Site survey
A visit would be made to the site and a survey
carried out. I would take all necessary measurements to produce a plan
which showed boundaries, relevant features, any apparent underground or
overhead services and appropriate levelling information. This plan would
be used for the planning application, setting out the site and possibly
the title deeds.
Illustrative cost £400
House
design
This tends to be an evolutionary process, combining the client's needs and preferences with the various site qualities, together
with my experience. Floor plans, showing room and furnishing layouts are
produced and then meetings take place to discuss detailed or substantial
amendments; continuing the liaison until the client is satisfied with
the proposals.
Elevation drawings are then produced and again we discuss style and detail,
until the client is happy.
At this stage it is sometimes advisable to seek detailed planning permission
as there may be concerns over possible objections from neighbours, or
the local authority.
Illustrative cost £1750, plus Town Planning fees
Building plans
Upon approval
of the planning application, I would then continue to full construction
plans for submission to the local authority for Building Regulations approval.
Illustrative cost
£500, plus Building Regulations fees
Please note, there are occasional circumstances
where the services of a specialist engineer are required, for calculations
of steel beams or advanced drainage design, but not very often. However,
any such service does incur additional cost.
Site planning
Often included in Planning Approval Notices, are
conditions which the local authority impose upon a proposed development.
These may include a tree planting scheme or a highway access design.
Illustrative cost
£350, for each design scheme.
Interior Services plan
For self-builders, this plan is absolutely essential
and either do it yourself or commission someone. One of the most frustrating
aspects of a project, for both client and contractor, is having to make
daily or instantaneous decisions, on site, concerning positions of sockets
or radiators. Without proper thought, there will inevitably be conflicting
instructions - much better to have it all laid out on a plan; this means
proper thought has been attributed to the positions of sockets, switches,
alarm fittings, radiators, etc.
Illustrative cost
£400
Landscaping
If you feel the garden is to be a very important
element of your proposals, then it may well be worth applying the same
consideration to it as that afforded to the house. The design process
would be the same as for the house, culminating in a layout plan with
a specification of any constructional details, choice of plants being
left to the client.
Illustrative cost
£500
Interior design
This of
course, is the ultimate dream ie. to commission someone to design your
ideal interior and then bring it to fruition. It can be expensive, but
I have always made sure that my clients receive the best value I can achieve
on their behalf. I only work on fees and pass on all discounts to the
client. Nevertheless, the process is very time consuming.
Illustrative fee - up to 15% of overall
cost
Other services
Planning appeals - £1000 plus
Boundary
disputes - £400 plus
Barn conversions - similar cost to new dwellings,
plus survey cost
Redesigns - similar to new dwellings plus survey
costs
Extensions
- £450 plus for single storey, £800 plus for two storey
