Free Site Visit

The first stage is to arrange for a free site visit by one of our experienced builders. If the project looks viable we will give a rough estimate of cost.

If you wish to proceed we will instruct our architect to give a full survey of your property and discuss what you want in terms of room layouts etc. You can of course appoint your own architect. He will then draw up detailed plans for submission to the local authority. He will also advise the need for any planning permission or building regulation approval. Fees for these have to be paid in advance and are non refundable, even in the event of refusal of planning permission.

Our architect would advise of any potential problems but possible objections from neighbours are out of our control. Also permission under the party wall act must be obtained from neighbours if work involves a party wall but this should be covered under a planning application. It is only when planning permission is not required that this needs to be sought.

On Approval

On approval we can then give you a detailed estimate right down to the last door handle. We will work from plans but as the project develops your requirements may change. Any alterations can be made at anytime, even room layouts.

We will liaise with building control to ensure alterations still conform to regulations. We will update estimates in writing to keep track of any variations in cost.

Contract

A contract to protect the customer as well as the builder will be drawn up which will outline work to be done and to what timescales, also payment schedules will be agreed. Normally this will consist of 20% deposit to cover initial materials, followed by three further instalments. With the final payment being due on satisfactory completion. This is an industry standard instalment plan that helps the cash flow of the smaller building company.

Health & Safety

Whilst building work is in progress, Heath and Safety procedures must be adhered to. Our health and safety policy is available on request. Children and animals especially must be excluded from the site as we cannot be responsible for injuries sustained. Any construction project that lasts longer than 30 days or 500 man hours must be registered with the HSE.

Work in progress

We will keep the site tidy and remove rubbish to skips daily. Building materials are ordered as best as possible when needed to minimise disruption. Customers must be prepared to provide toilet facilities to construction staff otherwise portable facilities will have to be arranged at extra cost. We will respect your property and will try to minimise damage to gardens etc by covering with plastic etc. but damage to lawns when construction work is in progress is unavoidable and repair must be the responsibility of the householder.

Site inspections

We will arrange all site inspections from building control and planning.

Sub Contractors

Occationally we have to use sub-contractors to assist with building projects be assured that we vet all employees and sub contractors prior to hire and use only trusted tradesmen.

Completion

A final inspection by building control signals the end of the project, they will check all electrical installations, gas certificates and building regulation compliance and then will issue a certificate of completion.

See some photographs from one of our recent loft conversions...