Are you planning an extension to your home, office, warehouse or retail facility?
Carter’s can advise and provide a full design package to suit your needs and requirements. Whether you’re looking to submit a full planning application or need to obtain permitted development approval through the Neighbours Consultation Scheme.
The team are experts in planning requirements, restrictions and processes for your new build or extension project.
A full consultation package includes a client briefing meeting where designs are discussed and refined. We liaise with planning officers on your behalf and complete and issue full design specifications, including:
- existing and proposed plans;
- existing and proposed elevations;
- a location plan;
- a block plan and;
- additional information such as a design and access statement.
We have a 100% success rate with numerous local authorities for the approval of construction projects - from changing the pitch of a bungalow roof to huge commercial infrastructure developments. Our success is grounded in understanding our limitations. If a sub–consultant is required to unpick a new structural engineering challenge, or how the scheme impacts on the environment, we don’t hesitate to engage environment assessors, historical conservation officers and engineering experts.
Interactive Mini Guides
See the Planning Portal mini guides to determine the planning and building regulations that may apply to your build and don’t hesitate to get in touch to see how CBC can take your idea and make it a reality.
Building Regulations drawings and advice
Building Regulations curate the acceptable standards for health and safety in and around buildings by imposing certain functional requirements for the design, construction and alteration. Regulations are constantly evolving, particularly around standards to promote the energy efficiency of buildings (helping to achieve #NettZero) and the needs of people with disabilities.
CBC craft and submit the Building Regulations application on your behalf. This includes detailed technical drawings and cross-sections of any proposed new works. Please see the recent example for a large single storey extension to the rear of a property.
Building Regulations and Planning Consent are not to be confused. These are different application processes, under different legislative frameworks regulated by separate council departments.
The vast majority of alterations, extensions and new building work need to comply with current Building Regulations - whatever the size of the project. For example, in a residential setting, this could include extensions, loft conversions, knocking through rooms to create open-plan living, moving or creating a new toilet and bathroom, electrical work, window replacement and converting a garage for a new purpose.
Our excellent technical background and understanding of how elements are constructed is borne from hands-on experience of being onsite and ‘on the tools’. We are technically minded and can assist with any building regulation requirement.
Get in touch to see how CBC can take your idea and make it a reality.
Refurbishments and repair
Carter’s has assisted with hundreds of refurbishment projects for the commercial, residential, industrial and retail sectors. We are known for thinking ‘outside the box’ when it comes to refurbishments whether this is for a new bar or restaurant, a home renovation, office remodelling, warehouse improvement - even a new roof.
We tailor the project to your vision, needs and requirements. Following appointment, we will arrange site visits to refine the detailed client brief. Advice on planning or building regulation approval will be part of this conversation to help manage expectations - if they are required, we will act accordingly and submit applications on your behalf.
A fully measured survey is required to create an accurate plan from which we can build ideas to meet your needs and present these designs in three-dimensions.
Pre and post contract management duties can be part of the project, in line with the Construction Design Management Regulations 2015 (CDM). Carter’s can act as Principal Designer to mitigate any potential risks prior to the commencement of construction works.
Value for money and your budget is a number one priority for us. We recommend, and help you manage a procurement method to suit your project needs. This will include a highly detailed design and specification, including a schedule of works where everything is itemised to remove any prospect of doubt. This competitive process, supported by a full list of client requirements helps achieve best value and cost certainty throughout the duration of the project.
Scope of Services
CBC’s appointment triggers this full menu of professional services:
- client design meeting;
- production of a design programme that shows each design stage and anticipated construction start date;
- a detailed Schedule of Works to support the tender process;
- preliminarily tender documents;
- a Preambles Document for tender (workmanship standards and quality control);
- compilation of all drawings from in-house and sub consultant teams. Any changes to construction drawings (in the CBC proposed plan) correlate back to the Schedule of Works;
- sending detailed specifications out to tender with four to five preferred contractors. Meetings with contractors onsite to establish clear understanding and;
- tender analysis and reporting.
Carter’s can also undertake onsite contract administration including the issue of a Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT) contract 2011.
Scope of Contract Administration Services
Provision of a building surveyor and a lead consultant who supports the design and project management service.
The building surveyor appointment would be provided in accordance with the RICS Conditions of Engagement for building surveying services, building works stages E to H.
As Project Building Surveyor and Lead Consultant we would be responsible for the coordination and management of the Design Team, and thereby the appointment extends to include the provision of specific Project Management Services.
This will include but not be limited to the following duties:
- appoint an asbestos refurbishment and demolition survey, including site visit;
- production of tender documents including a JCT contract;
- attending pre start and progress meetings;
- contract administration duties for the contract period including the issue of instructions, payment certificates and minutes;
- quality monitoring of the works – one site inspection per week during the course of an anticipated 10-week construction programme;
- compile information for the CDM Health and Safety file ready for the contractor to issue on completion;
- sign off inspections;
- agreeing of final account and;
- defects liability period inspections.
We offer a full design and turnkey service, outsourcing specialist services from our in-house team and trusted subcontractor family to deliver projects on time, on budget and of superior quality.
The depth and breadth within the CBC management team should give you comfort that we are well versed in managing every aspect of construction, from basement excavations, energy efficiency improvements to your building fabric, refurbishing your office to how your project sits in the landscape.
Space Planning
It’s always worth looking at your existing space in detail before embarking on the more expensive option of moving accommodation. Similarly, if you have just purchased new premises, maximising the use of space from the outset can maximise effectiveness and value - including the wellbeing of your staff.
Space planning is the unsung hero of the architecture profession and it offers maximum return on investment. Carter’s Building Consultancy has an eye for detail and many creative tools to help you manage spaces and their potential parameters.
Feasibility study of office plan
Before examining the overall form, appearance, size and what will fit in the space, CBC analyse the structure and construction of the property. This helps us understand the limits and constraints of how the building was built and how it can safely flex to meet your needs with minimal intervention. It is then that the spatial and volumetric requirements of your intended use can be seen in context. In shorthand, we all get a better feel for the property.
How can the structural form and layout be adapted? What is the building’s structural ability to accept new elements such as partitions, services and staircases? Answering these questions illuminates the extent to which new uses may be compromised, and where they may be enhanced.
We provide a detailed plan showing these existing characteristics, so everybody shares a common understanding of what the building can do. This understanding and conversation inspires creative solutions that we can visualise with 2D plans and 3D architectural illustrations of the future potential.
At all times, plans will be sensitive to current design guidance and building regulations.
Office space planning
Space planning is more than just a consideration of aesthetics and capacity. Improving office layouts can have enormous impact on the way teams and departments work, how leaders lead and how communication and relationships are supported to maximise the customer experience. Space shouldn’t be a barrier to leadership and management - it should naturally allow it to happen.
Space planning is therefore one of the key measures of workplace performance.
Financial savings and increased productivity are obvious motivations but there are legal requirements, accommodation standards, staff welfare, and technology to take into consideration. CBC is well versed in the latest legislation and part of networks that provide additional assistance. Compliance is not a burden but an essential step to promoting wellbeing, flexibility and growth – a well designed space will react to your changing business, quickly, effectively and cost effectively.
Please get in touch with Carter’s Building Consultancy to see how we can make a difference to your space!
