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Building Design Solution

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

PLANNING PERMISSION DRAWINGS

BUILDING REGULATION DRAWINGS & SPECIFICATIONS

Architectural Drawings Northeast England

STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS

Architectural Drawings Northeast England

About us

OUR COMPREHENSIVE CONSTRUCTION DESIGN PACK CONTAINS ALL NECESSARY APPROVALS – PLANS AND STRUCTURAL CALCULATIONS TO GET YOUR PROJECT OUT OF THE GROUND!

Build Consult NE offer our clients a ‘one stop shop’ approach to obtaining Planning Permission and Building Control approval for all domestic construction projects. Whether you are planning a kitchen/diner extension, converting a loft space into a habitable room or making structural alterations we are your first port of call. Our experienced surveyors and engineers take care of all your requirements. From initial consultation and full measured survey, through to obtaining Planning Permission, Building Control approval and structural engineering input. We ensure the complex process is dealt with smoothly and efficiently, leaving our clients with a fully approved construction pack ready to go out to builders for quotes.

CONTACT US TODAY FOR OUR SPECIALIST LOFT CONVERSION PACKAGES

Included in our Loft Conversion Packages:

  • Initial 30 min Consultation with a Project Manager
  • Measured Survey of Property and Planning Permission Drawings
  • Building Control Drawings & Specifications
  • Structural Engineering Calculations & Drawings
  • Quotations from up to 3 Trusted Local Builders
  • Architectural Drawings in Northeast England

We provide a comprehensive local Architectural Design Service in the North East and the surrounding areas. We work quickly and provide a competitively priced service specifically designed to address the unique needs of each project.

Detailed and correct planning and building regulation drawings are an essential starting point for your domestic building project. Providing local architectural services in the North East enables us to help you get your project started quickly and efficiently – no delays or unexpected surprises.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Construction project management is the application of project management principles and techniques to the planning, design, construction, and completion of construction projects. It involves coordinating all aspects of a project, from initial concept and design through to final
handover, ensuring it’s delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This includes managing resources (people, materials, equipment), risks, budgets, schedules, contracts, and stakeholder expectations. Successful construction project management relies heavily on effective communication, planning, and problem-solving throughout the entire project lifecycle.

PLANNING PERMISSION DRAWINGS

Planning permission is official approval from the local government or relevant planning authority that allows you to carry out certain types of construction or development work on a property. It is required before you can start certain building projects, such as adding extensions, changing the use of a building, or constructing a new structure.

In the UK, planning permission ensures that any proposed development meets local laws, building codes, environmental regulations, and overall community standards. The goal is to ensure that the development is safe, sustainable, and compatible with the surrounding area.

Common Scenarios Requiring Planning Permission:

  • New Construction: Building a new house, commercial building, or other structures.

  • Extensions or Alterations: Adding extensions to your home, converting a loft, or adding a conservatory.

  • Change of Use: Converting a residential property into a business or vice versa.

  • Signage: Installing large signs or advertisements on your property.

  • Demolition: In some cases, you may need permission to demolish certain buildings or structures.

How It Works:

  1. Application: You submit an application to your local planning authority, describing the proposed work and why you believe it’s suitable for the area.

  2. Review: The planning authority reviews your proposal, taking into account factors like the impact on neighbours, traffic, the environment, and aesthetics.

  3. Decision: They may approve the proposal, approve with conditions (e.g., specific materials), or reject it.

  4. Appeals: If permission is refused, you may have the right to appeal the decision, at a Planning Committe.

Does Every Project Need Planning Permission?

Not every construction project requires planning permission. Some minor work or repairs may fall under permitted development rights, meaning you don’t need approval. Examples include small garden sheds, minor internal changes, or certain types of renovations. However, if you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to check with your local planning authority.

BUILDING REGULATIONS DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Building Regulations are a set of minimum standards and requirements that govern the design, construction, and alteration of buildings to ensure safety, health, energy efficiency, and accessibility. They apply to a wide range of construction projects, from new builds to renovations, and are enforced by local authorities or government bodies.

In the UK, Building Regulations set out specific criteria for how buildings should be built or modified, covering everything from structural integrity to fire safety, plumbing, electrical systems, and environmental impact.

Key Areas Covered by Building Regulations:

  1. Structural Integrity: Ensures that the building is strong and stable, capable of withstanding loads like wind, snow, and occupancy. It covers the materials used, foundations, and the structural components like beams, walls, and roofs.

  2. Fire Safety: Specifies requirements for fire exits, fire-resistant materials, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems. It aims to protect occupants in case of fire and to prevent fire spread between rooms, floors, or buildings.

  3. Thermal Insulation and Energy Efficiency: Establishes standards for insulation, heating systems, and energy efficiency to reduce the building’s carbon footprint and improve energy conservation.

  4. Electrical and Plumbing Systems: Covers safety standards for electrical wiring, outlets, circuit breakers, and plumbing systems to prevent hazards like electrical shocks or water damage.

  5. Ventilation: Ensures that buildings have adequate ventilation to maintain air quality, reduce the risk of mold, and ensure occupant comfort.

  6. Accessibility: Ensures that buildings are accessible to all, including people with disabilities, through requirements for ramps, wider doorways, and bathroom facilities.

  7. Sound Insulation: Specifies soundproofing requirements, particularly in multi-unit buildings, to reduce noise transmission between rooms or apartments.

  8. Safety: Includes aspects like stair design, the use of non-slip surfaces, and other measures to prevent accidents.

How Building Regulations Work:

  • Before You Start: Before beginning a construction or renovation project, you must ensure your plans comply with the relevant regulations. This might require submitting detailed plans to the local authority or an approved inspector.

  • During Construction: Throughout the construction process, inspectors may carry out site visits to ensure compliance. These checks could cover aspects such as the foundation, framing, and electrical work.

  • Completion: Once construction is finished, the building may be inspected for final approval, which could involve a completion certificate, signifying that it complies with all regulations.

Building Regulations vs. Planning Permission:

While planning permission deals with land use and whether a project fits into the area (like whether a building is appropriate for the location or whether it’s too tall), Building Regulations focus more on the technical and safety aspects of construction.

For example:

  • Planning permission might be needed to build a house on a plot of land, while Building Regulations would dictate how strong the foundation should be, the width of doors, or how fireproof the building is.

Do You Need Building Regulations Approval?

If you’re doing major construction or significant alterations (like extensions, loft conversions, or installing a new heating system), you’ll need to get approval under Building Regulations. Even some smaller changes, like replacing windows, may require you to meet certain standards.

Failure to comply with Building Regulations can lead to penalties, fines, or being required to make costly changes to your building after completion.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING CALCULATIONS

Structural calculations are an important aspect of the vast majority of domestic construction projects and budgeting should be made for this important aspect. It is certainly not advisable to ‘guess’ the size of a beam. Projects which follow the guidance of Approved Document A of the Building Regulations guidance are deemed to ‘comply with the relevant requirements’ of the Building Regulations.

However – the guidance published in Approved Document A can be quite restrictive. If the guidance is not adhered to, then structural calculations are required to be submitted to Building Control to demonstrate that the proposed construction is robust and safe for its intended purpose. A common domestic development requiring structural calculations is a loft conversion as it involves a virtually new structure built in the loft space to create a new structural floor and extensive alteration of the existing roof structure.

Other common projects which require structural calculations are internal structural alterations, such as loadbearing wall removal. In these instances steel beams are required to support existing elements of structure, usually floors and walls. Build Consult has a wealth of experience producing structural calculations for domestic developments, specifically for Building Control. Our fee will include the structural engineering element if it is required for your project.

Our Coverage

Structural calculations are an important aspect of the vast majority of domestic construction projects and budgeting should be made for this important aspect. It is certainly not advisable to ‘guess’ the size of a beam. Projects which follow the guidance of Approved Document A of the Building Regulations guidance are deemed to ‘comply with the relevant requirements’ of the Building Regulations.

However – the guidance published in Approved Document A can be quite restrictive. If the guidance is not adhered to, then structural calculations are required to be submitted to Building Control to demonstrate that the proposed construction is robust and safe for its intended purpose. A common domestic development requiring structural calculations is a loft conversion as it involves a virtually new structure built in the loft space to create a new structural floor and extensive alteration of the existing roof structure.

Other common projects which require structural calculations are internal structural alterations, such as loadbearing wall removal. In these instances steel beams are required to support existing elements of structure, usually floors and walls. Build Consult has a wealth of experience producing structural calculations for domestic developments, specifically for Building Control. Our fee will include the structural engineering element if it is required for your project.

Our Locations

Build Consult Northumberland
Build Consult Tyne and Wear
Build Consult Durham
Build Consult Tees Valley

buildconsult.co.uk is perfectly placed in North East England giving us the ability to service the north east of England, situated in South Tyneside giving us coverage to the north of England. As our core service is dealing with architectural plans and measured survey sketches, no matter where you are located, we can help you. Simply contact us today and let us know how we can help you.

For enquiries please email: [email protected]

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW DO I PAY?

You can pay for your bespoke quote using Beamcalc.co.uk secure online payment (we accept all major credit and debit cards). Alternatively, you can pay via BACS bank transfer, or via PayPal.

CAN I SEE A SAMPLE DOCUMENT BEFORE PURCHASING

Your bespoke structural calculations can be provided in PDF and Autodesk formats, according to your requirements.

Thank you David for providing such an excellent service – everything provided was prompt and top quality and always delivered in the most professional and informed manner- I am very happy to recommend you. Top notch.

Alison Goodman - Homeowner

“After being let down by another company I found BeamCalc on line who provided a quick and competitive quotation for the work I required. Rapid reply to my emails, and following a simple online payment system, the full beam calculation was provided was emailed to me.

When I discovered I had made a mistake in some information I provided, an amended calculation was sent to me without quibble or further fee. Excellent service and would recommend using BeamCalc.

Mr Butler - Homeowner

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