We offer a no-cost initial consultation to discuss your project, understand your brief and explore opportunities for your home. The first meeting allows us to outline the process, answer any initial questions and begin shaping the right approach for your project. Extending or building a home is a significant investment of both time and trust, so it is important you feel comfortable, confident and supported when trusting us with this process.

Most projects will require planning and building warrant approval, although some smaller works may fall under permitted development. This can be discussed during the initial consultation.
Planning approval relates to the use, size and appearance of a project, while building warrant approval relates to the technical performance of the design, including structure, insulation, drainage and safety. Although both processes are managed through the local authority, they are separate approvals, serving different purposes. We guide clients through the statutory approvals required for their project and advise on associated application fees prior to submission.
Where appropriate, we can also advise on certificates of lawfulness and pre-application discussions with the local authority.

We can assist with tendering your project to a number of local contractors and help guide you through the appointment process.
At this stage, the design and internal finishes will develop further along with more detailed drawings and schedules to improve cost certainty prior to construction.
Tendering to several contractors allows you to compare costs, programme and approach prior to selecting your preferred builder. We can help review tender returns and arrange meetings with shortlisted contractors where required.
The final selection and appointment of the contractor remains the client’s responsibility.

During works on site we can act as Contract Administrator, administering the building contract on your behalf. Whilst appointed by the client, the role requires us to act impartially between client and contractor.
As part of this role, we carry out periodic site inspections to monitor progress and quality, issue instructions where required, manage variations, certify interim and final payments and administer completion and defects in accordance with the contract.
Prior to completion we will carry out a snagging inspection to identify and record any outstanding works or defects in relation to the contract documents.
We will liaise with building control and assist with the process of obtaining completion certificates following completion of works.
Site inspections are periodic and are not intended to provide continuous supervision of the works. Where a dedicated supervisory role is required, the appointment of a clerk of works may be appropriate.