How we work

Discover the synergy, precision, and dedication that define our unique approach to project success.

Explore how we break down our projects into clear, manageable stages for streamlined efficiency.

Stage 0

INITIAL CONSULTATION/CLIENT BREIF

INITIAL CONSULTATION/CLIENT BREIF

Our first step in any project, would be to arrange a site visit at the property for an initial consultation, providing the opportunity for one our qualified team members to meet with you face to face. During the consultation we can discuss your potential project in detail and obtain a full understanding of your requirements and expectations. We will then be able to provide potential design ideas based on your requirements. We can also advise you on the planning & building regulations process, namely what you can expect and how we will assist you through the whole process. Most importantly, we will discuss your project budget, which is one of the most critical elements when considering the  work that is achievable.

After the consultation, your designated team member will provide a detailed fee proposal, breaking down our services stage by stage and outlining your project brief as well as timescales and associated fees. PJH will also include any third-party fees (such as planning and building control) so there are no costly surprises later down the line. We appreciate that the consultation is a potential client’s first step in moving their project forward, therefore in order to maintain momentum, fee proposals are typically issued within 3 workings days from our initial consultation.

Stage 1

MEASURED SURVEY & SKETCH PROPOSALS

MEASURED SURVEY & SKETCH PROPOSALS

If we are instructed to proceed, PJH Architectural Services will write up a contract specific to your project, inclusive of your brief. The contract outlines the staged services we will be providing along with the rights and obligations of each party.

We will then arrange a suitable time to undertake a full measured survey of the property and surrounding areas. This will be used to create an existing set of drawings, which are essential for planning and building regulation purposes. The existing drawings will also form the basis of your initial design proposals. We undertake the measured surveys “in-house” which offers you the potential to discuss your project in further detail, if required, with a member of our team during the visit.

Our Initial design sketches are then issued to you via email within 10-15 working days. Once you have digested the first drafts, we often recommend a video (Teams/Zoom) call to allow us all to walk through the designs in more detail together. Video calls enable us to share our screen & AutoCAD drawings, and together we can update the drawings in real time.

Stage 2

PLANNING

PLANNING

Once your floor plans are agreed, we move onto producing the proposed roof plan, elevations, and block/location plan which are required to accompany your planning application. The more accurate and detailed the planning drawings are, the easier it is for your Local Planning Authority (LPA) to clearly understand the proposals and, in turn, make the planning process as smooth as possible.

Once the drawings are finalised, we will deal with all the necessary planning documentation and submissions to your LPA. In some cases, planning applications will require third party specialist input, in such cases we collaborate with ecologists, arboriculturists, flood risk specialists and so on; PJH Architectural Services have a comprehensive list of trusted specialists we can recommend and coordinate with, in order to ensure that the required information is submitted as part of the planning application.

Additionally, we have a fantastic working relationship with all the Greater Manchester & Cheshire planning authorities, inclusive of Cheshire East Council, Trafford Council, Stockport Council, Macclesfield Town Council, Manchester City Council, Tameside Council, Oldham Council, Rochdale Council, Salford City Council, Bolton Council, Bury Council, Wigan Council, Warrington Borough Council, St Helens Council, Rossendale Council, Blackburn Council, Blackpool Council, and we are a part of Trafford Councils accredited designer scheme, which helps ensure our planning applications run smoothly and are prioritised.

Stage 3

DETAILED BUILDING REGULATIONS

DETAILED BUILDING REGULATIONS

Once planning is granted, we will commence with your detailed building regulations and tender drawings, which consists of a mixture of enhancing the previously prepared planning drawings and production of additional detailed information.

This information consists of detailed 1:50 scale floor plans and roof plans, 1:50 scale elevations, 1:20 scale detailed sections and a fully detailed material specification. We pride ourselves on the level of detail within our tender packages; this information forms the basis of a comprehensive tender package. It goes without saying, accurate, detailed and informative tender packages provide clients with the best opportunity of obtaining a detailed cost breakdown from your prospective builders. It also ensures that all tendering builders/contractors are all pricing from the same information and an identical client brief, which is portrayed through our drawings.

As part of our service, once your detailed building regulations/tender drawings are complete, we will issue a set to a structural engineer for their input and  review. On our instruction, they will provide you with a fee proposal which covers their structural package, based on your proposed works.

The structural information together with our building regulations/tender drawings will form your complete tender package of drawn information that can be passed onto your tendering builders for their accurate tender price. For complex and larger projects inclusive of commercial and industrial projects, further specialist input may be required, with which PJH Architectural Services can advise on or recommend suitable trusted third-party specialists.

In addition to the above, we manage all the necessary building control applications and submissions. We have a very close working relationship with a local and reputable approved building control organisation who we work in tandem with on the majority of our projects.

Stage 4

TENDER PROCESS

TENDER PROCESS

Once you have a complete tender package, you are ready to start the tender process and approach contractors for quotes. We can offer tendering advice and guidance, inclusive of template tender letters and  covering emails for clients to utilise.

In addition to the above, we have a selection of local trusted builders and contractors we can recommend to you. We also try to touch base with all of our clients once their project is complete and we often discuss how they found their builder, therefore we have a good understanding in which local contractors you should potentially avoid.

Things to remember regarding the tender process:

  • Ideally approach between 4-6 contractors/builders for tendering purposes, this will provide you with a fair overview of costs and also give you an insight as to how differing building firms work (direct recommendations from your architect/designer, family and friends are often an ideal starting point).
  • Always meet potential builders in person.
  • Clearly outline tender return dates.
  • Request anticipated start on site dates and ask about potential programme duration.
  • Request relevant insurance documents.
  • Ask for references and examples of completed and live projects that can be viewed in person.
  • Always check Google & social media reviews.
  • Check any claimed affiliations with trade associations are genuine.
  • Financial due diligence (Companies House is always a good starting point).

Stage 5

COMMENCEMENT OF WORKS AND SITE SUPERVISION

COMMENCEMENT OF WORKS AND SITE SUPERVISION

Dependent upon the scope of works and complexity of the design, we offer the majority of our clients a full site supervision service, which can be tailored to suit your specific project requirements. This not only provides the comfort of a regular professional eye on the works carried out, but also provides you with regular site reports, which details progress of work, workmanship, quality and programme tracking. It also ensures that there is a professional relationship between yourself and the builder via PJH Architectural Services Ltd.

PJH Architectural Services site supervision includes the following:

  • Prestart meeting with the builder and client, which is chaired by PJH Architectural Services.
  • Regular site attendance to review and monitor progress and workmanship.
  • On-going co-ordinating and dialogue with your chosen builder/contractor.
  • On-going co-ordinating with building control.
  • Continued email and telephone support throughout the construction phase between all parties.
  • Site sign off and snagging of works prior to completion/hand over.

If you’re looking for an architectural practice for your extension 
contact PJH Architectural Services now

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PJH Architectural Services