Customised Design Services

Design Consultation
The main purpose of this house plan website and publication is to provide you with a “fire side” illustrated document whereby you can view different designs and examine the pro’s and con’s of how they might best serve your needs. On viewing this publication and website www.planahome.ie you could expect to fall into one of the following categories:

1. If you are lucky and in the minority, you may well find a design that is just right or with some minor tweaks can perfectly meet your needs.
2. The vast majority of viewers would require either minor or major adjustments to designs, the most likely being that they like the overall look of the design, but require a major rearrangement of the internal layout.
3. In some cases the customer may want something unique and personal to their needs.

The good news is that through HMG Architects and CMG Architects we can provide any or all of these design and ancillary services that are required to see you project to a quality and trouble free conclusion.
On scheduling a design meeting you may wish to bring the following to assist.

A personalised wish list – A simple hand written list outlining rooms and anything personal to each room, don’t try to lay out the rooms yet. This could be assisted with a scrap book of pictures and idea’s that have inspired you.
Maps of site location – This is important, if we haven’t already visited the site, this information can be supported with photographs if desired.
Budget – If your budget has a ceiling it is important to know what that amount is. A brief discussion with your Bank should help clarify a “Ballpark” figure.

Site Analysis & Survey
We visit the site, observe gradients, orientation, adjoining structures, etc., and collect all data by means of a complete digital survey. This information is paramount in establishing design style, proper aspect, best views, creating best impression at entrance to site, relationship to adjoining structures, etc.
See Getting Started pages 6 & 7, Planning permission page 8 & 9 to identify some of the possible constraints that can restrict development on site.
Other information in relation to preparation of site maps for planning, deeds of transfer, information for tender purposes are also observed and recorded on site.

Planning Permission Applications
Provide comprehensive advice and assist in preparation and collation of all necessary planning documentation, planning drawings, site layouts, soil assessments, site notices, liaison with your local planning authority as required in the form of pre-planning enquiries, meetings, provision of additional information, negotiations, etc.

Working Drawings
After grant of planning, the planning drawings are then advanced to working drawings and specifications. These are to a standard that building contractors are fully aware of all details and finishes required, both for tendering and construction purposes, therefore eliminating unforeseen extras.

Tendering Procedures
A list of builders to tender is normally drawn up by agreement between the Architect and client. On receipt of tender it is important to carry out a tender analysis as in many cases some builders do not always adhere to the information supplied resulting in a lower but incomplete tender.

Quantity Surveying
Prior to finalising any design we strongly recommend that you avail of our Quantity Surveying Service. This runs in parallel with our Architectural service to establish construction costs and to highlight any design adjustments necessary to suit specific budgets. Having your scheme costs in advance eliminates surprises at tender stage and is a useful document when evaluating tenders, assessing interim payments and generally keeping tabs on the budget.

Supervision - The Complete Service
Supervision of any project is highly recommended as the unsuspecting client can easily be caught out by contractual loopholes or the unscrupulous builder.
Supervision involves constant liaison with contractors, client and other members of the design team to achieve the best results and make certain that all decisions and efforts expended during design are strictly enforced.
We ensure that all works and finishes are up to the highest standard and in compliance with Building Regulations, Planning and Mortgage Requirements.
In essence this service removes anxiety and responsibility from the client directly onto the Architects shoulders.

Structural Inspections – A Partial Service
If full supervision is not required, structural inspections are advisable and indeed a prerequisite for most mortgage companies. This involves:

Inspection of open foundation trenches.
Inspection of preparation of concrete ground floors.
Inspection of all roofing timbers and structures
Inspection at practical completion.
Other inspections may be carried out on the recommendation of the Architect or at the request of the Client

*These services are all inclusive within the full supervision package.

Housing Schemes
All or any of the above services can also apply to developers carrying out housing scheme projects. Many development projects would also encompass the use of our Graphic Department to prepare 3D modelling of scheme during design. This is a useful exercise in doing presentations for planning while backing up as a very powerful marketing tool also.
See HMG Architects and CMG Architects advert pg 158 for details of service and inside back cover for office locations in your area.