Building Toolkit - Useful Information on commissioning a building project

FINANCE

  • What is your financial plan? 
  • Likelihood of mortgages, business loans etc. ?
  • Draw down arrangement required for some building projects.
  • Contingency sums?

LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY

All new buildings, extensions, conservatories, altering (including internal) of listed buildings etc will require planning permission. 
Make an appointment with the duty planning officer and check the local plan for an initial indication of likelihood of feasibility.

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BUILDING CONTROL

Depending on the nature of your project, you will require local authority building control approval or approval by an independent organisation.  Generally any new scheme, alteration or change of use of a building will require either full plans approval or the works could be carried out under a building notice which allows the work to continue parallel with approval.

This is to ensure that minimum standards are achieved for design and construction for example adequacy of disabled access and use, fire protection, sustainability and thermal performance. A certificate is issued at the completion of the project which is essential if the property is to be sold in the future.

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NEIGHBOURS

  • Likely to be conducive
  • Access to carry out works
  • Party Wall Act – excavation or work on or in close proximity of a shared wall or boundary will require compliance with the act.

ARCHITECT

Having your plans drawn professionally, although potentially expensive, can save you money in the long run.  This can lead to greater success with planning and building control applications, more defined specifications and details allowing for more accurate pricing and financial control.

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MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL DESIGN

Incorporating good mechanical & electrical design into the scheme will give it contemporary advantages and early in the scheme is the time to allow for under floor heating, intelligent systems, security systems, solar panels, geothermal heating, wind turbines, log burners etc.  Engineers can advise on initial capital expenditure and pay back periods and relevant products.

LIGHTING DESIGNER

Putting some thought into lighting design at the initial stages could really create a distinctive difference to the project.  Planned and budgeted for at the outset is important at it is one of the last things people usually think of.  A good lighting design with good fittings can make a huge difference.

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Again planned and budgeted for at the outset could lead to potential long run savings and create a very contemporary scheme.  We have recently worked closely with Alice Buckley Interior Design www.alicebuckley.co.uk on a large refurbishment building project.  

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Required for any structural alterations, to prepare calculations, analyse ground investigations and produce drawings where required.  Can be employed directly, appointed by architect or building contractor.

BUILDING COMPANY

Think about what kind of service you require and how involved you want to be in the building process.  A J Field can tailor their service to suit your project requirements.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

If you are commissioning any building work or construction projects all of the professionals you employ will have duties to comply with under health and safety legislation.
Certain projects require notification to the Health and Safety Executive, projects for householders do not require notification but commercial construction work i.e. for developers or businesses is notifiable to the HSE if the construction phase is expected to last more than 30 days or 500 person days of construction work.

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Disclaimer: this is not a definitive source of legal information just some initial guidance to find out more detailed information for yourself.