Whether you already have an idea in mind or you need some professional advice, the initial consultation is a great way to discuss ideas and come up with a solution that best suits you and your needs.
A discussion as to whether or not your project will need to go through your Local Planning Authority (LPA) or if it can be built under Permitted Development will also take place.
There is no obligation and no charge for an initial consultation, however if you are happy to proceed then a detailed survey can be arranged at a convenient time for you.
Measurements will be recorded so that accurate existing and proposed plans, elevations and if required, section drawings can be drawn up.
Depending on the extent of your project a survey of the entire property and the surrounding area may need to be carried out so that boundaries and services can be included on the drawings.
The survey is an important stage in the process and can take between 3-4 hours.
The consultation and survey stages will provide the designer with a good idea of what it is you are looking for.
Using the information gathered, Aspect Design Studio will use AutoCAD to draw up the existing plans and elevations of your home, along with the proposed plans and associated elevations for the project.
For new build projects, proposed designs when required will be drawn up to include surrounding buildings. This will provide you with a better understanding of your buildings aspect and will ensure your LPA has the information it requires to make an informed decision on planning approval.
A 3D visualisation and rendering of the project can also be created, helping you to see how the finished design will look.
Depending on the size and location of your extension, planning consent may or may not be applicable. If it is, for a small fee Aspect Design Studio can submit the drawings and application on your behalf to your LPA.
All new dwelling projects will need planning consent from your LPA.
If the permission is granted you can then start the build within the time frame and conditions the LPA have stipulated. If the permission is rejected, we can look to see why it has failed and change the design accordingly to reapply.
No matter what the size of the project, be it a new build, extension or renovation it will need to comply with The Building Regulations.
The Building Regulations contain the rules for building work in new and altered buildings to make them safe and accessible and limit waste and environmental damage.
Aspect Design Studio can offer to provide Building Regulation drawings and specifications so they can be sent directly to the local authority for approval.
Once you are happy with the design, Aspect Design Studio can provide you with either hard copies or PDFs of scaled drawings to send on to building contractors to get an idea of construction cost.
Ideally you will want to get at least three quotes for your project from different contractors. It is best to seek recommendations from friends, family members or colleagues, or find a firm registered with a professional body such as the FMB.
Ask how long the builder has been trading and what experience they have. Try to get three references and ask to see recent examples of their work if possible.
Always make sure the quotes are like for like as some may include exclusions or other special conditions such as an insurance-backed guarantee in their quote.
