TN Design & Build Step by Step Guide
We thought we would give you some starting points into the world of planning a building project.
You are probably aware that every high level build project is different so over the next few of weeks, we will provide you with a step by step guide of what we at TN Design & Build think you should expect when creating the perfect project plan. In other words, how we do things around here.
It goes without saying that any good, reliable, professional builder should give you a schedule of works that is tailored to your build.
So here we go…
Planning & design
Before you start anything, you are going to need to engage with an architect or architectural designer. You will already have a good idea about what it is you have in mind for your build. An architect will be able to guide you make the important first step in the planning phase by using their experience and knowledge. This is valuable because they have specific experience regarding build types, locations, local authority insight and initial indications about the size of any build.
Site visit
We’ll arrange for our Architect to visit your home to discuss your ideas, design, and budget in more detail. Yes we did say your budget – it’s important to recognise what is practical and not to fall into the trap of constantly being upsold. During this visit our Director, Tom, will need to fully understand your requirements and asses the feasibility of your dream project. This is crucial to fulfilling the project through to completion, meeting expectations, and eliminating any surprises. – We find that this approach works best when your building professionals work hand in hand with the architect or architectural designer. This is a great opportunity to ask plenty of questions make the most of the teams experience and knowledge.
Proposal
We will then send you a no obligation fee proposal for the Design Work, which will contain the information discussed in the site visit with the architect and Tom. Providing the details have been matched to your requirements and budget then we require your instruction for us for use to carry out a site measured survey.
Drawings
Its at this point where the drawings are produced, with alternate options where applicable and shared with you. This is the stage where we will sit down with you to discuss any final tweaks to the drawings are submitted to the local authority as part of your planning application. At TN Design & Build, we will manage this part of the process for you and keep you fully updated.
Note – At this stage we can also work out an approx. cost of the build and check that it meets your budget requirements, prior to submission to the local authority. If the price is within your budget parameters then we can begin to agree an estimated building slot. It is worth noting that we book 12 weeks in advance, so for any design going to planning in May we are looking to start on site in August. We would also require a deposit at this stage. During Covid19 we have some flexible options available to help our clients budget towards their project.
Approval Granted
Great News! At this point your approval is Granted!
Construction Drawings and Structural Calculations can now take place which will take approx. 2-4 weeks. We recommend that these important elements are only completed after planning has been approved; if planning was rejected, we would need to reconsider some of the application and objections from the Local Authority and re-submit on your behalf.
Building Regulations
Once local authority planning approval has been completed, the Construction Drawings are submitted to Building Regulations.
Planning Permission can take anywhere from 8 weeks. Once you have committed to TN Design and Build, the time waiting for approval can be used to select the finer details of your project. We’ll come full of ideas and work closely with you to run through the specification. This is the exciting part where you can choose your fixtures & fixings and allows you to express your taste with the layout and materials; i.e. kitchen, bathroom, flooring, etc.
Ready to start
We have come a long way since your initial contact about your project. With all of the design, approval, materials and fixtures & fittings agreed all that is left to do is confirm your construction start date, and we will see you on site!
Our next blog will take you through what happens on site.
Tom Nicholls
Owner