Produce a measured survey for the architect to base their design off.
Gather your ideas from relevant websites or industry magazines.
Find an architect via recommendation or local searches.
Select architect based on experience with your type of project.
Agree on contract & fees
Link fees to deliverables
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Create a design concept – this could take several iterations to refine design.
Check budget again.
Resource other expertise such as engineers – architect can recommend.
Detailed construction contract drawings must be included in the architect fees.
Review budget with a builder if possible.
01
BUDGET
Determine your Budget.
Be realistic – budgets overrun.
Have a contingency.
Include: surveys, design fees, planning fees, build cost, legal fees, insurance, party wall fees, rent if you are not going to live in the house during the works, other?
Check items not provided by builder, this may include furniture, taps, lighting, showers & baths.
02
ARCHITECT
03
PLANNING
Discuss ideas with the planning authority to ensure that they can be approved within guidelines before submitting.
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Discuss plans with your neighbours.
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Architect prepares and submits planning information on your behalf.
Planning determination can take 12 weeks, depending on your design.
04
BUILDER
Choose a builder for your project. Your architect can recommend one or look around your neighbourhood for similar schemes as your project.
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Clarify type of contract – is it design and build or build only? You might require legal advice.
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Agree cost and contract before starting any works. Ensure that costs are transparent and fixed where design allows.
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Agree on all contract documentation such as drawings, sections, specifications, scope of work, programme, cash flow.
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Agree a process for making changes to your design – make sure any changes are properly documented.
Agree a meeting and reporting protocol.
Include for a defects period and warranties.
Ask for a retention to ensure that the contractor does fix defects.
05
BUILD PROJECT
Start your works!
Do regular site visits with your architect.
Ensure the builder is seeking building control approval at the appropriate times.
Agree cost of changes before the relevant works start.
Ensure payments are linked to not only work complete but also quality and specification