Frequently Asked Questions
|
Here are answers to some questions you might be thinking about asking me but if you still can’t see an answer then give me a ring on the telephone number shown at the bottom of this page.
|
I like what I have seen on your website. What do I do now?
Best way is to get in contact with me by telephone to have a brief discussion. Otherwise send me an email with a short description of your potential project and I can then ring you back if your email includes your telephone contact details.
Are you local?
I live and work in Canterbury. It is always best to ring me on my mobile number as I normally have this with me if I am away from my desk.
I just want some preliminary advice before going any further
We can discuss this in principle during a telephone conversation and I am also available to give you clear and common sense advice for a modest cost during an arranged meeting at your house (or the project location) which I will then confirm in a written summary to you.
For many residential projects an approximate cost is £150 but this will vary depending on travel distance from Canterbury and if the advice required is particularly complex or if the project is considerable in size. The cost for this initial consultation is normally deducted from a future invoice for my work if the project develops further.
For many residential projects an approximate cost is £150 but this will vary depending on travel distance from Canterbury and if the advice required is particularly complex or if the project is considerable in size. The cost for this initial consultation is normally deducted from a future invoice for my work if the project develops further.
Are you VAT registered?
Fortunately no at present. So if you are also not registered yourself then this will currently save 20% compared to another architect who is VAT registered and must therefore charge accordingly.
I only have a limited budget. Can I afford an architect?
It is sometimes difficult to make very clear that an architect could / can / will save you up to the whole of their fee by carefully assessing genuine costs rather than the way some builders might quote you when an architect or surveyor is not involved. Careful design decisions as to how to best resolve your brief is another example of this. But if your budget is so limited to the point that you can’t afford my fee then you certainly won’t be able to afford the builders bills for all the much more costly construction work. Best to have an initial discussion with me in the context of your available funds.
If I change my mind will there be a cancellation fee?
No. Under all normal circumstances I will only charge for the time I have already spent (the work I have already finished) and any outstanding expenses incurred on your behalf.
Can you organise getting building regulations approval?
Yes. I have much experience in submitting for building regulations consent, liaising with building inspectors to resolve site based issues and also briefing structural engineers for their work. Most building projects will involve sizing foundations, floor & roof joists and lintols etc all of which are the specialist knowhow of a qualified structural engineer.
Can you advise on builders?
Yes. I have a network of small builder’s who have undertaken work for previous clients of mine so have a good understanding of their specialist skills. Most projects include all trades but your particular project might have for instance a lot of timber work repairs or perhaps oak roof truss replacements. In this situation a builder who has apprenticed in joinery, rather than say stone carving, would be preferential. I ring around my contacts and establish availability because many local builders only take on one or two jobs at a time.
I have seen some disasters on the Grand Designs programme when the client tries to manage the builder. Do you do the project management?
Yes I do but many of my clients wish me to oversee planning and building regulation consents and they then take on the building work project management themselves. It depends how complicated the project is and how familiar the client is with the builder. If so wished then quite simple projects with a reliable builder might be fairly easy to manage yourself. Just remember that good Project Management is solving potential problems before they happen. Trying to resolve a problem after it has happened is not good Project Management!
Do you hold insurance?
Yes. I hold professional indemnity insurance (PII) and with each new commission I review the insurance cover limit.
Architects are often shown as being a bit pompous and sometimes living in their ‘ivory tower’. How do I know that you’re not?
I am well aware of this assertion and endeavour to be both as ‘approachable as possible’ and of the ‘real world’. Current clients will confirm.
Can I ring you evenings and at weekends?
Many of my clients work during the day so, by prior appointment, I do arrange to have client meetings during the evening and at weekends. But unless it is extremely urgent I would prefer telephone calls during daytime hours of my working week. You can always leave a voicemail message on my mobile or send an email or text and I will quickly get back to you.
