PRICING
We like to price prospective commissions on their own merits so we don’t have a standard fee scale.
At present D.R. Building Design is not VAT registered so no VAT will be applicable to quotes provided
There are no hidden extras and the price for work discussed is guaranteed to be fixed.
CUSTOMER CARE
We are confident that our fees are competitive we will try to match any like for like quote. Unfortunately we are unable to match verbal quotations, a written quotation must be provided.
“Dear Dave,
This is to thank you for your prompt attention to my request for drawings to be prepared to send to the council; along with my application for building warrant and planning permission.
I must add how impressed I am with your meticulous drawings to show to prospective joiners and builders and the clarity of your terms of business notes. Thank you, too, for dealing with the council on my behalf”
Mrs J Boydell – Guthrie
“Dear Dave,
Many thanks for all your help. Delighted that its all gone through so smoothly. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend your services”
Mrs P Hamilton – Carnoustie
“Dear Dave,
“This is just a note of gratitude for the excellent service that you have provided to us so far.
It is extremely refreshing to have experienced the superb guidance and outstanding quality of your workmanship.
The accuracy of your drawings coupled with the prompt delivery has been absolutely faultless and we would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending you to any future clients”
Mr & Mrs Goodhall– Balmullo
Whilst emailing I should add my gratitude for all you have done so far on the various ventures we have been involved with. I am happy with the quality of your work to this point and certainly have no hesitation in recommending your services to others I come in contact with.
Mr Campbell - Dundee
Frequently asked questions
Why are your fees considerably less than traditional Architects practices?
Traditional Architects practices charge a percentage of the building works fees sometimes as much as 10-15%. We take a different approach, using experienced Architectural Technicians we have streamlined the process using computer aided drawing packages (CAD) and are able to offer a fixed fee service, even if the building costs increase.
What is the difference between an Architect and Architectural Technician?
The traditional role of the Architect would be design and contract management while an Architectural Technician would have a greater technical knowledge and be responsible for producing plans and details. The roles have evolved over the years with Architects mainly being used to design large jobs and technicians having move involvement in the design and project management of smaller projects. In small scale developments both Architects and Architectural Technicians are fully competent
Planning/Building Warrant – what is the difference?
Planning permission is an application for permission in relation to the general appearance and impact of the proposed works on the surrounding area. Drawings will include plans and elevations
A Building Warrant is the nuts and bolts of how things go together. Drawings will include detailed plans, elevations, sections, details and specification
How long will it take for the Local Authority to process my applications and to receive Planning and Building Warrant Approval?
The Building Control/Standards Section must send a "plan assessment/first report letter" within 3 months of receiving your application, in practice we find it takes on average 4 to 8 weeks depending on the Authority/Officer processing your application and the workload they have at that point in time. If a Structural Engineer is required this process may take longer due to the selected Structural Engineers workload.
Most Planning Authorities try to determine Planning Applications within a period of two months from receiving your application. Sometimes it may take longer especially if objections are received from any neighbours or the proposals are of a more complex nature.
IMPORTANT NOTE
It should be noted that obtaining approval can be a time consuming and frustrating process and requires a lot of patience! From past experience we find that obtaining local authority approvals can take between 2 to 6 months and sometimes longer. We strongly recommend you allow plenty of time in planning your project to avoid disappointment.
Planning
Planning Permission is usually required for most forms of building development. There are certain proposals that do not require a formal planning application such as small extensions. We will be able to advise you of the appropriate planning process during our initial consultation. There are also other permissions that may be required the most common being for Listed Building Consent, Conservation Area Approval or Tree Preservation Orders.
D.R. Building Design will make all the relevant applications and representations for Planning on
your behalf. If the Local Authority requires the proposal to be revised then we will amend
the drawings and re-submit at no extra cost.
We can not guarantee planning permission will be granted, however, we can offer advice based on experience of what is likely to obtain planning approval.
Can I start work without obtaining the approvals?
If you start work without obtaining the approvals you will be breaking the law, not only that but any work that is carried out may be require to be demolished or made good at your expense.
Does your company carry Professional Indemnity Insurance?
Yes, of course we carry Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance, we are insured to the value of £1Million.
If you have a question that is not answered here please feel free to contact us for further information
