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the project planning toolkit
Everything you need to know, before, you get started on your building project
No building project is a small project, even if your particular project's fairly small in size.
There are a plethora of decisions to make and a whole raft of legislation that may or may not apply to your particular building project, depending on the exact nature of it. The question is, do you know all the 'ins and outs' and how they apply to you and your project?
If you're like most people, the answer's going to be an emphatic 'no', which is exactly why we decided to produce this highly informative toolkit. If you're planning a building project - and planning on managing some, or all of it, yourself - it's the best way to get up to speed with everything you need to know.
Here's what's Included in Your Project Planning Toolkit
Why Use an Architect?
What are Architects? Find out what distinguishes a professional architect from everyone else.
What are Architectural Designers? Many people think they're the same as an architect. They're not.
Professional Indemnity What is it and why do you need the benefit of it?
What difference does having an architect make? All-in-all, it's huge.
Why tomes architects? There are some really good reasons to consider tomes architects.
The Design Process
Understanding the Design Process: Our 8 Stage Strategy to keep you on track.
Can anyone manage their own project? Our process is straight forward. Building projects can be complex.
How will I know if I can? Check out the process. You'll get a good feel of what's required.
How can we help? There are a variety of ways we can work with you at any - or every - stage.
What if you get stuck? We're happy to be your back-up/troubleshooting team.
what permissions do I need?
What is Permitted Development? It's important to know.
What's available for my house? The rules affect different properties in different ways.
What restrictions are there? It's all to easy to get caught out by these.
Do I need Planning Permission? You do need to get this one right.
How do I know? That's a really good question and this will help.
The Difference Between Planning and Building Regulations
What is Planning Permission? It's distinctly different from Building Regulations.
What are Building Regulations? You may well need these, even if you don't need Planning Permission.
What drawings and plans do I need? If you don't have the right ones, you will have problems.
What is compliance? Building is dangerous if standards aren't adhered to.
the building regulations explained
The Guidance: Understanding what areas are covered.
Procedure: Following the required procedures will provide compliance.
Full Plans: What documents are required if you need to provide full plans?
Building Notice: An alternative method suitable for straightforward extensions, etc.
Understanding the complexities: Essential, if you want to avoid serious challenges.
Don't Ignore the Party Wall Act
What is The Party Wall Act? A straight forward explanation.
What is a Party Wall? You need to know because there's a lot more to it than you might think.
What's covered by The Act? The Party Wall Act can be very complex.
What's the initial procedure? Things need to be handled in the right way.
What if my neighbours dissent? It's important to understand your rights - and those of your neighbours.
How Much Do House Extensions Cost?
Is there a 'Rule of Thumb' guide to costs? A useful guide for estimating the cost of your project.
Does a second storey have lower costs? Let's examine this in detail.
What are the variables? What things can easily impact the cost?
Do I need a contingency? And if so, how much should I allow?
How can I keep costs under control? There are some really good strategies that can help.
How long does it take to build a house extension?
How Long Will It Take to Obtain the Designs?
How Long Will It Take to Obtain Planning Permission for my Building Project?
How Long Does It Take to Prepare Building Regulations Drawings?
What Is the Typical Timeframe for Tender and Choosing A Builder?
How Long Will It Take to Construct My Project And other questions ...
Traditional Procurement vs Design and Build
Which one is better? This is not necessarily a straight forward question.
Be aware of your options: Don't let someone else decide for you.
When to use each method: Understanding your options.
The advantages and the disadvantages: It's better to know these things before you decide.
What do we recommend? And what's the reasoning behind that?
Top Ten Tips for Employing a Builder
We've all heard horror stories about builders. These tips will help you avoid them.
Make sure you do your due diligence: Know what you're buying.
Make sure everything's on a firm footing: Be professional.
Communication is key: Make it clear, concise, congruent and consistent ... otherwise, you're culpable.
These aren't the tips, by the way. Just something to think about: Check out the tips!
Top Ten Tips for Running a Smooth Project
Building projects don't run smoothly by accident: Check out our Ten Top Tips!
Follow these tips and your project can be both fun and fulfilling.
A successful completion is incredibly rewarding: As long as you're not thinking 'never again'!
Do you need to have a plan? That's precisely what our tips and Toolkits are for. Be sure to use them.
And what happens should things go somewhat awry? We're always here if you need us.
Next Steps
There's a lot of information to take in: We can help you find clarity through all that confusion.
Every answer brings a new question: That's understandable. Your property and your project are unique.
The thought of this is scary: We can guide you and 'hold your hand', calming any scary thoughts.
Not sure how things apply to your property and project? We can help you understand.
Not ready to commit? There's absolutely no obligation and general advice is always free.
Simply complete the form to request your free copy of our Project Planning Toolkit.
You'll be glad you did.