Site Assessment and Feasibility
In almost every respect, self-build site assessment and feasibility is the most important aspect of any project if it is to achieve the aspirations of the client and meet their expectations with regard to final costs.
Unexpected ground conditions are the most likely cause of any budget overrun, and by definition occur in the very early days of a project. As much information needs to be collected as possible, even in the case of an extension to an existing new home. If not, budget, specification and finish are almost always compromised.
Irrespective of the type of your proposed project, our advisory service would, following a site visit, recommend the type of technical advice you should seek and arrange for that to take place if requested. Once the likely foundation solution has been identified, we would be in a position to submit an overview of the financial feasibility of the development.
Finally, we would assess the likely cost or difficulty of providing mains services and, in their absence, advise on suitable alternatives.
Design Brief
As a Project Manager, understanding the client’s aspirations for the project is absolutely essential. Where you have already appointed an Architect, we would ensure that they have interpreted your requirements and that you understand the financial implications of the design. Again our principal aim is to achieve the most cost effective outcome. We can advise on the cost of specialist finishes, and whether or not suitable, cheaper alternatives are available. We also assist clients in sourcing individual features that will enhance the design and go towards achieving a unique outcome.
With spiralling energy costs, the provision of efficient solutions that limit a property’s energy usage are essential. With extensions and conversions it is a perfect time to investigate ways and means of enhancing and improving on any existing insulation.
With new homes, clients are faced with an ever increasing range of solutions, some extremely good, some extremely expensive. In any event, all projects have to meet the latest Building Regulations and the Code for Sustainable Homes. We are ideally placed to advise you on the most suitable solutions for your project, whether you merely wish to meet minimum standards for budgetary reasons, or install solutions at the cutting-edge of current technology.
Design Team
The appointment of a design team or individual consultants can pose many problems for the private individual or self-builder. What kind of expertise do you require and how much to pay, are just two of the more obvious questions. We can assemble a complete team of consultants on your behalf with the expertise required for your particular project. We will negotiate terms with them and liaise and co-ordinate to ensure they deliver the design and technical information required to enable the project to proceed.
It is important to understand the qualities and expertise each consultant has to offer, and ensure that those used have the appropriate skills for your project. For example, the skills required by an Architect to produce working drawings for a single storey extension are not the same as those necessary to obtain a Listed Building Consent. We will only recommend those consultants with the necessary skills and experience in the particular field to deliver the requirements of your project.
