Take a look at our projects page where we have provided PDFs with more information.
There are different elements required when considering having an extension or conversion to your property. There are other fees and ‘services’ involved with the process – some that you may not know they exist!
One of these potential services that may be required (and most definitely recommend to any clients with shared party walls) is a party wall surveyor.
For your information, there is a helpful link here to explain the purpose of a surveyor, as well as a guide to the ‘Party Wall etc Act of 1996’.
While you are here, take a look at:
a personal touch
Once you reach out to us, we'll schedule a convenient time to meet you at your property. This meeting serves as an opportunity to put faces to names, delve into discussions about your budget, explore what your budget might achieve, outline the process, and establish associated timelines for each stage. It's also a chance for you to pose any questions you may have. Following this meeting, you will receive a written fee proposal that clearly outlines the scope of services provided and the corresponding fees.
Once the fee proposal has been agreed upon, the next step involves organising a measured survey of your property. During this survey, accurate and scaled existing drawings will be meticulously created to serve as the foundation for your design. Ideally conducted within office hours, we are flexible and can accommodate evening or weekend surveys to better align with your schedule.
Utilising the latest Matterport surveying equipment during the survey, I will generate a 3D scan of your property, producing a Pointcloud file. This file becomes a valuable reference in my computer-aided design process, aiding in the creation of an accurate 3D model and the associated drawings for your existing property.
presenting your options
At this stage, I will present the initial design concepts through an annotated floor plan and 3D external renderings. This visual representation allows you to grasp the evolving design. In cases where there are variations in layouts, roof types, or general themes, I may present multiple options. One option aligns precisely with your preferences, while others explore alternative ideas or my own creative input.
The simplicity of this stage is its highlight. We can arrange a video meeting to discuss and fine-tune the options collaboratively. This interactive session enables us to address any questions or adjustments, refining the design together until we achieve a result that excites you. Typically, the first stage of conceptual designs will be completed and sent to you within three weeks of the measured survey.
checking your hopes are on budget
This stage is somewhat optional and is influenced by your preferences, especially if you lean towards one option over another. However, we are mindful of the possibility that your budget may not extend far enough to accommodate your preferred choice. Therefore, we may seek clarification on this matter before committing to a design for submission to the planning office.
While I often provide guideline figures for estimating building work, for projects that surpass the simplicity of a square meter estimation, we might request estimates from a select group of builders I have collaborated with previously. These builders are not only familiar with my work but also eager to engage in discussions about what they can potentially offer for your project in the future.
drawings and application
With the preferred design established in the earlier stages and the budget confirmed as achievable through estimates obtained from a builder, the formal planning drawings will be meticulously created. These drawings will then be sent to you for one final check before the planning application is submitted. Upon receiving your approval to proceed, an invoice will be issued for the works completed up to this stage.
After the application has been submitted, the local authority will contact you to request payment for your specific application type. Once this payment is made, we will receive a confirmation letter via email to inform you that your application has been successfully submitted.
drawings and application
With the certification received from the planning office, the next stage involves the somewhat optional step of building control drawings. I use the term "optional" because, for simple extensions, builders can construct in compliance with building regulations without formal drawings from me. However, it's worth noting that most builders prefer a more organized approach, having all details neatly arranged and checked by building control. This ensures they have precise documents to use, leaving no room for ambiguity.
Building control drawings consist of additional plans, elevations, and sections that demonstrate how the building will meet the standards outlined in the Approved Documents, colloquially known as the building regulations. Initially, this arrangement is created by me and then sent to my preferred structural engineer for guidance on structural beams, along with a quotation for their services. Once the structural calculations are completed, the details are incorporated into the building control drawings, forming a comprehensive package. This package is then submitted to the building control office for a plans check application.
The plans check application process ensures compliance with building regulations and identifies any matters that building control would like documented on the plans. This step ensures that the scheme is deemed compliant on paper as far as building control is concerned. Once the plans check certificate is received, you are ready to start your project. Building control will provide a letter outlining key inspection intervals, which should be shared with your builder for scheduling inspections.
Electrical Project manager, JM Scully
ASC design have been producing CAD drawings for JM Scully to a high standard and efficiently within both cost and time constraints. The technical knowledge, feedback and ideas they bring to the table have assisted JM Scully to constantly deliver meeting sometimes demanding expectations.
Ashley came to my property recently to discuss the prospect of having a garage conversion to maximise the space. He clearly and professionally outlined all of the issues with regards to doing this through Permitted Development – enabling me to come to an informed decision. His knowledge and professionalism put me at complete ease, once we are ready to proceed with the planning drawings, ASC Design Services will be the ones for us! Thank you again, Ashley.
ASC Design Services have provided both structural drafting and Building Control packages in the past to a high standard. They are cost effective and happy to help out with tight deadlines. We would be happy to recommend them to others in need of technical drawings.
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