building Control submission) Party Wall Awards (if neighbours object) = unknown Tender (if required) = 4 weeks Mobilisation =2 weeks Contract / Building works = dependant on project scope Completion and handover

Useful Construction related links:

Encyclopaedia of Building designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Home Local Authority Building Control labc.co.uk The National Planning Portal planningportal.co.uk Approved Construction Details labc.co.uk/business/construction-details Basement Information Centre basements.org.uk BBA Certifactes of Building Materials and their application bbacerts.co.uk British Standards Insitute bsigroup.com/en-GB/industries-and-sectors/construction-and-building Building Services cibse.org/knowledge Electrical Services electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guides-and-advice Glulam Timber Construction glulam.co.uk National Hosuing Building Certifacte Requirements nhbc.co.uk/Builders/ProductsandServices/TechZone Timber Technical Inforamtion trada.co.uk Building Design Construction Portal buildingdesign.co.uk

"Creating designs to match your vision"