Ongoing Support, Coordination & Compliance
Residential Architectural Design for Extensions, Loft Conversions & Home Improvements
Ongoing Support and Project Assistance
Support does not stop once drawings are complete. I can remain involved during the later stages of the project to help answer questions, resolve issues and keep the process moving smoothly as work progresses on site.
Tendering and Contracts
I can assist during the tender stage by responding to contractor queries and clarifying the drawings and scope of work. This helps ensure builders are pricing the same information and reduces the risk of misunderstandings before contracts are agreed. Where required, I can also provide support during the tendering process and provide advice on contracts and insurances.
Building Control Queries
During construction, building control officers may raise technical queries or request clarification on approved details. I can respond to these queries, issue supporting information where required and help ensure the project remains compliant with building regulations as work progresses.
Party Wall Matters
Where proposals affect shared walls or boundaries, party wall notifications may be required. I can assist with preparing information to support the party wall process and help ensure proposals are clearly explained, reducing the likelihood of disputes or delays.
Water Authority and Drainage Approvals
Some projects require approval from the local water authority, particularly where works affect drainage or build-over agreements are needed. I can assist with providing drawings and information to support these applications and respond to technical queries as required.
Site Queries and Variations
As work progresses on site, builders may raise queries or identify situations that require clarification or minor design adjustments. I can help review proposed variations, issue revised details where appropriate and ensure changes are properly considered before being implemented.
FAQS
Do you stay involved once construction starts?
Yes. I can remain involved during the construction phase to provide ongoing support, respond to queries and help resolve issues as they arise on site. Continued involvement is particularly important for the Principal Designer role, helping to ensure the project is coordinated properly, risks are managed appropriately and the works progress in line with the approved design and regulations.
Can you help with builder queries during the build?
Yes. Builders often have questions once work is underway, particularly where existing conditions differ slightly from the drawings or where clarification is needed. I can review these queries, provide clear guidance and issue revised details where appropriate. Keeping the designer involved ensures that any changes or clarifications are properly considered, technically sound and consistent with the approved design, helping to avoid misunderstandings and maintain the overall quality of the project.
What happens if building control raises queries?
If building control officers raise technical queries during construction, I can respond on your behalf, provide supporting information and help ensure the works continue to comply with building regulations.
Do you deal with party wall matters?
Where required, I can assist by providing drawings and information to support party wall notifications and help guide you through the notification stage. If the appointment of a party wall surveyor becomes necessary, I can explain the process and point you in the right direction to obtain independent specialist advice.
Do you deal with water authority approvals?
Where required, I can assist with providing drawings and information to support applications to the relevant water authority, including proposals that involve building over or near a public sewer. Designs are developed in line with water authority guidance to help ensure a smooth approval process, and I can help prepare the application and respond to any technical queries that arise.
Can you act as Principal Designer?
Yes. As a Chartered professional, I have the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience to act as Principal Designer where required. This includes overseeing design-related health and safety matters and signing off the design stage in accordance with the Building Safety Act 2022.
I can also provide advice in relation to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM), helping clients understand their duties and ensuring risks are identified, considered and managed appropriately during the design process. This contributes to a safer, better coordinated and more compliant project from the outset.