For guidance, a brief explanation of each design stage is given below. At Chiltern Projects we will tailor our  service to meet your needs whether this is on a partial service basis (eg. producing drawings for a planning application – Stage A – D only) or a full service basis (managing the contract and seeing the project through to completion – Stage A - L). The service we provide at each stage is as follows:

Stage A-B  Prospect / Speculative (Pre-Appointment & Appointment)

We provide a free consultation to assess the clients’ requirements, this is usually a visit to the site or property in question. This consultation is followed up with a letter confirming our understanding of the project, an estimate in broad terms of the cost and timescale of the project, and details of our fee.

Stage C  Outline Proposals (Feasibility Study)

If appointed we begin by preparing ‘as existing’ drawings based upon a dimensional and topographic survey of the property, the adjoining site and the Highways.   Using the survey drawings as the basis, we design a number of sketch schemes to investigate the feasibility of the proposals.  These are then presented for consideration and comment. 

Stage D  Scheme Design (Planning Application)

Assuming that one, or a combination of a number of the outline proposals are acceptable, a scheme design will then be drawn up for final approval. At this stage we also prepare a brief specification identifying the main items of materials and workmanship to be included in the final design.Once the final design has been approved, it is usually necessary to submit the proposals for Planning Permission. The required consultation period for Planning Applications is normally eight weeks, during which time the local authority will publicise details of the project for public comment.

Stage E  Detail Design (Building Regulations Application)

Assuming Planning Permission is granted, the next stage is to prepare detailed drawings and brief specification notes for the Building Regulations Application, again, this is submitted to the local authority, and usually takes four weeks to process.

Stage F-G  Production Information (Tender)

At this stage we produce a Specification and Schedule of Work which are sent with an Invitation to Tender to a  number of contractors. These documents detail the terms and conditions of the contract, and the quality of workmanship and materials. They also list each main work item to be included in the Contract on an elemental or a room-by-room basis.

The Schedule of Works permits the Contractor to price each item, ensuring that as far as is reasonably possible, all items required to complete the works are covered. The use of the Schedule of Works also ensures that there is parity of tendering with all pricing by Contractors being calculated on a like-for-like basis.

Stage H  Appointment of Contractor

Having hopefully obtained a tender which is within the budget price, we would usually draw up Contract Documents that formalise the agreement between the Client and the Contractor.

Stage J-K  Contract Administration (Construction / on Site)

Once the Contractor makes a start on site, we make periodic visits, normally once a week, to inspect the works to ensure that they are being carried out in accordance with the Contract Documents. During the contract period we carry out the routine Contract Administration, this means providing the client with monthly valuations of the work carried out to date, so that the client can pay the contractor. We also deal with any queries from the Contractor, the Building Inspector or other interested parties.

Stage L  Practical Completion

When the works are satisfactorily completed a Certificate of Practical Completion is issued, this starts the 6 month Defects Liability period, during which time the Contractor is obliged to remedy any defect arising from the works.

Stage M  Final Account

At the end of this 6 month period and assuming that all outstanding defects have been rectified, a Final Certificate is issued terminating the Contract.