What happens after I approach DDS Architecture?
1. Initial enquiry
When you first approach us with your idea, we will ask you some initial questions to get an idea about what you are looking to achieve. This allows us to determine if you have a feasible project that we can help you progress.
2. Fee Proposal
Once we have an idea of what it is you are looking to do, we will provide you with a no obligation quote outlining our services and fees. In some cases we may need to visit the property or discuss your project over the phone to obtain more detail about the project, we’ll let you know at enquiry stage if this is necessary or not.
3. Site Survey and Existing Drawings
Once we have been appointed, the first stage is to carry out a measured survey of the existing property in order to create architectural drawings showing what the existing property looks like. This is essential for the rest of the process.
4. Brief Development
From there we will work on your proposed plans. You may know exactly what it is you are looking to do with the space, or you may be looking to explore ideas to find out what is possible. In the latter case we can provide different designs for your consideration; taking into account what you want to get out of the space, your unique requirements and lifestyle, and our knowledge of the planning and building regulations. Once a design has been agreed with you, we can progress to the next stage. We’ll agree with you at fee proposal stage how many designs are included within our fee.
5. Planning
If your project requires planning permission and/or listed building consent, we will prepare planning drawings, submit an application on your behalf and liaise with the planning department as required.
6. Building Warrant
We will prepare detailed technical drawings and other information such as a warrant specification and submit your warrant application on your behalf; then liaising with the Building Standards department as required. During this stage we will also appoint and liaise with a structural engineer on your behalf, if it is required for your project.
For our Consents-Only clients this is where our appointment with you will end and the final stages will be self-administered.
6. Construction and Tender
For our clients who have appointed us for a full service, we will then add further detail to the architectural drawings, to create a full construction package of information that your builder can build from. We will send the package out to an agreed number of builders in order to obtain a quote.
If you are administering this stage yourself, you can use the warrant drawings for this. However these are much less detailed then construction drawings and will not show precise fixtures and fittings such as doors, windows, light switches; as it would if you appointed us for a full service.
7. Starting on Site
Finally, the build can commence, and your dreams can start to turn into a reality! If you appoint us for a full service, we can visit the site during the build and be on hand to answer any queries from the builder, and we will also administer a contract between you and the builder, to keep track of any changes that may occur on site.
8. Completion
If you have appointed us for a Full-Service, we will apply for the Completion Certificate on your behalf. This is the certificate granted by your local council once the Building Standards department have completed their inspection, which confirms work has been done in accordance with the building warrant. You should also be prepared to be inspected by the planning department where planning permission or listed building consent was required.
Your new space is ready to enjoy!