···· Frequently asked questions & answers

Q: What do you charge for your services?
A: Please see costs, exclusive of VAT.

Q: Do I need planning permission
A: The council will tell you that you need a minimum of a LDC (lawful development certificate) or a planning application.

Q: Can you complte my building regulations?
A: Yes, if we have dealt with your LDC or planning application.

Q: Can you recommend a builder?
A: No, we can't, but our link to improveline.com can. However, we can tell you which ones not to employ.

Q Will you do the engineering details and calculations
A: We will do the details and an engineer will do the calculations.

Q: Do you offer a free consultation
A: Yes, we offer this service to enable you to instruct us to start a measurement survey.

Q: What is a measurement survey
A: This is a detailed computer-aided survey of your existing property.

Q: When can we do the design
A: Once you have the CAD template drawing of your building, we can start the design brainstorm meeting.

Q: When do we pay you
A: You pay us at the completed end of each stage.

Q: Can you convert our loft and extend our home
A:Yes, we do this all the time.

Q: Can you prepare our building specifications
A: Yes, once we have completed planning and building regulations we can then start your specification.

Q: Will you check our builder's work?
A: Yes, if you instruct us to project manage your building.

Q: Which contract should be used?
A: We recommend that you only use a JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) home-owners contract or JCT minor works contract for larger scale projects.

Q: Can you deal with our neighbours party wall?
A: Yes, we can deal with both of your neighbours in accordance with the party wall act 1996.

Q: How do we start?
A: e-mail us or call 0208 255 0595 for a free consultation.

Q: What is the next stage?
A: We will book an appointment for you with the architect to come and visit your home/ projects to give you free advice on how you should proceed.

Q How long does it take?
A: The measurement survey will take one week. Once we have your approved design input into our computers, we will then take this to the council for their pre-application approval.

The planning application takes approximately 8 weeks for the council's decision. However, to include building regulations and specifications, in order for your builder to price the works, you ought leave 6 months approximate time.

Q Have you got a reference list?
Yes, please contact us for a list of clients with whom we have successfully completed their projects. Alternatively, contact improveline.com references.

Q: Do you participate in architect's week?
A: Yes, a charity donation fee is charged for advice during this period.

Q: What are the stages in simple terms?
A: 1. Measurement survey. 2. Client design meeting 3. Client approval and pre-application to council 4. Planning approval 5. Building regulations approval 6. Tender and builder's pricing. 7. Project build start. 8. Project completion

	back to top Tel: +44 (0)20 8255 0595 | Fax: +44 (0)20 8287 3441 e-mail: enquiries@englishaus.co.uk             Member of RIBA   Company No. 706160