Question 1

What does an architectural technologist do?

Accepted Answer

We manage the technical design stages and application planning process of property building projects, before the commencement of work by a building contractor.

Question 2

Where do I begin?

Accepted Answer

The question we are always asked is: do I get a price from the builder first, or the designs on paper? The answer is the designs, so find an architectural consultant to work with first.

We provide as much information as possible without any charge. We want you to feel confident entrusting your property design to us before committing to a survey.

Question 3

What is the difference between planning and building regulations?

Accepted Answer

Planning is the external appearance, drawings provided at 1:100 scale. Building regulations relate to the construction of the proposal, drawings provided at 1:50 scale.

Question 4

Will you provide a design?

Accepted Answer

We begin with a no-fee discussion of any special requirements or planning regulation needs in a Zoom call. Once appointed we will provide a full scheme for comment and amendment at no additional cost, until you are happy with the proposal.

At this stage, we will freeze the design and make a submission to your local planning department.

Question 5

What do I need to do as a client?

Accepted Answer

We will submit and respond to all planning and building regulation questions. To work together as effectively as possible, you will need to provide us with a full wish list – considering your future needs as well as your current ones.

When planning is approved, you will need to inform your home and building insurance provider of your proposals.

You must also inform your neighbours of the proposed works, especially when approved, with a party wall letter of introduction that we will provide.

If you or your neighbour require a party wall award, you must appoint a party wall surveyor. We will advise you on this.

Question 6

When is the right time to involve a builder?

Accepted Answer

A builder can only provide an estimate on the planning drawings, and will only provide a fixed price on a set of building regulations drawings.

We will provide a list of local builders and highlight four that would be ideal for your project. You are under no obligation to use them.

Question 7

How much is the process?

Accepted Answer

Your budget should allow for £800-1200 to cover planning permission, building regulations plan approval and building regulations inspections. Council fees are the same whoever you choose to work with.

We don’t request a deposit on residential works and we don’t charge for amendments. We only charge a third of the fee at the stages within your quote.

Question 8

How long is the process?

Accepted Answer

We will provide a quote within 48 hours of your initial contact. The survey can be booked - subject to the diary - within two weeks.

Your first proposals will be ready for comment within 10 days. Once your design has been frozen, we will submit it to the planning officer. This will take between 8 and 16 weeks.

Building regulations will require 3 weeks to prepare and 6 weeks to approve. Planning and building regulations can be run simultaneously, so we would expect the process to take between 12 and 18 weeks.

Question 9

What happens once planning and building regulations have been approved?

Accepted Answer

Our work is now complete and your project will continue with the contractor of your choice. We remain available for site visits for a call-out fee.

We can also supervise the work pertaining to other services outlined in our quote, or discussed in our zoom call, for an additional fee.

FAQs

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