Things To Know
At GEM Architectural Design, we ensure our clients are made aware of other additional costs the project is likely to entail. The client should factor in the professional fees, other costs, total build costs and a contingency sum to ensure the project is feasible.
For more information please click on the following sub headings:
- Planning
Building Control
Building Regulations are minimum standards for design, construction and alterations. The Building Regulations 2010 cover the construction and extension of buildings and these regulations are supported by Approved Documents. Approved Documents set out detailed practical guidance on compliance with the Regulations.
The Approved Documents cover thermal performance (U Values), fire safety (wall/door/ceiling construction, no. of floor levels, use class etc), structural (size of lintels, roof timbers, foundation depth/design, wall construction), ventilation (passive e.g. windows & mechanical) etc.
We can provide a service to produce Building Regulations drawings. The drawings will show sections, 1:50 scale plans and construction detailing in compliance to the Approved Documents.
We can provide a service to act as your agent and submit U-value calculations (dealing with the application, heat loss and gain of the building), integral details such as door sizes, wall build up, floors etc.
Please see link for more information on the role of Building Control:
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/17/extensions/3
Planning
Planning permission should be sought if you are planning to carry out the following works: new buildings, major alterations to existing buildings and significant changes to the use of a building or piece of land.
There are certain minor building works, known as Permitted Development, which do not need planning permission. There are a number of conditions which need to met in order for the works to be deemed Permitted Development.
For more information please read the guidance on Planning permission on the link below.
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200127/planning/102/about_the_planning_system/4
We can provide a service to carry out a measurement survey and produce existing plans, elevations and sections. As part of the package we can produce a set of proposed plans which we will review with the client to produce finalised plans to be submitted as part of the Planning application.
We can provide a service to act as your Planning agent and we will liaise with the Planning Officer/Planning department.
Other Costs
A project consists of several elements:
- Design fees (Building Surveyor, Structural Engineer)
- Other fees (Planning, Building Regulations, services, drainage survey, Party Wall etc)
- Build costs
We carry out feasibility studies on the proposal to determine if the works are feasible. We consider the following items:
- Site levels
- Retaining walls
- Drainage
- Services (gas, electrics, mains water and communications)
- Internal alterations
- Structural alterations
- Electrical upgrade works
- Repositioning gas and electrical meter/ cabling
- Repositioning gas boiler
-Water authority
-Trees (Tree Preservation Order)
- Party Wall Etc Act 1997
- Building Control – Approved document A – Q
- Planning conditions
Note: this is not an exhaustive list.