The Process
We use the RIBA Plan of Work 2013 as a framework for managing construction projects.
We still understand everyone is different and don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. The Plan of Work’s customisable format allows us to tailor our services to suit you and your project whilst still adopting an industry standard.
To give you a good idea of how we work, see our simplified three stage process below.
Evaluate
We listen to your ideas and needs and make sure we are a good match for each other. We then arrange a meeting to discuss your needs further and make a preliminary inspection of the site. Following this we advise on your projects feasibility, potential fees and estimated timescales and prepare a proposal for your consideration.
At this stage we also establish if assistance from any specialist consultants is required. We have a network of consultants such as structural engineers, arboriculturists, energy, transport, heritage and planning consultants who regularly work as part of our design team. Our collaborative approach includes working closely with both planning and building control to achieve the best results.
We will undertake or arrange a measured survey so that ‘As Existing’ plans can be produced. During this time we research the building to obtain site data and determine any policies or legislation that may influence the design.
Design and Prepare
We’ll work closely with you to develop a design from your initial brief. We aim to balance your design aspirations with constraints such as your budget, desired timescales, structural or environmental limitations, and other legislative restrictions such as planning policies or building regulations. Communication is key sharing ideas through conversation, emails and Pinterest boards or face-to-face meetings until we agree on a final design. We’ll issue the design for final approval, once you’re happy we’ll proceed to the next stage.
We’ll deal with any necessary approvals on your behalf such as Planning Permission, Certificates of Lawfulness and the Building Regulations. We’ll prepare extra documents that may be required such as digital mapping, supporting statements and construction specifications. After submitting your applications we’ll monitor progress and proactively deal with queries to secure the best outcome.
We can liaise with a cost consultant on your behalf to provide a pre-tender construction cost estimate, adjusting the design following cost checks if necessary. We can recommend the most appropriate form of contract for your project, finalise the technical design and if required prepare tender documents on your behalf. We can liaise with a contractor on your behalf to negotiate a price for construction work or invite contractors to submit competitive tenders. Following receipt of submitted tenders we’ll liaise with the cost consultant (if appointed) and discuss recommendations on the best choice of contractor.
Build
Once we're satisfied all pre-construction preparation has been completed we'll prepare building contract documents and manage these on your behalf. We’ll regularly visit site to inspect work completed to date, checking the contractor's progress before certifying payments. We’ll undertake a further inspection once work is complete and then issue a certificate of Practical Completion.
Following the end of the agreed defect liability period we would carry out a final inspection and agree the final account.