FAQ
Helpful Information
HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER COMPANIES?
We work closely with each client to help visualise the final design for each project. Change is a big factor that has huge cost implications. Our goal is to ensure the ultimate design is reached before construction to ensure there are no unexpected costs from design changes.
DO YOU DEAL WITH PLANINNG APPLICATIONS & BUILDING CONSENTS?
Yes. We have had successful applications with both Basildon & Chelmsford councils. And vast experience in local authority submissions, including planning consents, building regulations, advertisement consent, listed buildings, conservation areas.
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ON THE PLANING OR BUILDING CONSENT PROCESS?
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/
https://www.gov.uk/building-regulations-approval/when-you-need-approval
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FULL PLANS AND A BUILDING NOTICE?
FULL PLANS - Full Plans Submission comprises all relevant drawings (elevations, plans, sections), construction details, specifications and structural calculations. Council will usually try to issue a decision within 6 weeks. When the Council approves the drawings you will receive a formal approval notice setting out any conditions related to the approval.
The major advantage of this procedure is that you know from the start exactly what you will need to do in order to comply with the regulations. The builder has a solid basis from which to prepare an estimate for the work.
A Building Control Officer will visit the site as necessary and issue a Completion Certificate at the end of construction.
BUILDING NOTICE - The second method is to apply for what is known as a Building Notice Application. In this case no approval notice is issued and there is no right of application for a determination. The main advantage of this process is that it requires less detailed plans. Generally it is only used for very minor works or works where there are no many unknowns. Construction work could commence 48 hours after submission of Building Notice to Building Control Department.
A Building Control Officer will visit the site as necessary and issue a Completion Certificate at the end of construction.
ARCHITECT OR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
One very important point to make when considering your choices for design consultant is defining the differences between an Architect & an Architectural designer (technician)
The services that they provide for a domestic project are broadly very similar. As a broad brush attempt to differentiate, architects are generally more ‘design led’ with greater interest, experience and training in the aesthetic and spatial qualities of a project. Whereas architectural technologists have often had more experience and training in the science and technology of building, e.g. how and why they are constructed in a certain way, using certain materials.
Perhaps the biggest difference you will find is in the cost. A designer is generally the more economical solution.
At Hope Design Studio we are a team of engineers & technicians with access to consultant Architects when required. We are fully insured with Indemnity cover of £1 million. We offer Architectural design services but the current team does not include an Architect.