Frequently Asked Questions
Full-Measured Survey
Yes, a survey is essential before starting any major home renovation project to obtain planning permission. A detailed survey will provide you with valuable information about your property, such as:
- The presence of any utilities or services.
- The dimensions and boundaries of your property.
- Relations with neighbouring properties.
- Location of structural factors, such as load-bearing walls.
Our Surveyor will measure the internal and external areas of the property to draw up existing floor plans and elevations. Our surveys take, on average, 2-3 hours and are conducted by our fully-qualified Architectural Technician
While simple floor plan sketches are possible, professional surveyors have the expertise to produce accurate information, so when the council asks questions that could affect your application, we have the answers and are able to deal with these on your behalf. A survey completed by a professional surveyor is essential for structural design, obtaining planning permission and building regulations approval.
Our Surveyor will measure the internal and external areas of the property to draw up existing floor plans and elevations. Our surveys take, on average, 2-3 hours and are conducted by our fully-qualified Architectural Technician.
Architectural Designs
Architectural drawings are detailed visual representations of a building’s design, including floor plans, elevations, and sections. They serve as a crucial communication tool between architects, clients, and builders, providing a comprehensive guide for planning and engineering guidance.
Our Surveyor will measure the internal and external areas of the property to draw up existing floor plans and elevations. Our surveys take, on average, 2-3 hours and are conducted by our fully-qualified Architectural Technician
Architectural drawings typically include various types, such as floor plans (showing horizontal layouts), elevations (depicting vertical views), sections (cutting through the building), and details (zooming in on specific components). Together, these drawings offer a comprehensive understanding of the design.
Precision and accuracy in architectural drawings ensure the construction team interprets the design correctly. Accurate dimensions, details, and specifications help prevent errors during construction, contributing to the project’s overall success.
Architectural drawings play a crucial role in the planning permission process. They illustrate the proposed design, demonstrating how your project or construction aligns with local planning regulations. The drawings are typically submitted as part of the planning application to gain approval from the local planning authority.
Schematic drawings are initial, conceptual sketches that convey the basic design ideas. On the other hand, construction drawings are highly detailed and include all the necessary information for construction. Construction drawings provide precise details on dimensions, materials, and construction methods.
Planning Application
Planning permission is official approval from the local planning authority to carry out a specific type of development or change the use of a property. It ensures that proposed projects comply with local planning policies, promoting sustainable and organised development.
Our Surveyor will measure the internal and external areas of the property to draw up existing floor plans and elevations. Our surveys take, on average, 2-3 hours and are conducted by our fully-qualified Architectural Technician
You typically need to apply for planning permission when you intend to carry out new construction, make significant alterations to existing structures, change the use of a property, or undertake projects that fall under specific categories outlined by local planning regulations.
The time it takes to receive planning permission can vary. However, local planning authorities aim to make decisions within a specified timeframe, usually eight weeks for householder applications. Larger or more complex projects may take longer, and the process can be influenced by factors such as public consultation and the need for additional information.
It is only advisable to start construction after obtaining planning permission. Doing so may result in enforcement action by the local planning authority, requiring you to stop the work or even dismantle completed structures. Always wait for official approval before commencing construction to avoid legal consequences.
Structural Calculations
Structural calculations are essential to ensure the safety and stability of a building. They help determine the appropriate size and materials for structural elements, such as beams and columns and verify that the structure can withstand loads and forces it may encounter.
Our Surveyor will measure the internal and external areas of the property to draw up existing floor plans and elevations. Our surveys take, on average, 2-3 hours and are conducted by our fully-qualified Architectural Technician
Structural calculations are typically required for any construction project that involves modifications to the structural integrity of a building. This includes new constructions, extensions, renovations, or alterations that impact load-bearing elements.
Structural calculations are performed using engineering principles, mathematical formulas, and specialised software. Structural engineers analyse the forces and stresses acting on a structure, determining the optimal size and configuration of structural elements to ensure stability and safety.
A structural engineer plays a crucial role in conducting structural calculations. They assess the design requirements, analyse structural loads, select appropriate materials, and design the structural elements. The engineer ensures that the structure meets safety standards and regulatory requirements.
It is not advisable for a construction project to proceed without structural calculations. The structure may not meet safety standards without proper calculations, leading to potential hazards. Additionally, building control authorities often require the submission of structural calculations as part of the approval process.
Building Regulations
Building regulations are in place to ensure buildings’ health, safety, welfare, and sustainability. They set standards for construction work, covering areas such as structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, accessibility, and sanitation.
Our Surveyor will measure the internal and external areas of the property to draw up existing floor plans and elevations. Our surveys take, on average, 2-3 hours and are conducted by our fully-qualified Architectural Technician
Building regulations approval is required for most construction projects, including new builds, extensions, conversions, and specific alterations. It ensures that the work complies with established standards and is safe for occupants.
After each important stage of the build, an inspection officer will review the work to ensure it complies with the regulations for your safety and well-being. Each stage is signed off, then once all of the work has been conducted by the builders, a final inspection takes places to finalise the building control process.
Building regulations include requirements for energy efficiency to reduce the environmental impact of buildings. This may involve stipulations for insulation, energy-efficient windows, heating systems, and ventilation to meet specific performance standards and promote sustainability.
A completion certificate is issued by the building control authority or an approved inspector upon successful completion of the construction project. It confirms that the work meets building regulations. The certificate is crucial for property records, resale, and to demonstrate compliance with regulatory standards.
Build-Over Agreement
A Build-Over Agreement is a formal arrangement with the water and sewerage company to allow construction over or close to a public sewer. It is required when a property owner plans to extend their property in a way that may impact or be in close proximity to a public sewer.
Our Surveyor will measure the internal and external areas of the property to draw up existing floor plans and elevations. Our surveys take, on average, 2-3 hours and are conducted by our fully-qualified Architectural Technician
If your proposed construction involves building over or within a specified distance of a public sewer, you likely need a Build-Over Agreement. Contact the relevant water and sewerage company responsible for the sewer to inquire about the necessity and process for obtaining an agreement.
To apply for a Build-Over Agreement, you typically need to provide detailed plans and drawings of the proposed extension. Include information on construction methods, materials, and any measures taken to protect the public sewer. The water company may also request specific details about the property and project.
The time it takes to obtain a Build-Over Agreement can vary depending on the water and sewerage company and the complexity of the project. It is advisable to inquire about the expected timeline during the initial contact with the company.
Proceeding without a Build-Over Agreement when required can lead to legal consequences and enforcement actions. It may result in delays, fines, or orders to rectify the construction. It is essential to obtain the necessary agreement to ensure compliance with regulations and protect public sewer infrastructure.
Party Wall Agreement
A party wall agreement is a legal document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of property owners when undertaking construction work that may affect a shared wall or boundary. It is required when the proposed work involves a party wall, party fence wall, or adjacent excavation as defined by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Our Surveyor will measure the internal and external areas of the property to draw up existing floor plans and elevations. Our surveys take, on average, 2-3 hours and are conducted by our fully-qualified Architectural Technician
To initiate the process, the building owner must serve a formal Party Wall Notice to the neighbouring property owners. This notice provides details about the proposed works, the intended start date, and a request for the neighbours’ response within a specified timeframe.
Yes, neighbouring property owners have the right to object to the proposed works. They can dissent to the Party Wall Notice and choose to appoint their surveyor or agree to use the same surveyor as the building owner. The surveyor(s) will then facilitate the agreement process.
Compensation for damage to neighbouring properties is typically addressed in the Party Wall Award. The agreement may specify the type of compensation, such as repair costs, and outline the process for resolving disputes related to damage.
If there is a dispute, the appointed surveyor(s) will work to resolve issues and reach an agreement between the parties. In some cases, a Third Surveyor may be involved to provide an impartial resolution. It is essential to follow the procedures outlined in the Party Wall Act to address disputes effectively.
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