Mission Statement

At HSB, we are dedicated to providing a superior professional service which co-ordinates the work of the Architect, the aspirations of the Client and the requirements of the Contractor.

Architectural Design

Architecture brings together the functional requirements of the user with the practical requirements of building construction.

Architecture encompasses technology, aesthetics, environmental design, human interaction and often complex processes which combine to provide a series of design challenges and compromises which affect the finished building.

As Architects with over 20 years experience, we seek to provide design solutions which are cost effective, functional and comfortable, and which will provide building users with pleasant and robust environments in which to live and work.

Cost Estimating Service - "Cost the dream"

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In conjunction with Travis Perkins Builders Merchants, we can NOW offer a Cost estimating Service which provides a detailed breakdown of estimated costs at an early design stage, based on our drawings and specifications of your project. For a small charge, typically around £50, we will provide an itemised estimate of all costs, laid out in build stages and produced within 10 working days. This allows you to plan your project finance and investment without the worry of surprise extras. Call us now or complete the online enquiry form for details of this service.

Condition Surveys

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Condition Surveys are an essential check before investing in property or considering a building project.

Increasingly, mortgage lenders are seeking independent confirmation of the status of alteration work carried out on existing properties.

Surveys for Valuation purposes carried out by mortgage agents will identify existing problems and defects, but are unlikely to suggest the possible solutions or implications of these.

We offer a Condition Survey service which can be as simple as an assessment of the existing property potential for improvement or extension, to a full survey covering every part of the building, including advice on Planning Applications and Building Regulations matters, including all discussions with the Local Authority and Development Control authorities.

We will identify items requiring specialist services and offer practical advice on costs and benefits, and can produce design options with costs if required. Proposals can range from a simple sketch scheme to full Planning Applications, Building Regulations Applications and construction drawings.

We are also able to advise and manage procurement of a Contractor through to inspections on site and during completion.

Why use an Architect?

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Architects are regulated by Law, and are registered and regulated in the UK by the Architects Registration Board. Anyone wishing to practice as an Architect is required to have passed certain examinations regulated by the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Professional Indemnity Insurance is compulsory for all UK registered Architects, and protects the Client from losses. More information about Architects is available on www.architecture.com

A flexible approach to building issues is essential to ensure the best use of resources and value for money, and an Architect will be able to suggest alternatives and improvements which often benefit the Client for little or small additional cost.

An Architect will advise on the feasibility and cost effectiveness of a building project, together with an assessment of the practicalities of the project. An Architect is able to see the project through from inception to completion, ensuring continuity and consistency.

Do I need Planning Permission?

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Certain building alterations are exempt from Planning Approval, this is termed Permitted Development. Most internal work does not require Planning Approval unless it constitutes a Change of Use, for example, changing a barn into a house, in which case, Planning Approval for Change of Use is usually required.

Properties located in Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings and any alteration which "materially affects the external appearance of a building" will normally require Planning Approval.

HSB Architects can complete all the drawings and information necessary for the Planning Application, and will deal with any queries or issues which require discussion with the Local Authority.

Future purchasers of properties and their legal agents will usually seek confirmation that Planning Approval has been obtained before purchasing property. Retrospective Planning Applications are possible, but these are risky and can result in alterations being demolished.

To apply for Planning Approval, drawings will need to be produced which show the building before alteration and after the work has been completed, together with forms giving information about the changes.

There is a fee payable to the Local Planning Authority at the time of submission.

Decisions can take many months but there is a Statutory obligation on the Planning Authority to respond within 8 weeks.

These PDF documents may be useful:

Do I need Building Regulations Approval?

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As buildings become more complex, and the requirements for safety and energy efficiency increase, legislation to control the quality and efficiency of buildings has become more onerous.

New legislation governing double glazing, gas appliances, sound and heat loss means that even a domestic extension can often be governed by several different pieces of legislation.

The main areas to which current Building Regulations apply are:

More information is available at www.odpm.gov.uk

To apply for Building Regulations Approval, drawings will need to be produced which show the technical detail of the proposed changes, together with forms giving information about the proposals.

HSB Architects can complete all the drawings and information necessary for the Building Regulation Application, and will deal with any queries or issues which require discussion with the Local Authority.

There is a fee payable to the Local Planning Authority at the time of submission (Plan Fee) and another during inspections (Inspection Fee)

Inspections are carried out by the Local Authority Inspector as the work progresses.