Private_Residential
We offer a tailored service, providing a range of services needed for a successful project. Our service is flexible and we adapt and adjust with our domestic client’s needs, when there are changes along the way. We understand that any work on private property can be a battle between head and heart, and that there is always a budget to consider.
The range of services and scope of input that you might need for a project can represent a bewildering array of options. To help guide you through the process and better explain why Plan B are well suited to your project we’ve set out this section with some useful information to help you on your journey.
What do Structural and Civil Engineers do?
We provide the information that the architect and builder will need when building your new home. We design the foundations, the drainage system and all the components in the building such as timber joists, steel beams and walls that support loads like people and furniture. We also ensure that your home is stable against elements like wind and snow. We work as part of a team alongside architects, builders and other engineers.
We've set out below some common scenarios that you might find useful when considering what stage you have reached with your own project and how we can help.
Don't move - improve!
You have a home that you are outgrowing and want to know what your options might be. We can help you to identify the potential with your current home by improving the floor area you already have, or by finding economical ways to extend your home. With the cost of moving home increasing, we often need inventive ways to keep our current homes and make them work for us. A simple home inspection and chat can reveal the hidden potential.
You are looking to buy a ‘project’ to grow into
We will review the property with you so we can identify the potential, and reveal any abnormal costs that could affect your plans.
You have started noticing cracks appearing
Most buildings will move, and cracking is something most homes will experience, it is one of the joys of owning an older home! We can visit your home and assess what is needed, or just provide some assurance.
You want to build something new
Let us review the land and plans and provide you with what you will need to get things moving. We can help you determine how you can connect to local services such as sewers and water mains, or check whether the land is likely to flood. We can then work with your architect to deliver the dream house without nasty surprises.
There are some common and not so common terms associated with any building project and being faced with unfamiliar terminology can make any building project more stressful. To help make things a little clearer we've provided definitions for a few of the most common terms.
RIBA Stages
The Plan of Work or “stages” was created by the Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA). They have become the industry standard process for work in Architecture. The entire process from creating your brief to delivering your home will be outlined in these stages and your involvement clearly outlined. Whether determining how many bedrooms needed or how much budget you have to spend you will be guided throughout the process.
Party Wall Process
The Party Wall Act 1996 provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes in relation to party walls, boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings. A building owner proposing to start work covered by the Act must give adjoining owners notice of their intentions in the way set down in the Act. The Act is there to protect you, and although it results in a bit more paperwork and discussion it is well worth the effort.
Planning
Planning Permission, in simple terms, is seeking permission to undertake building work. It will be granted (possibly subject to certain conditions) or refused by the planning department of your local council. It is your responsibility for seeking planning permission. If required, it should be granted before any work begins. Your architect will submit plans for approval.
Building Control
Like planning permission, building control permission will be need to be obtained before you start work on your house. Building Control deals with the technical and constructional details of building works to ensure the health and safety of people in and around the building. We will provide and submit drawings and information to the building control department for their acceptance. It should be noted that although you need acceptance before you start work the local authority will not be liable for any structural issues with your home. This is why you need a qualified engineer who holds professional qualifications and insurances to make sure you are covered against mistakes.