Our Goals
At GAVIN JONES ARCHITECTURE we aim to provide you with the information and guidance to realise your dream project. We take a pragmatic approach to delivering your project in the most efficient and economic way possible.
SERVICES
The process of getting a project from the drawing board to the built form can be a daunting prospect, therefore employing an Architect should be one of your first steps. We at GAVIN JONES ARCHITECTURE hope to provide you the information, support and advice needed to make this process as smooth as possible.
We pride ourselves in having great relationships with builders through the ways we approach projects and also have an extensive list of contacts in that may be needed to deliver your project. These range from structural engineers to mechanical engineers (M&E) and quantity surveyors among many others.
WHY WORK WITH AN ARCHITECT?
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An ARB registered Architect undergoes many years of studies and training to become fully qualified. Some companies without the qualifications can offer planning drawings and will then leave the rest for the builder and yourself to work out.
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We are registered with the Architects Registration Board meaning there is a standard in how we approach projects and work with Clients.
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We have extensive experience navigating the planning system to give the best chance of gaining approval. The Architect deals with the planning officers and local council, so you don't have to!
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We realise the potential, helping you achieve that indoor-outdoor living, that open space or that cosy feeling.
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An Architect can handle the project team and then liaise with Contractors on site to ensure a high-quality build is achieved.
UNDERSTANDING THE FEE
Typically, fees can be split into 3 categories:
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Planning
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Building Regulations
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Construction & Contract Administration
You may need involvement from GAVIN JONES ARCHITECTURE at only 1 or multiple stages of your project, so early discussion with us will enable us to advise you accordingly. The tables below outline what is included in your fees at each stage:
PLANNING
For building work that is not covered by permitted development you will require planning approval from the council.
This involves various drawings, images, forms and sometimes reports being submitted to the council for approval.
Our role at this stage is to discuss what you would like to achieve and the budget available. A visit to the site is typically necessary and we will also take this opportunity to explore your options.
We then proceed to produce drawings and develop options with the objective to compile all the relevant information to submit a planning application.
The fee will cover:
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A site visit
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Working through design proposals to achieve your vision
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Drawing up the proposed plans, sections and elevations as required.
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Compile and submit the necessary planning documentation to the local authority
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Liaise and consult with the planning case officer with the goal to achieve approval
Please note that the planning application fee is an additional fee paid directly by the Client to the local authority. For more information about this cost,
BUILDING REGULATIONS
When planning approval has been gained or if under Permitted Development, the project can move forward to the technical information stage. This is the opportunity to refine the design and where we will assemble construction information for both the builder and building control.
All construction work will need the approval of building control. This can be achieved through technical information we provide alongside other consultants where required.
The local authority may also request additional information to undertake your build known as 'planning conditions'. At this stage we can help to compile this required information to get these discharged.
The fee will cover:
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Work involved to discharge planning conditions (additional consultant fees are possible)
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Technical drawings - Insulation requirements, Setting out dimensions, detailed sections, Construction notes
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Co-Ordinated drawings with other consultants, typically Structural and M&E designs.
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Completion of the Building Regulations application
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Preparation of Tender documents (Optional)
It is following this stage that we recommend approaching Contractors/builders to ensure the most accurate cost of your project.
Please note that additional consultant fees are covered by the Client.
CONSTRUCTION
If necessary, we can be appointed to compile and administer a Construction Contract between the Client and the builder.
During this phase, progress on site is monitored and any queries resolved with the builder. It is the Architects responsibility to undertake periodic inspections of the quality and to review that everything will be completed on time and within budget.
The Architect will visit site and be the point of contact between you and your builder.
We become the Clients point of contact, therefore you won't have to deal with Contractor questions.
The fee will cover everything within the planning and Building Regulations packages, plus:
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Preparation of Tender documents
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Full specification documents of all materials being used
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Compilation of a construction contract to provide your project with additional financial and quality protection.
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Assistance in finding a suitable builder for your project and using the correct Tender route to ensure the best price.