WORKING WITH CWA
Getting started
At the start of each project, Chris will visit you on site to talk about your requirements for the commission, the type of service you need, and to walk the site with you. This meeting usually last about an hour and there is no charge. Following this you will receive a fee proposal (including details of any likely statutory fees applicable) which you will be asked to confirm that you are happy to accept. This will be the basis of your appointment with CWA. If the project and site are relatively straightforward, Chris will then make a basic survey of the site, or he may advise that a professional survey is necessary.
​
Design and Planning
Once the survey is complete, the initial design can begin. Chris will discuss options with you, sketch these out for you to review, and advise on the need for planning consent for each. Once a preferred design is agreed, Chris will advise on the most appropriate route to planning if appropriate; sometimes it is wise to seek pre-application advice from the local authority for which there is a small statutory fee. Once the route to planning is agreed, Chris will draw up the agree design to 1:100 scale and submit the planning application on your behalf if necessary. The planning authority then has 8 weeks to consider your application.
​
Tender and Construction Information
Chris will advise on the need for other professional appointments, such as structural engineer and a quantity surveyor and will coordinate and integrate their input into the overall design.
Once planning consent has been received, Chris will prepare a Building Control Application, usually consisting of 1:50 plans, elevations and sections, together with a short Building Control report.
Once the building control application is submitted Chris can begin work on a more detailed set of information sufficient for contractors to give an accurate tender price. This should normally allow a fixed price to be agreed with a builder for construction and basic finishing.
​
On site
Once the builder has been chosen, Chris will prepare the building contract and arrange for it to be signed and copies distributed. Chris will oversee your project during construction, liaising between you and the builder, visiting site as necessary, and helping you to make detailed decisions which will arise. Any necessary additional information to allow the builder to complete the project will be provided. Chris enjoys the detail of each project, as it is at this level that the required quality is achieved.
​
After handover
Once the builder has completed the project, Chris will visit site with you, and if necessary compile a list of defects or outstanding work which needs to be dealt with. The builder will then usually have 6 months to rectify any issues.
​
​
​
