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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.

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...

Choosing a Builder 6- Setup and Accreditation

This post is part of a series of 6 listing 30 checks to consider when selecting a building contractor.  Contractors...

Choosing Your Builder 5- Achieving Quality

This post is part of a series of 6 listing 30 checks to consider when selecting a building contractor.  Quality...

Choosing Your Builder 4- Resources for Getting the Job Done

This post is part of a series of 6 listing 30 checks to consider when selecting a building contractor.  At...

Choosing Your Builder 3- Resources for Customer Service

This post is part of a series of 6 listing 30 checks to consider when selecting a building contractor.  Most...

Choosing Your Builder 1- Essential Intangible Qualities

This post is part of a series of 6 listing 30 checks to consider when selecting a building contractor.  Every...

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...

Choosing Your Builder 2- Management of Time and Money

This post is part of a series of 6 articles listing 30 checks to consider when selecting a building contractor. ...

Mechanical and Electrical Consultant- Your Design Team FAQ

Mechanical and Electrical Consultant- Your Design Team FAQ

When construction professionals talk about “M&E” in a domestic project, this probably refers to the “plumbing” and “electrics”. In a...

Professional Services Illustration

Design Team FAQ- Did we describe your role correctly? Feedback welcome

Over the last few days, we have posted brief descriptions of each design team role for our blog readers, many...

Assigned Certifier- Your Design Team FAQ

Assigned Certifier- Your Design Team FAQ

The Assigned Certifier is a registered professional appointed by a building owner to organise inspections and certify a building’s compliance...

Quantity Surveyor Illustration

Quantity Surveyor- Your Design Team FAQ

The role of the QS is described elsewhere on this site in some detail. Please see our FAQ section on...

Interior Architect- Your Design Team FAQ

Interior architects are differentiated from interior designers by the fact that they often assume a broader role than aesthetic design,...

Some Other Construction Service Providers

In addition to the roles and professions listed in this FAQ section, a large number of people provide design services...

Different projects need different skills and services- your architect will help you decide

What Professionals do I need and When? Your Design Team FAQ

This is a very basic list of your professional services needs for a home renovation project; please read the descriptions...

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