Image

OUR SERVICES

We run a fully Computer Aided Design (CAD) office where drawings are produced using the latest CAD programs. We have a close working relationship with the local authorities and we liaise and co-ordinate with consultants from complimentary fields, to provide a full service for our clients. Traditional hand drawings are still produced if required, to support and supplement the designs.

Initial Discussion

We will talk through your ideas, listen to your preferences, discuss your requirements and budget and form a design brief for the project with you. For larger projects we generally visit the site to allow us to briefly inspect the property. We will discuss and explain relevant issues such as planning, building regulations or procurement options. We will then write to you with our fee proposal fully outlining the initial stages to take your scheme up to the planning application.

Survey

Wastell & Porter provide measured building surveys and prepare drawings showing existing buildings, structures and general topography. This is an essential part of the design process and especially with historic and listed buildings record drawings. The as-existing drawings are required for all planning applications.

Feasibility Study

Following analysis of your brief, the building and surroundings, we sketch ideas and design solutions specific to your project to provide you with initial drawings for you to consider, often showing alternatives for your consideration and comments. In discussion with you, the ideas are developed until a fully designed single scheme is reached to your satisfaction and approval.

Planning Application

Once the design has been approved by you, it is worked up to create a full set of high quality, drawings such as site, floor and roof plans, elevations and together with relevant supporting documentation, we submit the appropriate application on your behalf to the Local Authority.

Construction/Building Regulations

Following a positive decision, we discuss your timescales, preferences, finishes and material requirements and prepare a full set of detailed construction drawings and information such as plans, sections, elevations, details and a written specification. We submit a Building Regulation application on your behalf and obtain approval to enable your project to commence.

Tenders

We create a full set of tender documents and send these out to suitable and interested contractors to enable a competitive, accurate and fixed quote for the project. We discuss the price submissions with you to enable you to make an informed decision on the contractor appropriate to your project.

Contract administration

We act as the link between you and the contractor, setting up a formal contract, checking on the build and the progress at regular intervals throughout the contract and we advise you of your contractual requirements and rights. We visit site during the construction; deal with site queries, issue written instructions for variations to the agreed contract work and issue certificates for payments to the contractor, up to Practical Completion of the works. We also deal with the Rectification Period to allow any defects in materials or workmanship to be identified and rectified.

We can guide you through the process