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Abstract illustration of construction price

When Will I Know Exactly What My New Home Will Cost?

As a construction project progresses through the architectural design process, the definition of the budget increases at key stages. At the earliest design stage, the budget begins as an architect’s estimate based on their experience working with similar projects. When design drawings are produced, they can be referred to a quantity surveyor for a cost plan to guide decisions in a more detailed way. Several builders may provide quotations for the work, which must be checked and may be subject to additional negotiation.

Rear Roofline Victorian Terrace with many Old Extensions and Structures

I am selling a house with an old extension; the solicitors have asked for “Architect’s Opinions on Compliance”. Can you do this?

This is an extremely common problem when selling any property built before 1990, frustrating many property transactions. There needs to be far greater awareness of this issue, particulalry among first time buyers and inexperienced investors. In short we need to do a days work to see if we can help you, and the biggest thing we can do for you is create a statement of the compliace status of the building or structure to properly inform the parties involved.

Attic Conversions- What You Really Need to Know

Attic conversions have always been a popular option for low cost storage space or another bedroom. The standard of construction was historically poor. Converting at attic to proper standards is not difficult, but it but it's no longer a "low cost" option. Beware of companies offering to convert your attic cheaply. They could create expensive and potentially dangerous defects.

Level 5 Restriction Site Visit Procedures Winter 2020

We have been working on the basis that construction and development services are currently considered essential under the government guidance...

Fully Socially Distanced Site Visit Procedure for Initial Consultations

In response to renewed Covid19 restrictions, we have developed a procedure for initial consultation site visits with no interpersonal contact.

DKAD Covid19 Procedure for Initial Consultation Service, Design Meetings and Meetings at Clients’ Homes

Covid19 and Social Distancing Procedures for Initial Consultation Service In response to the COVID 19 pandemic, we have adopted the...

Can I Extend and Renovate my “Fixer Upper” for €100,000? A First Time Buyer’s Renovation Budget Explained

In 2013, €100,000 was like a king’s ransom to most businesses in the Irish construction industry. Now clients approach us...

Why are Architectural Fees for “Tiny” Projects Prohibitively High?

We recently received a Quotation Request Form from a new client, relating to a really small front porch for their...

Various Forms Used During the Construction Process

Correct Flow of Information During Construction

The roles of all the parties working on the project are clearly defined in the building contract, and in the...

A Typical Site Inspection

What Does the Architect Do During Construction? Construction Stage Services FAQ

First – time clients are often confused about what we architects do during construction. Architects do not direct day to...

It’s Time to Focus on The Customer Experience of Home Renovation

Our new assessment process for selecting building contractors should reward the companies who can provide a great service to our...

Choosing a Building Contractor- Your 30 Point Checklist for a Positive Customer Experience

We put a lot of work into improving our clients’ experience of the design and construction process, and the choice...

File Naming Convention Diagram

Understanding Construction File Naming Codes on DKAD Drawings

This page contains tables to explain the codes on our drawings. Our drawings use a recognised standard for file naming,...

8 Reasons why you can no longer build a house without professional services.

8 Reasons why you can no longer build a house without professional services.

A new client recently asked if it was possible just to hire an architect for design and planning permission stages,...

Paperwork for use onsite must be quick, concise and effective

10 Cheap and Easy Things a Small Builder Can Do for a Better Customer Experience

There are three tiers of building contractors at the SME scale and what separates them is not their knowledge of...

10 Easy Steps for a Fantastic Home Renovation Experience

It’s possible that these simple measures could add 15%- 20% to the construction budget, but they have the potential to...

How to Prepare for Your DKAD Simon Open Door Consultation

This page helps you to prepare, gather information and get the most from your short charity consultation. If you have already...

We’ve Decided to Hire an Architect for Our Home. How Do We Get Started? Architectural Practice FAQ

Click Here to Book a Consultation A new client contacted us by email, to ask how much it costs for...

“How Will Our Design Process Work?” A Design Process Storyboard for a Small Dining Room Extension. Architectural Practice FAQ

Nearly all our domestic clients are new to the architectural design process, to describe the service they’ll receive we like...

Our Planning Stage Apartment Design Portfolio

Our Planning Stage Apartment Design Portfolio

Diarmuid Kelly has prepared drawings for the design of several apartment buildings; these drawings were prepared under the direction of...

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