One phrase that residential architects sometimes hear is; ‘We’d like to be in by Christmas’, or another such occasion.
There’s a lot of work to be completed before the building works can begin, including: surveys, developing the brief and design, planning approvals, building regulations compliance, Party Wall Agreements and tender returns etc. Your architect will be able to prepare a programme to provide clients with an idea of how these fit together and when they can expect paint to have dried in their new home, and then enjoy the new space.
In order to minimise delays during the construction phase make sure that you have signed a (preferably standard) building contract with your contractor. This will specify: the amount of work, the contract sum and the contract length.
By getting a fixed quote, rather than an estimate from the contractor, including removing as many provisional sums from the contract as possible prior to signing the contract, one can be further reassured of a completion date – as additional costs can impact on the building programme.
Lastly, changes to the design and additional works during construction also increase the length of the construction phase. If you employ your architect to administer the building contract they will ensure that any changes, and their impacts on time and cost, will be determined impartially and professionally. This helps clients understand the implications of changes and make informed decisions.
In order for the vision to be completed on budget and on time it is crucial to have a design which has been fully considered before a spade ever hits the ground.
Chartered Practice Architects
020 8743 9535
159 Askew Road, W12 9AU
warrenhagues@cparchitects.com
www.cparchitects.com