ArchitFACT

Your time and resources are important to you.

Our professional approach to and knowledge of the design and procurement of building projects will help guide you through the complexities to bring about your desired result.

The construction process need not be a concern.As chartered architects and surveyors we will help you achieve your aspirations and vision, as well as add value to your project through good design and sound construction. Undertaking a building project, whatever its scale, can be a daunting experience.

By using UK registered architects you are employing professionals who have undertaken a minimum of seven years of architectural training – no other building profession requires its members to be trained in design and construction to such a level of expertise.

 

 

Refurbishment

As part of your refurbishment project we can assist in increasing your capital value, expanding your useable floor space and enhance the specification of your building, whilst reducing your maintenance costs.

To achieve this, a cost effective approach is required, combining careful analysis of the inherent problems with innovative solutions to maximise commercial potential.  We carry out meticulous investigation and provide priced recommendations to re-energise obsolescent buildings in both urban and rural environments. 

We have successful remodelled and over clad commercial and residential buildings including their upgrading to institutional standards, the improvement of original structure and the conversion of premises to new and productive uses. 

We are able to assemble a team of appropriately experienced professionals for your project who work with you in establishing defects and deficiencies, producing priced design proposals and advising on procurement methods.

Architecture

Work with an architect  Whether you intend to construct a new building, expand your current facility, or adapt an existing structure, it makes sense to consult a professional.

How much does it cost? Architects' fees can be based on a percentage of the total construction cost or time expended, or can be a lump sum. You can select all or part of an architect's service, from an initial design discussion through to the final delivery of the project on site.

Writing the brief The ultimate success of your project depends on the quality of your brief, i.e. your ability to describe to your architect clearly the requirements and functions of your building, and proposed methods of operation and management. It is wise to ask your architect to assist you in preparing a final brief. Your architect will need to know:

  • Your aims
  • Your design style: are you looking for a design in keeping with the existing building? Do you want a contemporary or high-tech design? Are you concerned about having a sustainable or ecological design?
  • Your reasons for embarking on this building project: what activities are intended for it?
  • Your authority: who will be making the decisions about the designs, costs and day-to-day matters when the project is underway?
  • Your overall expectations: what do you hope to achieve by this project - a more comfortable place for you to live in?

At the initial meetings, your architect will listen carefully to your intentions and create a brief, addressing not only design aesthetics, but also the function of the building. Timings and budgets for your project will be defined at an early stage and only after you have approved initial sketches will the ideas be developed further. 

Appointing an architect  A good working relationship between architect and client is crucial to the success of any project. You and your architect will discuss and agree on the scope and cost of architectural services before the project begins and ensure that the agreement is in writing. 

The planning process  You are obliged to comply with legislation concerning planning, building regulations and health and safety. These are all matters on which your architect can advise, often dealing with the various authorities on your behalf.

Preparing to build  With planning approval in place, your architect can recommend an appropriate form of building contract and will prepare drawings with technical specifications that describe your agreed proposals, for selected builders to cost.

Work in progress  Your architect can, if you require, monitor the builder's work in terms of meeting the standards required, finishing on time and not exceeding the contract figure.

Surveying

Building Maintenance Advising on management and supervision of maintenance of buildings

Conditions Surveys  Determining the condition of existing buildings, identifying and analysing defects, including proposals for repair

Dilapidation Surveys Negotiating dilapidations (when there is a legal liability for a property’s state of disrepair)

Disability & Discrimination Act (DDA) Surveys Assessing buildings to meet the needs of people with disabilities

Environmental Surveys  Advising on energy efficiency, environmental impact and sustainable construction

Health & Safety Surveys Advising on the health and safety aspects of buildings

Historic Buildings Surveyss Advising on the preservation and conservation of historic buildings

Insurance Surveys   Preparing insurance assessments and claim

Party Wall Survey Advising on boundary and rights of light disputes and party wall procedure

 

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