Each project is entirely bespoke, with the associated services provided by KBA tailored to suit each clients requirements.
Our process is flexible and really does depend on what you require and what you’re hoping to achieve. This is reflected in the tiers of service that we offer in our fee proposals.
Every project starts the same – with an initial conversation, during which we arrange to meet with you at your property – or virtually – to discuss your thoughts, ideas and budget.
We will be able to give you an idea of what is possible, as well as potential challenges. We approach all of our projects with openness – we will not simply tell you what you want to hear in order to win the project.
We will discuss time scales, cost, as well as talk about the various statutory obligations. We will also outline our role and what other consultants may be required.
Following this meeting, once we’ve gathered your brief, we would send you our Fee Proposal. The Fee Proposal includes your brief, details of our services, our costs and additional information that we think you may need to consider.
Following our appointment, we will arrange for a measured survey on your behalf, or we will undertake these measurements ourselves, to allow drawings of your existing property to be prepared and to gather information about your site.
We then prepare a number of initial sketch options and meet with you to discuss them. We bring sketch paper and pens to work through the options with you. Working with your feedback, we continue until we have a final developed design.
Once the layout, products and materials for the main built elements are agreed, we submit the proposals to the local authority for the planning or lawful development application.
Applications are usually determined within 8 weeks.
Once we have planning approval, it’s time to refine the drawings.
The building regulations information will be prepared based on the approved planning documents. A structural engineer will be required for this stage of work; we will advise if any other consultants are required. Together with the structural engineers drawings and calculations, a full plans building control application will be submitted to the local authority.
We work with the structural engineer and building control, to ensure that your project complies with the regulations. The application is usually determined within 5 weeks.
The basic package includes plans, sections, elevations and specification. If you would like us to, we can prepare electrical and lighting layouts as well as the interior design, including material sample boards. The more information that can be provided to the contractor, the more accurate their tender price will be.
For avoidance of risk it is usually best to commence this stage of work after the planning application is granted.
We will assemble a package of information for contractors to quote from and arrange the tender process.
We will help you select a contractor and will arrange for the construction contract between you and the contractor.
If you decide to manage the contractor directly, we can provide occasional site visits and be available on the phone. Alternatively, we can act as your agent and liaise with the contractor on your behalf, carrying out regular site inspections and administering the contract on your behalf.
