Auto CAD Design


Affinity Contracts provides a design service covering various elements of design which include:
Extensions, Alterations and Remodelling, Kitchen and Bathroom Design and Garage Conversions

For extensions and some alterations Planning Permission and Building Regulations will be required which we will take you through with our five stage process.

Stage 1 - Initial Consultation



Stage 1
Initial Consultation


There is no charge for the initial consultation where we discuss your ideas and brief. We offer advice on the feasibility and issues surrounding your intended scheme. Issues the will be discussed include requirement for planning permission as this is not always required as permitted development rights may permit you intended scheme.
Following this consultation we may carry out further investigation with the local authority to ascertain the schemes likelihood of approval.
Once this information is completed we will issue a fee proposal to carry out design development to the brief that has been discussed. 



Stage 2
Survey


Stage 2 - Survey

Should you proceed and appoint us as your design service we will arrange for a measured survey of the property to enable the production of a scheme design in line with the brief.
Once the drawings  of the scheme design have been completed we will issue these to you for your approval / comment.



Stage 3
Produce Drawings


Stage 3 - Produce Drawings

Once you have approved the design proposals detailed plans are drawn for you to approve



Stage 4
Submit Plans


Stage 4 - Submit Plans

Approved drawings are submitted to the local authority planning department for their approval.
The application will be completed by Affinity Contracts forwarding: plans, elevations, site location and any other supporting documentation required.
At this stage the application fee payable to the local authority will be required before the application can be processed. These fees are rates set by government .
The application will be validated and consultation period will begin.



Stage 5
Building Regulations


Stage 5 - Building Regulations

When the plans are approved by the local planning department the building regulation drawings and specifications can be produced and submitted to the local Building Control Department for their approval. Please note that all extensions, conversions and structural alterations require this approval.
At this stage structural calculations for alterations to structural elements may be required. We do not directly supply these calculations but are happy to provide quotations for this service from other parties.
Other considerations within the process that should be noted include:

Planning Permission:
During the consultation and publicity process notification letters will be sent to parties with boundaries directly abutting the intended scheme allowing them to make comment on the application. This is time bound (21 days) to put into writing to the planning department. 
Building Regulations:
Building regulations are a set of standards that are applied and enforced through Building Control. The local authority officer will visit site as work proceeds at relevant stages to ensure that the standards required by technical guidance documents are being adhered to.
Party Wall Issues:
Party wall Act legislation is in place to protect neighbouring property from any damage resulting in the construction work being carried out.
This act covers work to walls shared, excavations and construction of foundations close to neighbouring properties.
You will be required to give notice of intended work and would be wise to gain their written permission 2 months prior to commencement of works if they have no objections. If no agreement can be made you will need to commission a party wall award.
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015)
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) are the main set of regulations for managing the health, safety and welfare of construction projects. It is the law that applies to the whole construction process on all construction projects, from concept to completion what each duty holder must or should do to comply with the law to ensure projects are carried out in a way that secures health and safety. During the consultation process this will be discussed to outline client duties and responsibilities and how to proceed with this regulation.