20/05/2019
So - what does Verdi Architecture do?
Whether you are preparing for a new development, or an alteration or extension to an existing property, whether residential, commercial, equestrian, mixed use, in city, village or rural locations, Verdi Architecture will guide you from the start, through Local Authority legislation to completion.
We will visit you at your site to discuss your requirements and provide you with a free, no-obligation quotation. This will be in stages, so that you only commit to each stage in turn.
On appointment, we will then survey your property and use the information to prepare building plans and specifications using CAD software.
For larger projects or on complex/sloping or undulating sites, we would ask that you carry out your own topographical and/or building survey and supply this to us in CAD format to progress the designs. When you are happy with the proposals, we submit the planning and building regulation applications on your behalf.
Do I need planning permission?
There is a good chance you will need planning permission, although certain proposals come under what is known as “permitted development”. It can be an in-depth process establishing whether permission is required and while most Local Authorities will have information on their websites, it has now become more common for LA’s to request a formal “pre-planning application” submission. This will give you an idea of whether or not a full planning application is likely to be accepted without the cost of preparing a detailed design. Councils will usually charge a nominal fee to visit the site, attend a meeting and/or provide a written report. Verdi Architecture can put together the submission on your behalf and meet with the planners, however the client is always welcome to attend too or carry out the full pre-planning application process themselves.
Once it has been confirmed that a planning application is required, a full application will be prepared and submitted.
Do I need to make a building regulations application?
Probably, although there are some exemptions: small brick/block detached garages, porches and conservatories. Even so, each has requirements in order to be exempt and most other alterations, extensions etc. require permission.
How much do you charge?
This will depend on the scale of the project and the permissions that are required. Because each job is unique and priced individually, it will be fixed as far as possible. The fee will allow for any minor amendments required by the council for the planning and building regulations application, although there is no guarantee that a planning application will be approved. If an application is refused, we would provide an additional fee for an alternative design.
Can I expect any up-front charges?
No. We will send an invoice only after we have done the relevant stage of the works for which we were employed to do. Invoices are due for payment within 7 days.
Do I get anything in writing?
Yes. We do everything in writing because then we all know where we stand. Soon after our initial visit, we will send you a letter of engagement that sets out the obligations on both sides. It also states what you get for your money and the costs involved. If you agree to the services outlined, sign and return the form then we will start working on your proposal.
If I need some steel beams, can you calculate the sizes?
No. You will need to appoint a structural engineer to provide the calculations and sizes for beams and other structural elements and foundations, which can be submitted with the Building Regulations application.
We can recommend consultants to do this or are happy to accept information from any qualified company you appoint directly.
If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
