Do you want to renovate an existing space or knock it down and start again? Are you after a double story extension or have you decided to stick with one level? We don’t need to get into design specifics at this stage, but we do work with you to map out the approximate scope of what you’re after. The more thought you can give to the types of rooms and spaces you want created and which areas of the house you want to address, the more quickly we can move onto the design stage.
We recommend you talk to your financial lender at this stage to assess how much you can and should borrow. While you won’t be committing to an exact budget at this point, having a rough idea in mind will allow us to frame what’s possible.
We often suggest clients talk to a builder at this early stage too. Builders usually won’t be able to give you a specific quote without designs, but they will give you a ballpark of construction costs. It’s much better to learn that your dream extension is beyond your budget now than once designs have been drawn up and paid for.
Once we’ve thoroughly grasped your project requirements, we’ll swiftly generate a fixed drafting quote and fee structure for your careful review and approval. Should clarification be necessary, we’ll liaise with engineers and local council authorities to pinpoint any specific issues crucial to the project.
Unlike numerous drafting firms, our quotes encompass all foreseeable consultant expenses, including structural engineering, soil testing, site surveys, and energy reports. This transparency ensures that you’re presented with a comprehensive view of the documentation costs upfront. Additionally, if town planning is deemed necessary (a determination made during prior discussions), rest assured it will be seamlessly integrated into the drafting quote and fees.
We conduct a thorough site measurement of your property to facilitate the creation of ‘existing conditions’ plans. Every relevant site feature, including trees, fences, adjoining structures, and neighboring houses, is meticulously documented. This approach ensures that subsequent architectural drawings and designs account for all site constraints, thereby maximizing their potential.
Moving forward, we transition to schematic design proposals for your detailed review and discussion. Depending on the insights gathered during the Client Preparation stage, we may present a design route that expands on your existing ideas or offer a range of options that explore various possibilities. Throughout this stage, we coordinate site surveys and soil testing to guarantee that all design options align with site constraints and foundation requirements.
After refining your preferred schematic design, we delve deeper into the proposal’s design development to craft a comprehensive product, complete with elevations and detailed section plans. During this phase, we engage in discussions with you to fine-tune the design, considering elements such as window and door styles, as well as the selection of construction materials.
Upon your approval of the design, we proceed to prepare and process any necessary town planning applications. Alternatively, if town planning is not necessary, we can handle the preparation and submission of any required dispensations to the council for approval.
At the outset of your consultation with us, we meticulously identify and address any town planning requirements. Our schematic designs are meticulously crafted with council overlays in mind from the outset. We understand that each council and overlay necessitates slightly different documentation.
Our responsibility is to meticulously prepare and present all the requisite information to your council in the most logical manner possible. This approach ensures that your permit is swiftly considered and approved, expediting the process for you.
