Commercially Aware - Block Architects, Scotland

I've returned today from the self build house site in Broxburn and had an interesting chat with the Project Manager, who introduced a development opportunity to me and wanted to pick my brain on what's happening in the market place. He commented: 'I'm asking you this Kenneth because you are commercially aware.'

Now there are many Architects out there who could and would take offence to this but not me! I love that Clients appreciate and ask for my advice based on an understanding of what's going on in the commercial market place. I have never adopted the attitude that I will only do design projects infact most of the work I accept on behalf of blockARCHITECTS has a commecial focus and not a design focus.

I believe that the provision of an exemplary set of construction drawings based on a design which is market ready is just as important to the process of delivery than ensuring an award winning design.

That said design is important and where possible ie where the site justifies it and where the Client can budget accordingly certainly justifies good design even award winning design.

So there you have it. We are commercially aware.

Billions of pounds of schools and health projects frozen - Building

Billions of pounds of schools and health projects frozen - Building

The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, SECC Glasgow 15-16 May

Hey, its nearly the weekend and its getting close to the Show

Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, SECC Glasgow, 15 - 16 May 2010.

The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show is the ideal place to get in touch with Scotland's self-build experts, and the best way to source all the products, services and advice you need whether you're building your own home, renovating or carrying out home improvements.

Experts will be on hand to offer free guidance and support to those looking to make their first home alterations through to those seasoned professionals in the art of self build.You'll be able to attend free seminars and masterclasses presenting practical advice from finding building plots to energy effeciency methods plus so much more.

Top reasons to attend the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show:
The right products at the right price - There are over 140 exhibitors showing the latest products, innovations and services - of which 20% are new to the show. Do all your fact finding in the one day.
Inspiration for potential house designers - With hundreds of different designs on show, you'll find plenty of ideas to give your home the individuality and flair that reflects your personal taste.
Keeping on time and on budget - It can be done. Our free Seminars and Masterclasses detail how to keep a tight rein on costs and schedules.
Getting planning permission - At our Seminars you'll learn the right way to deal with the various authorities and avoid the pitfalls that can delay your project.
Something for building professionals too - There is a range of innovative solutions to help builders and small developers improve profitability, whilst managing projects efficiently.
Ask the Experts- as well as presenting free daily seminars our Homebuilding & Renovating magasine experts will be on hand on stand 445 to offer you advice, guidance and support.
Ask the Architects - Save £100's on consultancy fees visit stand 530.
Book Tickets Now for the Homebuilding & Renovating Shows

View our sister site for the UK's bestonline news, views and advice www.homebuilding.co.uk

Self Build Strathaven, Even More Images

Just back from Strathaven again today and have taken a few more pictures. Follow the complete house build photo library here

Strathaven Self Build. Image Updates

The build at Strathaven is progressing at quite a pace. These are the photographs from last week and I hope to take more tomorrow when I am on site. Find out more about self build at
http://www.blockarchitects.co.uk/self-build-homes/info_39.html

New Build House, Uphall, Broxburn

I wanted to write today to let you all know that at block architects we have and can assist with the certification of your new build even when we have not designed the house through our company. Our Clients on this project Mr & Mrs Swanston received a very good drawing package from their Building Consultant who was unable to certify the build due to the fact that the Consultant did not have adequate PII cover.

The main contractor being a great Advocate of our business invited us to act on behalf of the Client who accepted our fee proposal to certify the build. This involves 8-10 site visits at key intervals throughout the build:-

• Site Scrape


• Foundation Trenches


• Visual Drainage Inspection


• Foundations


• Timber Kit Erection


• Windows Door and Roof Coverings


• External brick or block


• First Fix


• Completion

Following key site inspections at the above stages we will Certify the build esuring that the banks interest is looked after as well as that of the Client's interest.

Our Certification covers the build post 6years from construction. Now in theory there should be little to no come back on this certfication process as the build has been inspected regularly.

Where does this differ to e.g NHBC sign off. Well they are similar however I know from previous experience that NHBC do not necessarily conduct the same number of site visist as I would. The only draw back with this is that if something should go wrong with the build with NHBC cover that they will fix it but to my knowledge do not compensate for the heartache of post construction repair and remedial works.

In my opinion it's always good to get an Architect or Project Manager involved in the inspection stages. Make sure that the Professional has adequate cover.

If you want to find out more about this you can contact us through our official web page or please feel free to contact me by email

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