Support Services
“A real stress reliever…” N Heatley, Gower
Along with our architectural design, structural design and wide range of surveys, we provide a number of support services. Together they create the complete pre-construction service we’re known for.
Everything we do is designed to make your project run as smoothly as possible, on time and within budget. We want you to enjoy the process, not feel stressed by it.
Planning Applications and Building Regulations
Most building projects, whether it’s an extension, alteration, a change of use or a completely new structure, will require planning permission. And while some small domestic developments may be carried out under permitted development rights, the vast majority of building projects will also require building regulations approval.
We can take care of all this for you. We’ll consult with the local planning and building control officers and complete and submit your planning and building control applications. We can also carry out any statutory consultations with service providers that may be necessary, for example if your project involves building over or near to a main sewer.
Mark Davies provided a comprehensive service. He took my initial ideas and converted them expertly into finished specifications and drawings. He handled the planning and building control applications with Chester Council without problem. The building control surveyor at the planning department complimented the specification and drawings as being amongst the best he'd seen in a long while.
During the building work, Mark was available to answer queries from the builder. His prompt reply to several queries saved both time and money. I was pleased with both his friendly professional manner and his technical competence in support of our project.
Get in touch and leave the rest to us.
SAP Calculations
The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is a measure of the energy efficiency of a property. Building regulations require that a SAP calculation is submitted for all new houses, conversions and some extensions, before the building work starts, and on the completion of works. The SAP calculation should be done as part of the design process so you can be confident the plans and specifications you submit will be approved.
We can carry out SAP calculations for you as part of our integrated design service.
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are designed to reduce the potential impact of new and existing developments with respect to surface water drainage discharges, and to reduce the potential for flooding and pollution. From January 2019 all developments of more than one dwelling or where the area of developments exceeds 100m² will require the design of sustainable drainage systems for the management of surface water.
The SuDS must be designed and built in accordance with Statutory SuDS Standards and must be approved by the Approving Body before construction work begins.
We can carry out Sustainable Drainage System designs as part of our service for any developments that fall within these criteria.
Project Estimating
We also provide a costing and estimating service. This gives you a realistic budget for your project which you can use as a guide to assess and compare builders’ quotes.
Sourcing Contractors
We can help you find reliable contractors. We know and have worked with contractors who provide general building works, groundworks, timber frame construction and specialist engineering work such as the fabrication and erection of structural steelwork and civil and specialist foundation works.
Because we understand exactly what your building works should cost, we can send the final plans out to builders for tender and then do the tender appraisals. We know what to expect and so will be able to see whether the builder has based their costs on an accurate and fair representation of the plans.
During Your Building Works
While we don’t act as the project manager while a build is going on, we do keep in touch and check specific technical aspects of the build alongside the statutory building inspectors.
We make sure your build is being carried out in accordance with all the approved plans from before the work starts right up until the final check at the end of the project. We don’t consider our work is finished until the build is complete and you’re happy with the end result.
CDM (The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations) 2015
CDM 2015 regulations are designed to ensure health and safety issues are properly considered on construction projects. They apply to all building and construction work and include new builds, demolitions, refurbishments, extensions, conversions, repairs and maintenance.
CDM 2015 Principal Designer Role
Under CDM 2015, all building projects must assign the role of principal designer. The principal designer will have responsibility for co-ordinating health and safety during the pre-construction phase and can influence the design of the building with health and safety in mind.
We can take on this role for your building project.
CDM 2015 and Domestic Clients
CDM 2015 regulations also apply to domestic building works.
The Health and Safety Executive states: “If you are having work done on your own home, or the home of a family member, and it is not in connection with a business, you will be a domestic client. The only responsibility a domestic client has under CDM 2015 is to appoint a principal designer and a principal contractor when there is more than one contractor. However, if you do not do this, (as is common practice) your duties as a domestic client are automatically transferred to the contractor or principal contractor. If you already have a relationship with your designer before the work starts, the designer can take on your duties, provided there is a written agreement between you and the designer to do so.”
However, self-build projects or those where the client manages the subcontractors do require the roles to be defined.
We can take on the principal designer role for your domestic building project.
Party Wall Agreements
The Party Wall Act is designed to help prevent and resolve disputes in relation to party walls, boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings. It is separate from planning permission or building regulations approval.
We can help you draw up a party wall agreement if you wish to carry out works that may come under the Party Wall Act.
Keen to start your project?
The complete design & consultancy service for the construction industry & domestic self-build sector.
- Planning Applications
- Barn Conversions
- Structural Assessments
- Topographical Land Surveys
- 3D visualisation and Presentation
- Steelwork design and Detailing
- CDM
Providing services throughout Wales including Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Swansea, Cardiff, Neath and Port Talbot
Home About Services Our Work Contact
07792703282 - Rhydhywel Fach, Crwbin, Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, Wales, SA17 5DE