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SA Process
Our process tackles the key issues experienced in the majority of building projects. The problem is that most projects are often not planned well enough from the outset. This leads to stress and considerable difficulty in bringing the project back into line financially or getting it finished on time.
A thorough investigation of the feasibility of the project, along with robust reviews throughout the project ensure that these problems are less likely to arise. Whether you are; dreaming of creating a great new home, looking at renovating an existing building, or increasing your business productivity by building or refurbishing commercial space, sound planning will help to ensure your project is a success.
Communication is also key, and it is much simpler & far easier to manage to get there when you know the right steps.
The SA system "Project Road Map" (TM) Sets out the processes that you will need to have in place at a glance, to explain the processes clearly from the outset, and explains how we will work for you to deliver your project, whilst minimising the chances of going over time or over budget. Appointing SA Architectural Services on your project, gives you time back to focus on your life and business without having the usual difficulty in having to step in to correct project issues yourself. It really is that simple.
STAGE 1: WARNING DO NOT MISS OUT!
Refining your brief, and knowing what you can achieve.
When our customers are at the early stages of a project, the majority of enquiries we get are obviously about what can be achieved within their site.
Our Needs & Options ReviewTM offers a fantastic opportunity to address your initial questions, and to guide you through our unique process.
The Needs and Options ReviewTM does what it says on the tin.
We undertake a small package of works to show you what your site might be able to accommodate, and answer key questions with regard to; ballpark costs, and timescales, thus fully preparing you for the design phase.
This helps to eliminate nasty surprises, and puts you in control of the process, rather than the process controlling you!
STAGE 2: IMAGINE, VISUALISE & CREATE (CONCEPT DESIGN)
This builds upon the research we’ve done together about your needs and options. We must now unleash our creativity, to show you what is really possible.
We’ve already found out and agreed on what is important to you, and how you want to use your building, and to how you would like to feel within the space. You now need to see some great design ideas for your project.
These will need to build upon your needs, yet add real style and value. Our aim is to harness all the available information and combine it with our skill, so you can fully appreciate the spaces that we design. This involves 3D presentation methods, and even virtual reality! Come and take a tour through the project and understand what it will really feel like to be inside!
The building needs to fit you, work to your lifestyle and needs, and lift your spirit each time you look at it from the outside, then set foot in it. We set this out in our concept design, where you will see your project come to life!
Our Multi Award Winning Design Team can be relied upon to produce great results, excellent return on investment, and a project that you can be truly proud of.
STAGE 3: PLANNING PERMISSIONS, AND BUILDING CONTROL
We develop and refine the design, turning it into a proposal that will get past the red tape of planning permission. This part of the process can sometimes require skilful negotiation and experience to ensure that these hurdles are reduced in height, Whilst nothing can be guaranteed we have a >98% success rate at planning stage.
Hopefully no changes are needed, but if they are, we will work with you and the Local Authority to overcome objections, and get the project back on track. We will do everything within our power to hopefully get the best possible result approved. Sometimes this part of the project can be stressful, and if it is poorly managed, can lead to delays and unsatisfactory compromise.
We know this, so leave as little as possible to chance by building strong partnerships, and effective working relationships, with all of the Local Authorities in our catchment area.
We’re on your side, and we promise to keep you informed about how things are going. We try to make this sometimes difficult process as enjoyable, simple and straightforward as it can be.
Finalising the Design
Once Planning has been successfully negotiated, we can finalise the design, to make sure Building Regulations are met or exceeded. Building Regulations are the minimum standard that project should reach. Most of our projects involve a great emphasis on the environment, and sustainable eco-projects are delivered by our in-house Certified Passivhaus Designer. This ensures that your project is sustainable to the core and reduces our demand on non-renewable resources where at all possible.
Simultaneously we work on the finishing touches, including the inerior design, lighting, fixtures and fittings. This is where things really become enjoyable. Clever interiors and lighting really lift the spaces and ensure that the finished result is as good as it can be.
Our 3D Interior Packages
Why not add on our interior design and 3D and Virtual reality packages at the concept design stage?
You’ll be able to tour the building internally and see exactly how the finished project will look before any work is started! Clients that have opted for these services simply cannot believe their eyes. The power of learning how it will actually feel to be in the space before it is built is priceless, and will guide good decision making and creativity. You'll be fully immersed in the design, and able to see how the choices we make together will improve your home or commercial space, without blowing the budget!
It’s time to dream big..
STAGE 4: DECIDE & APPOINT (CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION & TENDER)
Choosing the right way to proceed with getting the project built is extremely important. We have a great deal of in house capability in construction, and can offer a design led Design and Build service if needed. This differs from a contractor led process, where the design is compromised by substituting products for greater profit. We simply don't do this. the process of appointing us on this basis is an open book exercise. We show you our costs and profit margins (based on the cost to us from suppliers and subcontractors plus an agreed percentage).
If that isn't for you, for example you may already have a trusted builder or indeed several builders as options, then no problem. We can manage the process of getting suitable cost comparisons, and appoint your chosen builder under an appropriatecontract.
Fact: You will only get real and comparable prices by ensuring that a comprehensive package of design information is submitted to your chosen b uilder(s), and that it is checked for accuracy and completeness.
This is a very important part of the process, and should not be taken lightly. Many times we’ve been called in to help on projects where a cheap “quote” was produced, and the contractor has kept increasing prices for omissions and changes through the build.
A little time and money invested here, and making the appropriate checks, will pay dividends later on.
Let us take the work out of this for you, and save your time on the things that are most important to you, such as your work, and family life.
STAGE 5: FOLLOW THE PLAN (PROJECT MANAGEMENT & CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION
We’ve all seen those programmes on TV where the build has gone wrong! The client/builder relationship has broken down, and the client has been left in the lurch with a half finished building and no money to finish it. This should never happen!
With regular site visits, and effective financial control, you can prevent your project from falling into disarray and minimise any cost and time over runs.
We will work for you to ensure that the proper controls are in place, and to negotiate with your builder when things aren’t going how they should.
We can bring problem projects back on track, and ensure that you are protected throughout the build.
You can have peace of mind about that, and move into your high quality, comfortable, and bespoke new home or commercial premises, with the minimum of unwanted drama.
Equally, if you chose us to design and build for you we will ensure that robust management of the project is put in place to produce the highest quality job we can offer!
STAGE 6: CELEBRATION AND MOVING IN (COMPLETION & HAND OVER)
We’re almost there, but a few more things still need to be done. We’ll check to make sure that the job has been finished correctly, and that the builder has got all the paperwork in order. Any warranties, certificates and approvals that are outstanding will be requested.
We’ll show you where everything is, how all of the equipment in your propertyworks, and make sure it is working correctly. We’ll also want to get some professional photographs done of your property, and you can have copies to show these to any colleagues, distant friends, or family.
You’ll receive a little topping out, or housewarming gift, from us, and we’d be delighted to come around for the property opening, or housewarming party if you’re having one!
Congratulations, your journey has come to a successful end, but please bear us in mind if you want to make further improvements later, or want to do it all again at a different location!
Visualisation
At SA Architectural Services, we have a philosophy that we want all our clients to feel confident and comfortable with the design decisions we're making for their dream project.
In order to do this, you need to be able to visualise your completed building from all angles.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes
To achieve this goal, we have created the SA System "Project Road MapTM" to enable you to understand the processes at a glance and to avoid costly mistakes during the journey.
Thus, giving you the best chance of realising your perfect project, and minimising the risk of time and cost over runs.
An out of control project is extremely stressful and not necessary.
Our tried and tested SA System will deliver a stunning comfortable environment you can be proud of.
Book An Appointment
If you're ready to go ahead with your build then please be in touch, we'd love to talk to you!
If you have any roadblocks or require advice regarding how to get started, or even if you would like a service that isn’t specified here, please don’t hesitate to contact our team or book a 30 min appointment at our offices HERE. If we can't help we'll try our best to put you in touch with someone who can.
