Frequently asked questions answered:

1. Do you charge ‘initial visiting’ fees?

If the client decides to hand over the project to us on the day of visit and carry out the survey, we do not charge them for the initial visit however normal payment terms apply. if after the visit they are not sure whether they would like to carry out the project or decide not to pursue the project at all then visiting charge apply. This charge a nominal fee to cover the expenses and cut down time wasters as we cover our service around London and surrounding county and work within time strain.

2. What is planning permission?

Planning Permission:
• It is an approval given by the Local Authority, Environmental Division, which carries out Town and Country Planning act on behalf of the government.
• This covers generally what is called as “Amenity” (such matters as the appearance, the effect on neighbours and on the street scene?
• In case of private houses, Planning Permission is required for some, but not all building work.
• Whether or not it is required depends upon many factors, such as: size of the proposal, and whether there have been any previous extensions to the property.

3. What is permitted development?

Under the Town and country planning act all residential properties have permitted developmental rights, apart from properties in the conservational areas, listed buildings and flats. These rights are subject to the size of the proposal. We advise Clients that have these developmental rights, to apply for the lawfulness certificate. The council confirms whether the project is lawful or unlawful.

Please visit following site:
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/hhg/houseguide.html
(info about planning permission)

4. What is the next step after gaining planning permission?

Need to apply for building regulation approval to the building control department (nothing to do with Planning department)which may require structural calculations and construction/engineering drawing

5. Do you deal with any local authority/ any area?

Yes, we deal with all London boroughs and the adjoined country boroughs.

6. What is building regulation/building notice?

Building Regulations ensure the health and safety of those in and around buildings by: providing functional requirements for building designs and construction. The Regulations also promote energy efficiency in buildings and contribute to meeting the needs of disabled people. These regulations cover construction matters such as: structural stability, insulation, fire prevention. It is required for virtually all building work.

Builders and developers are required by law to obtain building control approval or carrying out construction work under building notice, independent of Planning Permission??

7. Do you carry out a project management service or provide advice on site?

Yes, we liaise with the client and the builder to ensure the project runs smoothly without any problems. We also provide advice on site during the occurrence of the construction work. The nominal fee for this service will depend on the complexity and location of the project.

8. Do I need a party wall agreement?

Under the party wall legislation the client must notify the neighbours about the project if the project falls within a specific distance to the neighbouring properties. A Party wall agreement must be in place if the neighbours request for one to be drawn. Part wall agreements are normally prepared by party wall surveyors. If a party wall agreement is carried out, the condition of the neighbour’s property prior to and after the completion of the construction work is noted. All construction projects need to attain a building regulation. It mainly covers safety issues. The local authority checks the drawings to ensure that the building will be secure and safe for the client to use/reside in. The authority check structural details such as: foundation and insulation. The construction details need to comply with the current regulations. We advise clients to get the building regulation approval prior to starting the construction work or getting an estimate.

9. Do you guarantee Planning permission?

Planning permission works according to the council policy, depends on the client requirement and history of the property. So that planning permission cannot be guarantee but Our success rates for planning permission: 99% .We attain building control approval: 100% of the time.

10. How much is your fee for the drawings?

It is depends of the works clients ask us to do and whether they want to deal with council themselves or appointing us as agent. All our fees are fixed and we do not charge by the hour. Our fees do not change according to the cost of the project.

11. What is the Payment method?

We agree our fees prior to our site visit or on the day of visit. We will give break down of the cost as fixed price for the agreed work and take the half of the fee on the day of survey then, we draw the plan with the clients satisfaction and take the other half of the fee and council fee apply to the council if we are an agent.

12.what is agent mean?

Agent: If the client would like us to act as an agent for them we will be more than happy to. With a nominal charge we will carry out all the correspondences with the council (which includes printing and posting the correspondences) and fill in all the necessary forms. If the council requires any amendments to be made or requests the case to be resubmitted we will also do this. There will be no extra charge for resubmission unless a 2nd resubmission is required.