A Client Guide - Homes
At MMA, we are committed to delivering a client focused service, and we look forward to working with you to develop and deliver your aspirations. As architects we are adept at identifying your needs, whilst adding imagination and style.
Taking on a building project, regardless of scale, can feel overwhelming. However, MMA are able to support you through the whole journey. Our goal is to foster open communication and to develop a trusting working relationship in order to deliver a successful project.
Throughout the process, we aim to add value by taking the time to discuss your vision, budget and professional resources required.
We pride ourselves on being approachable, and believe that “there’s no such thing as a stupid question”!
The Brief.
Every project starts with a clear brief - recording the purpose intentions, schedule, site and budget. If you don’t have one, we’ll help create it.
We’ll keep you updated with drawings for discussion and approval throughout the design phase. Early collaboration ensures the project stays on track.
The Budget.
Construction cost and overall budget for the project are not the same. The overall budget will include all professional and legal fees and expenses, the statutory charges for applications for planning consent and building warrants, a contingent sum for unforeseen events and other costs such as furniture, equipment, land acquisiion, finance charges and VAT, in addition to the construciton costs.
Design Team.
The scale of the project will determine what other consultants services may be required to progress the deisgn stage. For small scale projects, even minor alterations, a certificate from the structural engineer will be required for submission as part of the building warrant application. MMA can advise onthe need for other consultants, any other consultants are directly appointed by the client.
The Contractor & Construction Cost.
Once the design process has been concluded, any approvals in place and detailed drawings have been produced these then out to tender. Depending on the size of the project a ‘bill of quantities’ will be prepared by a cost consultant. The contractors should price against each item, based on how long it will take to complete each item, cost of materials, overheads and a percentage profit. There is no ‘proper price’ for a building, only what a given contractor decides at one particular point in time.
To estimate how much a building will cost at an early stage in the design requires skill, expertise and knowledge of the market. Absolute precision is impossible.
For small projects a bill of quantities may not be necessary, we can advise on a project by project basis.
