No, it’s not recommended. The Engineer has meticulously designed the structure, supported by thorough calculations, ensuring the capability to withstand all loadings on the new structure. Strict adherence to the design is imperative.

Foregoing a steel beam or column might seem like a cost-saving measure, but it comes with potential consequences.

Savings:

No, it’s not advisable. The client has selected specific sizes and quantities of skylights, which have already gained approval from the local authority. The chosen sizes are crucial for bringing in natural daylight into the loft space. After investing over £40,000+vat in their loft conversion, the client wouldn’t want a dark loft room.

Savings: 

No, it’s not recommended. The client has deliberately chosen brickwork, aligning with strict council design guidelines. Brickwork not only offers a more aesthetically pleasing finish compared to a blockwork render but is also maintenance-free. Deviating from the chosen brickwork to blockwork would compromise the design integrity and visual appeal.

Although switching to blockwork may reduce construction costs substantially, it contradicts the client’s preferences and the established design guidelines for the extension.

No, it’s not advisable. The design has been meticulously crafted to meet specific U-Values, particularly in light of recent changes to Approved Building Regulation documents, specifically Part L since June 15th. Adhering to the specifications outlined in the drawings is crucial for the homeowner to secure a final completion certificate of compliance.

Savings:

No, it’s not advisable to proceed without confirming planning permission. All design works, regardless of falling within Permitted Development, should be reviewed by planners for peace of mind. No design is deemed secure until a submission is made, and a final certificate of a planning decision is obtained. Despite the builder’s eagerness to start immediately, they lack planning expertise. A breach in planning control could result in the builder disappearing, leaving the homeowner to navigate the aftermath.

Our motto in the office is “NO DESIGN IS LAWFUL UNTIL PROVEN BY MEANS OF A SUBMISSION.” With 32 Boroughs in London, each planning system may interpret PD legislation differently. Assuming a design falls under PD is a risky gamble, as a case officer may interpret guidelines differently, leading to a refusal. Building without proper certification could invite Enforcement, resulting in significant financial loss.

Initiating works without necessary certification, such as planning permission or a certificate of lawfulness, is solely the homeowner’s responsibility. For a mere £103 and an 8-week wait, obtaining a certificate of lawfulness allows a council planner to check the design for compliance. If planning permission is needed, the process involves paying £206 and waiting 8 weeks for a decision.

No, it’s not recommended. The engineer has specifically designed the project using steel beams, and adherence to the provided drawings is crucial. Timber, with its different properties compared to stainless steel, weighing up to 90KG per meter, is not a suitable alternative. It’s essential to follow the specified drawings without any deviations.

Builders may suggest doubling up on timbers to cut costs, especially if they haven’t initially priced the job with steel beams. However, attempting such a substitution could lead to additional expenses later on. Steel beams and columns, while more expensive, are integral to the structural integrity of the project, ensuring safety and compliance with engineering standards.

No, raising the ridge of the house is generally not allowed under permitted development, and obtaining planning permission for such changes is rare, as it alters the street scene in the council’s perspective.

It’s crucial not to heed builders suggesting the idea of raising the ridge or extending further. Any alterations to extend outward or raise the ridge line risk putting the homeowner in breach of planning control, making them solely responsible for potential consequences.

No, it’s not recommended. If builders include this service, it’s essential to verify that the application has been properly registered. Some cases have seen inspectors not conducting necessary on-site inspections, putting the final build at risk of not receiving a completion certificate.

Avoiding payment for building control services might save the builder approximately £1000+vat, but this could jeopardize the homeowner’s experience, as witnessed in a few instances last year. It’s crucial to ensure all necessary inspections and certifications are carried out for a compliant and secure construction process.

No, it is not permissible. Builders must have engineering drawings with calculations for steel connection detailing before ordering or installing any steel beams or columns. This rule is well-known and universally understood. Guesswork by builders often results in inaccuracies, causing issues when building control requests engineering calculations. The engineer’s solution may differ, leading to complications and extra costs for the homeowner.

Some builders may try to avoid hiring an engineer to save money, assuming they won’t be asked for calculations by inspectors. However, inspectors eventually uncover these shortcomings. Investing in proper engineering calculations, which typically cost around £100+vat per beam or column element, is essential to avoid complications and ensure a successful construction process.

No, it is not acceptable. A reputable builder, when providing a quote, should request and review structural calculations to ensure accurate pricing, including beam sizes and connection details. Pricing a job without a complete design is unprofessional and can lead to significant issues. Homeowners may initially receive a quote, compare it with others, and later discover that the builder demands additional funds upon realizing incomplete or updated structural designs. This situation can cause panic and disruptions to the project.

Builders who claim that structural calculations should be included in the design are misinformed. The homeowner typically pays separately for engineering calculations, conducted by an experienced engineer, not the architect. If a builder fails to notice missing beam sizes or connection details on the drawings, it’s their responsibility. Homeowners should ensure these elements are in place before starting any project, as the design must be checked for compliance by the building inspector before work commences or materials are purchased.