AH Design
How we do it
This section of the site provides an overview of how projects can be approached and how our role can change depending on your preferred build route.
Design Phase (Required for all projects)
Before any work on site commences you will usually require planning and building regulations approval. For these approvals can be obtained a design is required. You may already have a building plot or plan to convert or extend an existing property. We will carry out a full assessment of your site or existing building and talk with you about your requirements and what you want to achieve. We will then prepare sketch designs for us to talk through and then develop a chosen option into a final design ready to submit for planning approval. There will be the need for other information to accompany the application, and we will advise you and co-ordinate this as necessary. On receipt of planning approval we will prepare Building Regulations drawings. At this stage input will be required by a Structural Engineer and we will manage this stage to ensure that a co-ordinated package is produced. The design phase is similar for most projects and we take a pro-active role to make ensure that all relevant approvals are obtained. Occasionally there will be the need for other approvals such as the Party Wall Act. We advise all our clients on this at the sketch scheme stage, so that the associated costs can be included in the design phase budget.
Once Planning Permission and Building Regulations Approval is obtained there are a number of build routes available to you. Our role will change depending on which route is selected, and we will advise you on which route is best suited to your project and your individual circumstances.
Build Route 01 – Fixed priced builder
This is the most common build route, where you are requesting a single builder to deliver a fixed amount of work for a fixed sum of money. The success of this route relies heavily on the selection of builder, the completeness of the design, and the provision of a building contract to manage payments and changes to the work. Following completion of the design phase (as above) we will advise you on the need for additional information to complete the design and ensure that builders provide a full and realistic quotation. This information can consist of a full specification and detailed construction drawings, schedules to cover internal finishes and fittings, electrical and heating installations, etc. If required we can then send this pack of information to the selected builders. On receipt of prices we will make a recommendation to you and once the builder is selected we will prepare and execute an appropriate build contract.
If required we can extend our service to act as your agent, to make sure that the work is carried out in accordance with your requirements.
Build Route 02 – Client managing trades direct
The task of managing the works and individual trades is a full time job. The success of this route relies on your availability and presence on site, the selection of the individual trades, and having the right information prepared to enable you to co-ordinate each trade on site.
As with the fixed price build route 1, we will advise you on the need for additional information. For this route the purpose of the information is to obtain prices from individual trades and suppliers, and provide the client with an understanding on how the building and individual components are to be constructed. The client is likely to select and decide on the materials specification themselves, but we are available to offer advise on this if required. Schedules to cover internal finishes and fittings, electrical and heating installations can still be provided, but not essential as the client will have a direct involvement with trades and sub-contractors.
During construction our involvement will depend on your experience of the building industry. We are able to provide advice and guidance whenever necessary, and additional drawings where further clarification is needed. There are occasions where specialist suppliers will need to be co-ordinated (structural glazing, steel fabrication), and we can assist with the co-ordination of these elements where needed. Many self builders managing their own project like to know that they have an opportunity to call on advice when the need arises, and we will make ourselves available for site visits to offer professional support. Self build projects are usually funded by a stage release mortgage, and lenders will require certificates of inspection at each stage before payments are released. We will provide this direct to your lender at the appropriate stage with a valuation of the works if necessary.
Build Route 03 – Ah.Design Build Route
Traditionally a Project Manager/Architect is appointed to manage the relationship between client and builder, but perhaps is seen as a luxury with many clients opting to manage their own builder direct to save costs. The structure of our project management service is different and we replace the builder and manage the individual trades direct. All materials and labour is provided to you at cost price including trade discounts, with the entire build professionally managed for a fixed project management fee.
On completion of the design stage we will provide you with a detailed build cost for your project. We are able to provide these costs at planning approval stage and if appointed, construction information can be prepared to commence work on site 2-3 months earlier than other build routes. You will be provided with a secure online client area, containing all relevant project information accessible 24hrs a day. We will also allocate a dedicated client build bank account through which all payments will be made.
We will manage the entire process from start to finish. On a daily basis the online project costing will be updated and live cost information will be made available. Additional information will be updated and uploaded weekly and this will include progress reports, additional drawings, cash flow forecast and master invoice list, detailing every individual purchase on the project. All materials will be purchased through our trade accounts and discounts will be passed directly to you, with all labour provided at cost. Any changes to the design or specification will be managed by us and integrated into the design, and these changes will be achieved at cost price to you.
On completion we will finalise the final Building Control certificate and provide a professional consultants certificate to satisfy your mortgage lender. We will audit your build account and hand over a complete financial report, guarantees & warranties, progress photographs and any other relevant information.
Design Phase (Required for all projects)
Before any work on site commences you will usually require planning and building regulations approval. For these approvals can be obtained a design is required. You may already have a building plot or plan to convert or extend an existing property. We will carry out a full assessment of your site or existing building and talk with you about your requirements and what you want to achieve. We will then prepare sketch designs for us to talk through and then develop a chosen option into a final design ready to submit for planning approval. There will be the need for other information to accompany the application, and we will advise you and co-ordinate this as necessary. On receipt of planning approval we will prepare Building Regulations drawings. At this stage input will be required by a Structural Engineer and we will manage this stage to ensure that a co-ordinated package is produced. The design phase is similar for most projects and we take a pro-active role to make ensure that all relevant approvals are obtained. Occasionally there will be the need for other approvals such as the Party Wall Act. We advise all our clients on this at the sketch scheme stage, so that the associated costs can be included in the design phase budget.
Once Planning Permission and Building Regulations Approval is obtained there are a number of build routes available to you. Our role will change depending on which route is selected, and we will advise you on which route is best suited to your project and your individual circumstances.
Build Route 01 – Fixed priced builder
This is the most common build route, where you are requesting a single builder to deliver a fixed amount of work for a fixed sum of money. The success of this route relies heavily on the selection of builder, the completeness of the design, and the provision of a building contract to manage payments and changes to the work. Following completion of the design phase (as above) we will advise you on the need for additional information to complete the design and ensure that builders provide a full and realistic quotation. This information can consist of a full specification and detailed construction drawings, schedules to cover internal finishes and fittings, electrical and heating installations, etc. If required we can then send this pack of information to the selected builders. On receipt of prices we will make a recommendation to you and once the builder is selected we will prepare and execute an appropriate build contract.
If required we can extend our service to act as your agent, to make sure that the work is carried out in accordance with your requirements.
Build Route 02 – Client managing trades direct
The task of managing the works and individual trades is a full time job. The success of this route relies on your availability and presence on site, the selection of the individual trades, and having the right information prepared to enable you to co-ordinate each trade on site.
As with the fixed price build route 1, we will advise you on the need for additional information. For this route the purpose of the information is to obtain prices from individual trades and suppliers, and provide the client with an understanding on how the building and individual components are to be constructed. The client is likely to select and decide on the materials specification themselves, but we are available to offer advise on this if required. Schedules to cover internal finishes and fittings, electrical and heating installations can still be provided, but not essential as the client will have a direct involvement with trades and sub-contractors.
During construction our involvement will depend on your experience of the building industry. We are able to provide advice and guidance whenever necessary, and additional drawings where further clarification is needed. There are occasions where specialist suppliers will need to be co-ordinated (structural glazing, steel fabrication), and we can assist with the co-ordination of these elements where needed. Many self builders managing their own project like to know that they have an opportunity to call on advice when the need arises, and we will make ourselves available for site visits to offer professional support. Self build projects are usually funded by a stage release mortgage, and lenders will require certificates of inspection at each stage before payments are released. We will provide this direct to your lender at the appropriate stage with a valuation of the works if necessary.
Build Route 03 – Ah.Design Build Route
Traditionally a Project Manager/Architect is appointed to manage the relationship between client and builder, but perhaps is seen as a luxury with many clients opting to manage their own builder direct to save costs. The structure of our project management service is different and we replace the builder and manage the individual trades direct. All materials and labour is provided to you at cost price including trade discounts, with the entire build professionally managed for a fixed project management fee.
On completion of the design stage we will provide you with a detailed build cost for your project. We are able to provide these costs at planning approval stage and if appointed, construction information can be prepared to commence work on site 2-3 months earlier than other build routes. You will be provided with a secure online client area, containing all relevant project information accessible 24hrs a day. We will also allocate a dedicated client build bank account through which all payments will be made.
We will manage the entire process from start to finish. On a daily basis the online project costing will be updated and live cost information will be made available. Additional information will be updated and uploaded weekly and this will include progress reports, additional drawings, cash flow forecast and master invoice list, detailing every individual purchase on the project. All materials will be purchased through our trade accounts and discounts will be passed directly to you, with all labour provided at cost. Any changes to the design or specification will be managed by us and integrated into the design, and these changes will be achieved at cost price to you.
On completion we will finalise the final Building Control certificate and provide a professional consultants certificate to satisfy your mortgage lender. We will audit your build account and hand over a complete financial report, guarantees & warranties, progress photographs and any other relevant information.
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