Parkheath Design Consultants offer a totally independent, comprehensive range of residential services from the initial consultancy, through the design process to the on-site project management.
We liaise with the local authorities regarding Planning and Building Regulation Approval applications.
We can offer our clients a single point of responsibility for the whole construction project.
The usual ‘ one stop’ design & build approach from local building contractors has many underlying pitfalls that Parkheath, as an independent consultancy, can overcome. Overall project costs, for example, can be controlled more effectively from within an impartial company working direct for the client.
Based in St.Albans, we have over 20 years experience in the residential market within Hertfordshire. Commissioned on fixed fee project or an hourly rate consultancy basis, either method provides a comprehensive and cost effective service to our clients.
Architectural Design
Parkheath Design Consultants prepare constructional drawings that are extremely comprehensive and include a full building specification enabling building contractors to provide accurate project costings.
Our range of experience covers domestic refurbishments, house extensions, through to complete new house designs.
The process commences with an initial site visit to discuss the concept design and carry out the initial building survey.We then discuss the client’s overall requirements and timescales, provide general advice and financial limits; outline possible options and agree the scope of services to be provided.
Conceptual sketch drawings are prepared illustrating the possible design solutions available to the client, along with an approximation of costs and outline timetable for completion of the building works.
A full measured building survey is then arranged prior to the preparation of the existing floor plans and elevations.
The agreed scheme is then developed into full a formal Planning Permission application including drawings indicating both existing and proposed floor plans, elevations and an OS site plan. All proposed external finishes are confirmed at this stage for inclusion with the application.
The drawings are then progressed further to include full technically detailed drawings and specification of construction materials ensuring that the project is fully compliant with all aspects of the current legislation / building regulations.
Local Authority Submissions
The purpose of the planning system is to protect amenity and the environment in the public interest. Within the framework of legislation approved by Parliament, councils should try to ensure that development is allowed where it is needed, while ensuring the character and amenity of the area are not adversely affected by new buildings or changes in the use of existing buildings or land.
Building Regulations are a set of minimum requirements designed to secure the health, safety and welfare of people in and around buildings and to conserve fuel and energy in England and Wales. They are made by the Secretary of State under Powers given by Section 1 of The Building Act 1984.
Parkheath Design Consultants will submit formal applications on your behalf and include fully detailed plans, specifications, calculations and other supporting details. The amount of detail depends on the overall size and type of building works proposed. These applications are to enable the building control surveyor to ascertain full compliance with the Building Regulations and the planning officers to grant Planning Permission for your proposal. Throughout the process, we will liase with the local authority departments and amend drawings as required to ensure prompt approvals.
Party Wall Act 1996
The Party Wall Act was introduced to give owners of buildings certain new rights and obligations in relation to party wall and similar structures. Its main objective was to ease the resolution of disputes between neighbours and subsequently sets out a framework for dealing with these matters. The Act should also mean developments are made easier as uncooperative neighbours now have to comply with strict procedures contained within the Act.
The Act generally applies to building works adjoining or adjacent to existing structures. It is therefore essential that the implications of the act be considered during the design stage so as to prevent any subsequent delays during the construction period.
Applicable elements of the Act may be divided into two categories, firstly; “ Work to or on a party structure, horizontal or vertical, including separating walls of buildings or boundary walls separating land” and secondly; “Excavations within certain proximity of buildings or structures belonging to adjoining owners which might undermine foundations”.
Having established whether a party wall forms part of the development, the building owner needs to follow set procedures from initially notifying adjoining owners through to formulating the agreement. This basically sets out an agreement as to how works to that particular element are to be undertaken.
Parkheath Design Consultants can assist our clients with the initial notification process and should disputes occur between parties, our consultants can recommend Building Surveyors specialising in Party Wall disputes.
During the construction process the surveyors monitor the works to ensure the agreement is adhered to. Upon completion of the works adjoining structures are inspected to establish whether there has been any detrimental damage caused by the works. This is subsequently repaired under supervision of the surveyors.
In essence the act is designed to ease the construction process for both owners of property where developments are intended and also for owners of adjoining property that may be affected by the works.
The Party Wall etc Act 1996: explanatory booklet
Competitive Tendering
When the projects formal permissions have been obtained from the local authority, our experienced consultants will prepare a tender package. The package contains all relevant information including drawings and specifications enabling the selected contractors to provide an accurate quotation for the proposed building works.
We assist the client in establishing a list of suitable main contractors, confirming that each one has the relevant experience to suit the particular project. Tender packages are then sent out. Once the returned tenders are submitted, we promptly evaluate, qualify and then report back to the client, providing “impartial” advice. Alternatively, we arrange for a fixed price to be negotiated with a preferred main contractor.
Parkheath Design Consultants assist with your overall evaluation of the preferred building contractor and confirm any previous customer references prior to preparing formal contract documentation.
Construction Management
Throughout the construction period our consultants can attend site regularly to monitor build quality and progress on the client’s behalf. Providing regular accurate reports on the progress on site and advising upon any constructional issues. While on site we also ensure that any variations to the construction project are carried out cost effectively.
Self Build Inspiration
Parkheath Design Consultants have experience within the Self Build & Renovating markets and can offer advice of varying degrees to ease your way through the self-build experience. Utilising our existing architectural design, budget costing and project management services, we can provide a comprehensive package for your project when you have identified your potential site.
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