At BRD Tech we can assist you in all aspects of the design and building process, from initial concept, to handing you the keys to the front door of your dream home.
From design to build
Design of your project
We can assist you in the design of your project by working to your brief and preparing preliminary sketches for your approval.
We will advise you on the best way to approach the design and work with you to achieve a design that is acceptable to you and will hopefully, be acceptable to the Planning Authority / Local Conservation Officer.
We have no ‘in-house’ style, although it is fair to say that we have concentrated more on local vernacular styles with our residential schemes and extensions. We have been able to explore more contemporary styles of architecture with the developments we have worked on in London.
Planning applications
We have worked within the Planning System successfully for many years and are very experienced when dealing with local Planning Officers and Conservation Officers.
Once we have agreed a design we will prepare the final drawings and submit a planning application on your behalf, along with a Listed Building Consent, if required.
Planning applications can be very complicated and may require input from a variety of specialists and professionals in order to be successful. At BRD Tech we can advise which additional services may be required and liaise directly with them to submit a comprehensive application. The Specialists with whom we consult regularly include flood risk assessors, surveyors, landscape architects, Ecologistand archaeologists.
Building Regulations
The Building Regulations are a set of technical standards which relate to nearly all building work which takes place in the UK.
They are separate from the Planning Permission process and usually consider different aspects of a development.
The Building Regulations are a Statutory Instrument produced by Parliament and are in place to ensure minimum standards in buildings for health, safety, energy conservation and access. These technical requirements are given as broad functional requirements which are open to interpretation.
Guidance is given in the form of Approved Documents divided into subject areas:
- Part A – Structural Safety
- Part B – Fire Safety
- Part C – Resistance to Moisture and Weather
- Part D – Toxic Substances
- Part E – Resistance to Sound
- Part F – Ventilation
- Part G – Hygiene
- Part H – Drainage and Waste Disposal
- Part J – Heat Producing Appliances
- Part K – Protection from Falling
- Part L – Conservation of Fuel and Power
- Part M – Access to and Use of Buildings
- Part N – Glazing Safety
- Part P – Electrical Safety
Adherence to the guidance given in the Approved Document is a way of showing compliance although alternative solutions are permitted through consultation with the Building Control body.
Building Regulations are under constant review with new guidance on conservation of fuel and power and new requirements for water conservation expected in 2010.
All controllable building work must have a valid application in place prior to commencement. Historically the Local Authority provided Building Control services, but now this market has been opened up to the private sector as well. Known as Approved Inspectors, these companies and individuals act as the Building Control Body and provide approvals and inspections.
BRD Tech is happy to work with all Building Control Bodies and have joined the Local Authority Partnership Scheme. Here we have partnered with Uttlesford District Council who can provide Building Control services for our projects regardless of where they are in the country. We have found the strong professional relationship which has developed, has benefitted our clients with a consistency of approach and a greater quality and speed of service.
More information regarding the Building Regulations can be found on the Planning Portal website.
Contract administration
BRD Tech has the capacity to move the development from the design phase to the construction phase.
Once we have obtained the Local Authority approvals and approval under the Building Regulations, we can prepare working drawings, tender documents and a full specification. These are used to obtain tenders for the work from suitable contractors and once the tenders are received we will prepare a tender analysis and assist you in the selection of a contractor. A JCT standard building contract is then prepared for all parties to sign which will set out the scope of the works and the way it is to be managed.
When work commences regular site meetings are held to monitor the progress of work and these are fully minuted. In this way any proposed revisions to the scheme can be effectively controlled and costed. BRD Tech will act as the client’s representative in day to day dealings with the appointed contractor. Such dealings will include payments; BRD Tech will ensure that these are only authorised for surveyed and valued work carried out. For the client’s peace of mind we will issue payment certificates, which clearly state the amount of money that needs to be paid to the contractor on a prior arranged monthly or fortnightly basis.
When the project is deemed to be complete we will issue a Certificate of Practical Completion. This will commence a defect liability period, usually of 12 months, where the building is monitored and any defects arising will be carried out by the contractor. It is usual for the client to retain 2 ½% of the contract sum for this period to cover the cost of any works.
