I understand that every project is bespoke, and your dream home has to be personal to yourself, whilst reflecting your needs and wishes. Therefore, I treat every client and every project on an individual basis.
Here's my step-by-step guide to an NJG clients journey:
- Initial consultation: Pick up the phone or send an email, and send over as much info as possible - I can advise SO much better if I know the address or have a photo. I'm a google-stalking master and can look at maps, streetview, any previous particulars on zoopla, and past applications on the various Council public access system. I can also answer any queries regarding likelihood of planning approval and potential issues. Often the council will have local plan mapping and supplementary planning documents which I can direct you to.
- Meetings: We can meet as needed, or I can draft some fees for your consideration. I try and include ALL the costs, such as fees to the council for planning and building regulations submissions, as well as any potential costs I can foresee. These could include topographical surveys, protected species surveys, planning consultants, arboricultural reports, structural engineers’ calculations or energy performance calculations. If you have any, please share your wishlist and some lovely aspirational images (pinterest etc). Don’t worry if you cant find the exact image that suits your house, it doesn’t exist yet! Just having a feel for the sort of design ideas you love is great - this means I can try and channel your mind when designing your project.
- Measurements: This involves me wandering round the existing house/site with a clipboard and tape measure, taking lots of photos and comepleting an initial assessment. Following this, an initial set of drawings will be emailed to you for discussion. Some meetings or phone calls may be needed to allow us push and pull the scheme/design to suit.
- Planning permission: The confirmed drawings are then submitted on your behalf for planning permission, or a certificate of lawful development as appropriate. Don’t worry, I will fill in all the forms and liaise with the council on your behalf as the application progresses!
- Construction: Attention then turns to how your dream home is constructed. My building regulations drawings are a separate set of plans with discussions regarding u-values, means of escape, drainage, extract ventilation and all the aspects of the Building Regulations. These are used not only to submit to Building Control on your behalf, but also to help contractors give an accurate quote, and make the build as smooth as possible on site. I am registered with CWAC’s Partner Authority Scheme, to ensure turn-arounds are fast and effiencient.