Pivotal
Architectural services
So what does it cost?
Costs vary depending on the project, a single storey rear extension is simpler than demolishing an old house and building 4 new apartments.
Typically a permitted rights development for a rear extension would cost around £750 to £1,250 including the structural calculations for Building Control.
A typical planning application for a double storey side extension would normally be around £1,250 to £2,250 for the drawings and application with a similar fee likely for the construction drawings. We act as your agent throughout the planning process and will work as closely as possible with the local authority to achieve the desired result.
Other costs that are outside of our control but unfortunately are often very much part of most projects include:- Build over notices with the local water authority, relocation of gas or electricity meters, building control fees, party wall fees, planning fees, tree reports, skip licenses and scaffold licenses. In some rare occasions a crane license or oversailng agreement might be required but this is unlikely for a small residential project.
We are also often asked to solve design issues on a project already under way but not originally drawn by us. This is not uncommon, and we are of course happy to aid clients new and old when resolving issues that have come about during works on site. Such work is usually charged at our hourly rate of £75 per hour. If you have a problem project, or are about to start a build and are not entirely confident that the scheme works we are happy to step in and assist if we can. Our initial assesment is free and you are under no obligation to instruct us to undertake the work.
Drop us a line on 01883 621 364 or email us at info@pivarch.co.uk
Or call Simon Fisher directly on 07760 437 185 to discuss your needs.
Our objectives, aims and commitment.
Architecture, at its core is the design, function and usability of a space for a given purpose. This simple but incredibly important principle is all too often lost in the initial stages of a project.
We firmly believe that the clients needs, and desires are paramount, and therefore the driving force behind any project. The design brief is of the utmost importance & we will do our absolute best to achieve the outcome that our clients desire, want & need from their project.
Each project and indeed every client is different so each project quickly takes on a unique identity, with individual needs that are very much the product of the collaboration between client and architect.
Some projects are simple in design but complicated in execution, while others can take months to design and be erected in a matter of weeks. Whatever the design, or the problem, each project is as individual as the client and treated as such.
A hands on approach and clear information is at the very heart of all of our projects.
We are committed to minimising problems or confusion on site and will walk our clients through the various stages of a project, and explain the responsibilities of each professional, individual and indeed the clients responsibilities throughout the project as clearly as possible so everyone knows what they are required to do and when.
Planning consultation, applications & advice
Structural calculations
Complete development packages
Design coordination
Party wall surveys & awards
Planning appeals
Interior design
M & E services coordination
Reprographics
Swimming pool design
What's in a project
Typically each project consists of several key stages. The complexity of the project will dictate how many stages are involved and therefore how complicated. The typical stages are:-
Initial consulttaion & design brief
Detailed measured survey
Design consultation and evaulation
Initial plans sketch scheme
Amendments to sketch scheme Initial elevations & structure
Tender issue
Escorted site visits with potential contractors
Evaluation of tender returns
Further consultation with the client, and potential contractors
Contractor instructed
Building Control Application submited
Project build commenced
Building Control queries resolved
Construction completed
Snagging undertaken
Snagging resolved
Site signed off
What people forget?
There are many elements to a project that are overlooked or simply not mentioned during the initial stages. This is usually because the contractor will assume that the client is aware of the need for a build over notice to a public sewer, probably because he has done litterally thousands in his career. Or the Structural Engineer will asume that the Architect has told the client of the need for deeper foundations due to the proximity of a very large Oak tree, forgetting that the Architect is not an Engineer, and therefore has not mentioned this minor detail. Sound familiar?
We don't like surprises either, and neither do our clients. Every project has at least one surprise that nobody could have predicted, the cut floor joists that make no sense, the unsupported chimney that was removed years ago and should have fallen down but hasn't. It happens.
What we don't want however is a client asking us why we didn't put in a build over notice for a sewer or asking us why we didn't tell them they needed a party wall award to be put in place.
Experience has taught us to be thorough and to be very clear to the client what they have to do as well, it ultimately pays to be thorough and we strive to be as thorough as we can.