We've had quite a bit of debate on Linkedin regarding Cowboy Builders and what Architects and the industry can do to protect the Client.
What's your thoughts? Should we as architects be responsible for site inspection on EVERY project that goes through the warrant process?
Of course its extra money for our Clients but surely great peace of mind.
Please comment below.
Monday, 21 February 2011
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
Tuesday, 1 February 2011
Why An Architect Is Essential to the Success of your Commecial Construction Project
Commercial construction is a term that encompasses building a commercial unit from the ground up or taking an existing building and altering it to suit the needs of a new tenant. Under either definition an architect is an essential professional to have onboard the project from the very beginning.
At Block Architects we have extensive knowledge and experience in the field of commercial construction and along with our excellent customer care record we are an asset to have by your side during any type of commercial construction.
Building a unit from the ground up allows more freedom in design and method of construction. At Block Architects we are able to help you decide on the layout, point out any areas that need attention and keep the design logical as well as advising on construction materials. If for example you want a green commercial construction there are a variety of methods we will employ to achieve this and going green will have an impact on where and what materials can be used.
Commercial Construction - Going Green
In green commercial construction, speaking with an architect before choosing a plot of land will help make your choice the best one for your project. When designing green buildings architects tend to take inspiration from the area surrounding the built for example an inner city site may use a type of concrete that is mixed for its heat transferring properties where a more suburban site may require more use of natural materials such as wood or stone.
At Block Architects we understand all these aspects of green design and we work within the environs of the project to deliver our clients vision as closely as possible.
You should also carefully consider accessibility not only for future clients of your business but for construction materials. If materials have to be transported a great distance it could be argued that you project is not as green as you may think.
Inside your commercial construction there are a variety of ways to make your building green. Recycling grey water (waste water from wash hand basins) and rain water harvesting to use to flush toilets will make an impact on the environment and your water bill. Using solar panels to provide electricity will also impact your bills positively and in these methods and more Block Architects are able to guide you to what is best for your project.
Commercial Construction - Renovate and Revive
If your commercial construction project is to renovate an existing building again engaging Block Architects from the very beginning could save you a lot of time and money. We know if that wall can be moved, whether an RSJ will be required and how many toilets you will need to install.
Block Architects can help you plan the layout so that it is as efficient as possible for you and your staff and as pleasant as possible for future clients. We can advise on whether you need a full rewire or just partial, whether the windows need replaced or can be refurbished and where safety features such as fires doors are required.
As with a green new build commercial construction, when renovating an existing building, the materials used should be in harmony with the surroundings but also with the existing parts of the building. For example if you have a sandstone building then any extensions should be in sandstone, if the building is of red brick construction, then use red brick etc. In this way the building will retain some of it character and still blend with its surrounds.
New build commercial construction and renovation of existing commercial property both need planning permission and once again you will find the services of Block Architects essential. We have spent time gaining a good working knowledge of the ins and outs of the local planning and building control office and the relationships we have cultivated within both these areas of planning will be worth their weight in gold.
So whether you are considering a complete new build commercial construction or a revamping of an existing building getting Block Architects on board right from the beginning will ensure the very best outcome for your project.
For further information contact us using our online form or telephone Glasgow 0141 278 3632, Edinburgh 0131 278 0445 or Hamilton 01698 422 358 and arrange your FREE Consultation. Alternatively you can get a get a quote by completing our online form.
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At Block Architects we have extensive knowledge and experience in the field of commercial construction and along with our excellent customer care record we are an asset to have by your side during any type of commercial construction.
Building a unit from the ground up allows more freedom in design and method of construction. At Block Architects we are able to help you decide on the layout, point out any areas that need attention and keep the design logical as well as advising on construction materials. If for example you want a green commercial construction there are a variety of methods we will employ to achieve this and going green will have an impact on where and what materials can be used.
Commercial Construction - Going Green
In green commercial construction, speaking with an architect before choosing a plot of land will help make your choice the best one for your project. When designing green buildings architects tend to take inspiration from the area surrounding the built for example an inner city site may use a type of concrete that is mixed for its heat transferring properties where a more suburban site may require more use of natural materials such as wood or stone.
At Block Architects we understand all these aspects of green design and we work within the environs of the project to deliver our clients vision as closely as possible.
You should also carefully consider accessibility not only for future clients of your business but for construction materials. If materials have to be transported a great distance it could be argued that you project is not as green as you may think.
Inside your commercial construction there are a variety of ways to make your building green. Recycling grey water (waste water from wash hand basins) and rain water harvesting to use to flush toilets will make an impact on the environment and your water bill. Using solar panels to provide electricity will also impact your bills positively and in these methods and more Block Architects are able to guide you to what is best for your project.
Commercial Construction - Renovate and Revive
If your commercial construction project is to renovate an existing building again engaging Block Architects from the very beginning could save you a lot of time and money. We know if that wall can be moved, whether an RSJ will be required and how many toilets you will need to install.
Block Architects can help you plan the layout so that it is as efficient as possible for you and your staff and as pleasant as possible for future clients. We can advise on whether you need a full rewire or just partial, whether the windows need replaced or can be refurbished and where safety features such as fires doors are required.
As with a green new build commercial construction, when renovating an existing building, the materials used should be in harmony with the surroundings but also with the existing parts of the building. For example if you have a sandstone building then any extensions should be in sandstone, if the building is of red brick construction, then use red brick etc. In this way the building will retain some of it character and still blend with its surrounds.
New build commercial construction and renovation of existing commercial property both need planning permission and once again you will find the services of Block Architects essential. We have spent time gaining a good working knowledge of the ins and outs of the local planning and building control office and the relationships we have cultivated within both these areas of planning will be worth their weight in gold.
So whether you are considering a complete new build commercial construction or a revamping of an existing building getting Block Architects on board right from the beginning will ensure the very best outcome for your project.
For further information contact us using our online form or telephone Glasgow 0141 278 3632, Edinburgh 0131 278 0445 or Hamilton 01698 422 358 and arrange your FREE Consultation. Alternatively you can get a get a quote by completing our online form.
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Wednesday, 26 January 2011
The Importance Of Site Inspections
Today, I've returned from a property where the home owner has for several years entered lengthy debate with an Architect, Builder, Engineer and Surveyor regarding the ingress of water into her property.
I cannot go into specifics but wanted to state that the professionals and the builder all attempted to prevent water from entering the cavity of the house and thus eliminating the potential for the water ingress above her window specifically.
We on the other hand confirmed that the root of the problem was poor water proofing detailing above the window lintel and that regardless of trying to stop water entering the cavity that the priority needed to be to repair the defective detailing above the window thereby eliminating any chance of ingress should water still make it into the cavity.
Now you would think that is common sense but unfortunately there are many professionals out there who think that they know what they are doing 'because they've done it that way for the last 25 years!' whereas infact a good and professional architect who is working with everchanging planning policies and warrant regulations is at the 'coal face' and can very quickly guide all of the design team and contractor on the correct way to do things, particularly where changes occur in what is commonly understood to be 'best practice'.
I will leave you with a thought. If you were doing a self build and spending approx £150,000 - £200,000 please make sure your architect has the construction knowledge, detailing experience and ability to properly inspect a project on site. I know we do...
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I cannot go into specifics but wanted to state that the professionals and the builder all attempted to prevent water from entering the cavity of the house and thus eliminating the potential for the water ingress above her window specifically.
We on the other hand confirmed that the root of the problem was poor water proofing detailing above the window lintel and that regardless of trying to stop water entering the cavity that the priority needed to be to repair the defective detailing above the window thereby eliminating any chance of ingress should water still make it into the cavity.
Now you would think that is common sense but unfortunately there are many professionals out there who think that they know what they are doing 'because they've done it that way for the last 25 years!' whereas infact a good and professional architect who is working with everchanging planning policies and warrant regulations is at the 'coal face' and can very quickly guide all of the design team and contractor on the correct way to do things, particularly where changes occur in what is commonly understood to be 'best practice'.
I will leave you with a thought. If you were doing a self build and spending approx £150,000 - £200,000 please make sure your architect has the construction knowledge, detailing experience and ability to properly inspect a project on site. I know we do...
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Wednesday, 5 January 2011
Property Development in Scotland – The Role of an Architect
Property development is a multifaceted business encompassing the purchase of raw land through renovation of existing buildings to selling the finished project. There are many skills involved and anyone wanting to start property development in Scotland or indeed anywhere should seek out the right people to help them with their projects.
Knowledge is key at all stages of property development and carrying out research before jumping into a project will pay off in the long run. Building from scratch may work in one area while the demand for renovated properties may be high in another. Finding this out in the beginning can mean the success or failure of your project.
Once you have decided what form your project will take seeking out the best location for your property development is important. This is where it pays to start gathering a team of design professionals around you. Architects, builders, surveyors and town planners can be worth their weight in gold if you bring them on to a project early. They can use their local knowledge to save you from making costly mistakes.
One of the first design professionals to look for is your architect. Often architects have worked closely with town planners, builders and a variety of other professionals and trades people and have developed a rapport with them. Find your architect and quite often you have found your whole design team. At Block Architects we have good quality contacts with all the design professionals you will need to make your project a success.
Property development in Scotland falls under its own planning laws as does property development elsewhere in the UK and the world for that matter and for this reason it is best to seek out a professional architect in the location in which you want to develop. However there are basics that remain constant where ever you decide to develop. As Block Architects are based in the central belt we are ideally located to serve the whole of Scotland.
Being good at DIY around your own home and having a good eye for design does not make you qualified as a property developer. There are standards to be adhered to and legal requirements to follow. You should also take into account the reason behind your property development. If you are planning to rent the property then you may not want to spend a lot on a brand new kitchen but you will need to conform to standards set out by the government. This goes for your electrics as well. You should not, for example, attempt to rewire a property unless you are fully qualified to do so.
If you are planning to sell your property development then you may feel that you want to put in those extra touches. A brand new kitchen, new flooring and perhaps an attic conversion maybe just the details to make your property stand out and sell.
Having a good rapport with all your property professionals will help keep you on track for what you want to achieve. Putting too much of a personal touch on a property can put other people off. Your architect and other consultants will help you keep in mind why you are doing the development and steer you towards what will sell or rent your property and what will not. Block Architects are straight forward and we do not use jargon. We will give you the best advice possible so that you get the outcome you want from your property development project.
There is still money to be made in property development in Scotland and elsewhere but now more than ever it is important to have a team of professionals on hand. Having an architect that you can work with and build rapport as your lead consultant can make or break your project. Choose wisely and consider their fees as an investment not an expense.
So whether you are looking for a piece of land to build your new development on, you want to renovate an old building or simply refresh a tired property you will need a team on hand to help you achieve your dream. Property development in Scotland, England or anywhere that starts with an architect will have a good chance of ending in success.
Contact Block Architects today and give your property development, Scotland project the foundation it needs to be a success. Watch us as we deliver your vision…
Glasgow 0141 278 3632, Edinburgh 0131 278 0445 or Hamilton 01698 422 358
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Knowledge is key at all stages of property development and carrying out research before jumping into a project will pay off in the long run. Building from scratch may work in one area while the demand for renovated properties may be high in another. Finding this out in the beginning can mean the success or failure of your project.
Once you have decided what form your project will take seeking out the best location for your property development is important. This is where it pays to start gathering a team of design professionals around you. Architects, builders, surveyors and town planners can be worth their weight in gold if you bring them on to a project early. They can use their local knowledge to save you from making costly mistakes.
One of the first design professionals to look for is your architect. Often architects have worked closely with town planners, builders and a variety of other professionals and trades people and have developed a rapport with them. Find your architect and quite often you have found your whole design team. At Block Architects we have good quality contacts with all the design professionals you will need to make your project a success.
Property development in Scotland falls under its own planning laws as does property development elsewhere in the UK and the world for that matter and for this reason it is best to seek out a professional architect in the location in which you want to develop. However there are basics that remain constant where ever you decide to develop. As Block Architects are based in the central belt we are ideally located to serve the whole of Scotland.
Being good at DIY around your own home and having a good eye for design does not make you qualified as a property developer. There are standards to be adhered to and legal requirements to follow. You should also take into account the reason behind your property development. If you are planning to rent the property then you may not want to spend a lot on a brand new kitchen but you will need to conform to standards set out by the government. This goes for your electrics as well. You should not, for example, attempt to rewire a property unless you are fully qualified to do so.
If you are planning to sell your property development then you may feel that you want to put in those extra touches. A brand new kitchen, new flooring and perhaps an attic conversion maybe just the details to make your property stand out and sell.
Having a good rapport with all your property professionals will help keep you on track for what you want to achieve. Putting too much of a personal touch on a property can put other people off. Your architect and other consultants will help you keep in mind why you are doing the development and steer you towards what will sell or rent your property and what will not. Block Architects are straight forward and we do not use jargon. We will give you the best advice possible so that you get the outcome you want from your property development project.
There is still money to be made in property development in Scotland and elsewhere but now more than ever it is important to have a team of professionals on hand. Having an architect that you can work with and build rapport as your lead consultant can make or break your project. Choose wisely and consider their fees as an investment not an expense.
So whether you are looking for a piece of land to build your new development on, you want to renovate an old building or simply refresh a tired property you will need a team on hand to help you achieve your dream. Property development in Scotland, England or anywhere that starts with an architect will have a good chance of ending in success.
Contact Block Architects today and give your property development, Scotland project the foundation it needs to be a success. Watch us as we deliver your vision…
Glasgow 0141 278 3632, Edinburgh 0131 278 0445 or Hamilton 01698 422 358
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Monday, 3 January 2011
A family business we're happy to recommend
We are happy to recommend John Dick & Son because they do run a genuine sale with discounts on some of the best furniture on the market and, this family run business provide a level of customer service not often found in the furniture trade. If you do head along to take a look please make sure you let them know you read about the sale in the Block Architects blog.
The sales starts Monday 3rd Jaunary at John Dick & Son's showroom at
The PeelCarmunnock Bypass
Busby
Glasgow
G76 9HN
Tel: 0141 644 1115
You can get details of opening hours and directions here
You can also read the latest from John Dick & Son on their blog here
If you've found this post interesting please share it with your friends using the Facebook and Twitter buttons below, there's a good chance they will be interesting too. Although, we will understand if you want to get to the showroom yourself before you share it around!
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Don' forget to "Like" Block Architects Facebook Page here and you can "Like" the John Dick & Son Facebook Page here
We are happy to recommend John Dick & Son because they do run a genuine sale with discounts on some of the best furniture on the market and, this family run business provide a level of customer service not often found in the furniture trade. If you do head along to take a look please make sure you let them know you read about the sale in the Block Architects blog.
The sales starts Monday 3rd Jaunary at John Dick & Son's showroom at
The PeelCarmunnock Bypass
Busby
Glasgow
G76 9HN
Tel: 0141 644 1115
You can get details of opening hours and directions here
You can also read the latest from John Dick & Son on their blog here
If you've found this post interesting please share it with your friends using the Facebook and Twitter buttons below, there's a good chance they will be interesting too. Although, we will understand if you want to get to the showroom yourself before you share it around!
Tweet
Don' forget to "Like" Block Architects Facebook Page here and you can "Like" the John Dick & Son Facebook Page here
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