The RIBA/RIAS Must Take Building Control To Task

Are we the only Architects who feel that the Scottish Building Control Regulations are just too onerous? We have just been asked to provide a 1:5 detail of an intumescent collar in a garage roof!

We are constantly finding that the Building Control Regulations are more and more demanding with reference to the information that they can ask for. We have no issue whatsoever with issuing a full set of Construction Drawings to Building Control but this is outwith the 'Plan of Work'. Surely the RIBA and RIAS should remind the SBSA that Architects have a Stages of Work Plan (RIAS/RIBA Stages A-K). Our whole industry apparently conforms to this but not Planning & Building Control.

We think it is about high time that the RIBA/RIAS get more involved when the SBSA is writing policy or frankly the RIBA/RIAS may soon realise that it is Planning and Building Control who are calling the shots. It certainly seems close to this right now!

Christmas Is Coming and Fast But What About Your Drawings?

Just another quick and polite reminder to let you all know that if you want to get started a small house extension or attic conversion build in the Spring then time is running out BUT if you get your drawings lodged with the Council before Christmas then this is your best chance. For more information and help Telephone 01698 422 358 or email kmartin@blockarchitects.co.uk

Managing Your Client's Expectations.

You know I am a great believer in Client Service and Customer Satisfaction. Infact satisfaction is a poor word. I believe that Clients when they have received our service should be Delighted with the service that they have received from us. Now delivering any project is a complex process and quite often the 'stages' get out of sync from the normal procedural process and on this basis it's up to us to try and keep all the balls juggling in the air and then landing in the correct order. It's quite a skill which often goes unnoticed by the Client however at the end of the day that's why the Client approaches us in the first instance.

In order to achieve clarity it is important to manage the Client's expectations from the start and that often means 'positioning them'. This basically means that after you have had an initial meeting with block architects and we have listened to your requirements, that we then have to explain any challenges that we foresee with the project whether that be a planning issue, building warrant issue or even cost issue. This is positioning. Putting you the Client in a place where you hopefully understand the delivery process, timescales and likely costs. However you need to remember that a project can involve many people and organisations some of which don't always meet in the middle and on this basis it can quite often be the case that projects suffer at some level, hopefully minor.

Now what happens when it goes wrong? I believe that we are great communicators and mostly we do get the necessary information to the Clients that they require but sometimes the Client doesn't listen/understand properly what is being suggested to them or sometimes they don't quite understand the jargon associated with our industry. It's important that on these occasions that You the Client ask the 'silly' question. It benefits everyone if this is the case.

You will see from our web page a selection of the many Testimonials that we receive from our Clients, but occasionally we do get the odd gripe. I personally deal with all dissatisfied Clients and take their complaints personally to the extent that I will resolve them if an issue can be resolved. This said we occasionally get absolutely silly complaints and whilst we try to deal with them in a professional and curteous manner I would suggest that Client's beware. We are professionals who have much experience in the indusrty and we do not suffer fools gladly.

Now that we have set out the Rules of the Game, lets Build...

How to Succeed in Your Home-Based Business - For Dummies

Please I want anyone, Architect or Not to Offer some comments on this Concept...

Initially Block Architects was established with a view to establishing a Home Office Model. The Concept of the business was to maximise on profitability by cutting overheads and allowing Experienced Architects with say 5 years post Part III qualifications to effectively work under the same branding and deliver consistent services with projects up to £2m construction cost.

I envisaged that a team of 20 Architects working throughout Scotland would be able to deliver a Service to any Client in Scotland including the Highlands & Islands and outer Coastal Extremities.

This Concept would be backed up by a Head Office Support Team who would carefully manage the brand however Individual Architect's would be responsible for their own businesses within the brand.

So what then are the advantages to the Architects for this type of model:-

1. Part of a bigger brand therefore not as isolated...
2. Opportunity to cross sell projects and cross generate business leads with Partnering Architects...
3. Tap into a Network of Specialist Advice from your Partnering Architects...
4. Receive regular CPD training...
5. Larger brand would make it easier to tap into Local Authority Contracts...
6. A Head Office who can offer general business support ie holiday cover and answering phones...
7. An opportunity to generate more wealth whilst being market competitive...
8. A FAR GREATER QUALITY OF LIFESTYLE...

Since conceptualising the business I moved the business out of the house and grew a small Local Office and whilst this brings its advantages it also has its disadvantages.

Will the changing market place make Architect's more interested in this Business Model?

How to Succeed in Your Home-Based Business - For Dummies

Architects Inspection Certificate

I have literally just received another call from a person who is looking to purchase a self build which does not have NHBC or an Architect's Inspection Certficate. Simply the Bank Lender will not consider lending on a property which cannot be proven to be build to an acceptable standard.

This seems to be a recurring subject over the last 2-3 months. I have never seen it on this scale before! Perhaps its simply that the Banks are tightening up on their systems and procedures?

Has anyone had any similar experiences? I would love to know.

CPD Training - Fakro Roof Windows

Today the Team at block architects received their CPD Certificates from Fakro. block architects attended a CPD which covered Roof Windows, Emergency Escape Windows and Loft Ladders.

We would highly recommend to anyone that you Consider and Investigate Fakro for your Roof lights. They have what would appear on the face of it to be a fantastic product.

Completion Certificate Reinvestigated

Every week we are now asked by prospective clients to assist them with the sale of their properties by preparing drawings in retrospect.

On this basis I would like to bring to your attention the following scenarios and highlight the simple mistakes made by the prospects.

Attic Conversion to Storage Room - This particular enquiry came when a Prospect advised that they did some time ago convert their attic into a Storage Room. Our understanding is that they contacted the local Planning Department who told them that they did not require planning permission for an attic conversion. This of course is absolutley correct and the Client proceeded as informed by the local Planning Department, however when it came to selling the property they were then advised that a Building Warrant Application was required. PLEASE remember everyone that the Planning Department and Building Control Departments are both different in their role, performance and function and that it is not the Planning Department's responsibility to advise on whether or not a Building Warrant is required. Also, it is not appropriate to take your builder's advise on these matters. You should seek professional advice from a professional Architect who can inform you of the steps that you are require to take to ensure that the works you are undertaken are done legally with the proper consents in place.

Attic Conversion to Useable Bedroom in retrospect - At block architects we try as much as possible to avoid thse projects. Quite simply we find that many Clients embark on this process but do not take professional advise regarding the strengthening of roof timbers or proper specification of wall and roof insulations. On the few occasions that we have agreed to take on these projects it's with the Prospect's express understanding that they may have to and are willing to strip out all of the works completed and to start from scratch. Again Seek professional advice! In the end up you could spend DOUBLE your budget just to correct or undo works that have not been done to the Council's satisfaction. We are finding more an more that Certficates of Comfort are not being issued. It is the Council's view that you need to get your projects up to scratch!

Garage Conversion to Useable Room - This is a favourite one of mine because its the easiest to get right which means that its the easiest to get wrong also. We recently had a Client's builder call to suggest that he was going to send us a drawing and tell us how to do a drawing based on a garage conversion that he did in the past which of course was of little likeness to the Garage we were now trying to convert. On this basis we need to remind the Builder that it is our responsibility to provide a set of drawing which comply with the current building Standards. Its the Builder's responsibility to follow this and not make it up as he goes along.

Block Architects Deliver Before Christmas

Many People do not understand the process of commencing a project on site. Its not as simple as phoning your Architect now and thinking that you can get started on site as soon as Christmas is over.

If you are in a position where you would like to start your Project in The Spring then you really do need to get the Architectural Process Started NOW ie in November. To find out more about the Architectural Process Click Here..

FACEBOOK

We have just created a Fan Page on Facebook where you can link in with business contacts who are right into social media and are interested in keeping up with minute by minute updates re block architects. Become a Facebook Fan of Block Architects.

Scottish Building Federation calls for VAT cut to boost building | News | Construction News

Scottish Building Federation calls for VAT cut to boost building News Construction News

I thing that VAT should be reduced and cash in hand 'cowboy' builders need to be reigned in. This might be a first step...

CIPS: Construction contracts for 20th month running | News | Construction News

CIPS: Construction contracts for 20th month running News Construction News