Your journey with Vestra Architecture
A summary guide to the processes involved from inception
to construction of your project.
01
Free consultation
This is where we will discuss your vision and ideas to establish the feasibility of your project and form the client brief. We will provide design recommendations as well as impartial advice on planning and other regulatory matters that may impact your project.
02
Fixed Price Quote
Following our free consultation, we will issue you with a comprehensive quote pack via email detailing the specific inclusions and exclusions of the services we deem necessary to get your project moving.
Our fees are invoiced in stages which help spread the cost of design work and reduce initial outlay.
03
Formal Appointment
Once you are happy with everything and wish to proceed, you can formally appoint us by signing and returning our appointment letter.
We will never badger or pressure you into appointing us. Ensure you have obtained multiple trustworthy quotes before making any decisions for complete peace of mind.
04
Measured Survey
One of the most important parts of the project. We will arrange a suitable time to attend your property and carry out our measured survey.
This survey will form the base for the entire project which is why we use the latest digital and laser measuring techniques to ensure accuracy.
05
Existing Drawings & Concept Design
Using the survey data collected on site, we will now draw the existing plans and elevations. Once we have these, we can then truly understand how the spaces within your home interface and establish how best to incorporate your project ideas. A proposed concept scheme will then be drawn up and sent to you for review.
06
Design Review
It’s not always easy to understand the drawings and decisions that have been made to get to a proposed solution; that’s why we offer a 2nd in person meeting to run through the drawings, answer your questions and discuss any changes you may want to incorporate.
07
Final Designs & Planning
Following our meeting, we will amend the drawings as needed and prepare the rest of the drawing pack for planning submission.
08
Planning Application
We will advise if planning permission is required, or your project qualifies to be carried out under permitted development. The particulars of this will be discussed in our initial consultation as the route taken is dependent on several factors.
Drawings can then be submitted to the relevant Local Authority as required to obtain the necessary approvals. We will look after the whole process for you and keep you updated on progress until we receive a planning decision notice.
09
Planning Refusal
It’s worth noting at this stage that no project is guaranteed to obtain a planning approval and there are many factors that can influence the final decision.
Don’t worry; if planning is refused, we will discuss your options and the best way to proceed to get things moving in the right direction again.
10
Building Regs
Once planning approval have been obtained, it’s time to progress the building regulation drawings and specification.
We will obtain an application quote from our partnered approved inspector as well as a competitive quote from our partnered civil and structural engineer.
You are under no obligation to use these and may choose your own consultants, however, we find that our long-standing relationships help progress a project in the most efficient way possible while minimising any issues that may arise.
11
Building Regs Application
We tend to recommend full plans approval as the preferred route through building control to minimise client risk, we will however discuss your options at our initial consultation based on the complexities of your project.
A full plans application allows approval of the drawings before any works are started on site so that any issues raised or conditions imposed can be resolved.
We will submit all necessary information and help discharge any conditions as agreed in our Scope of Services.
12
Builders Quote
The time you have been eagerly awaiting. You can use the building regulations drawings & specification to obtain contractor prices for your project.
You may have already sent out the planning drawings to obtain approximate quotes, but they tend to lack adequate detail to allow comprehensive pricing.
Sending out the building regulation drawings also ensures that contractors are pricing like for like based on the same information which will minimise assumptions and make it easier for you to compare quotes.
You won't regret choosing Vestra Architecture
All drawings are complete, relevant approvals have been obtained and you have hopefully found your preferred contractor to carry out the works. This now concludes our formal involvement in your project but don’t worry, we are always on the other end of the phone if you get stuck or need assistance at any stage.
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