ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES & BUILDING PROJECT SERVICES
ARCHITECTURE
PLANNING
After an initial consultation to understand what alterations or additions you wish to carry out on your property we perform a search of the planning history of your area. This is to ascertain if there is any information available to assist with developing your brief. We will feedback the results of the research and advise accordingly. If the site is contentious we may recommend submitting a pre-application. This enables us to open up dialogue with the planners before submitting an official planning application.
We start the design process with a series of initial drawings based on your vision for the project. These are submitted either as sketches or CAD drawings. We then develop the scheme in plan, elevation and section until you are happy with the layout. Once you are satisfied we submit these to the Local Planning Authority. This includes the drawings, forms, certificate of ownership, Design and Access Statement and covering letter. Minniedale Projects will then monitor the progress of the planning application until a decision is received.
ARCHITECTURE
BUILDING REGULATION DRAWINGS
Following the submission of the planning application and receipt of planning approval we develop the planning drawings into a set of Building Regulation Drawings. This package provides details and specification for the builder so they meet current Building Regulations and achieve the overall finish. These drawings are submitted to Building Control to perform plan checks leading to the issue of a certificate of compliance. This confirms the scheme will pass Building Regulations if the builder follows the drawings and specification. Minniedale Projects also appoint and liaise with other consultants necessary to the build such as Structural Engineers to translate their information onto the drawings in preparation for construction. Once the above stages are complete we can assist you further through our Project Management services. These services assist you with accurately pricing the job, selecting the right builder and assistance during the build.
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
Appointing a builder and signing of contracts. Minniedale Projects act as the Contract Administrator to appoint your chosen builder, arrange signing of the JCT form of contract which provides our clients with financial protection and arrangements for the start date.
CONSTRUCTION STAGES
During the build we offer the following services:
- Weekly site visits with the client and builder to monitor progress and project programme.
- Independent advice and support to the builder and client to ensure a smooth build process.
- Controlling any variations that may occur during the build. We also ensure these costs are fair.
- Monitoring of quality and workmanship during the build.
- Valuations and builder payments. All valuations are processed by Minniedale Projects and are based on project progress which is monitored against the Schedule of Works. This ensures the client is only paying for what has been completed and materials that are on site. A 5% retention is held back against each valuation payment, half of which is settled once the builder reaches practical completion. The balance is then paid after a 6 month defects period.
COMPLETION AND SIGN OFF STAGES
The final stages of any build are extremely important. This is where everything comes together.
- Management of the snagging lists and defect control.
- Arrangement of the appropriate certificates and sign off from Building Control.
- Final Account. This involves the release of any retention funds once the project is deemed to have reached Practical Completion.
