June/July 2012 - Building Construction Design

26
Interiors
Tip 3 – The design
Building for yourself requires passion, time and
energy, as well as good management skills and a
huge amount of forward planning. The best and
cheapest builds are those that take years to plan
and only months to build. The early stages of the
project are crucial because at this point the architect
translates dreams into elevations and the planners
have their say. Finding the right architect or
package build company is so important. Work with
someone who has relevant experience and sympathy
for your ideas. Interview architects and visit
package build companies. Look at examples of
their work and choose the one you get on with and
who shares your view of the world.
Tip 4 – Planning permission
To get planning permission your design needs to fit
into the landscape and local building pattern. You
may need to do some persuading. It can be a
good idea to take photographs of the neighbourhood
to show the local styles to support your case.
It may be worth contacting a planning consultant
if you want to build in a particularly sensitive area.
www.buildingconstructiondesign.eu
This service can be well worth the money as they
will usually be able to give quite clear guidelines
of what the local planning authorities are likely to
consider. Remember that the planning authorities
are a service to the local community and not the
enemy – the idea is to work together!
Tip 5 – Material matters
Having the opportunity to specify the materials and
the aesthetics of a building is tremendously appealing
but, be warned, the choice can be daunting.
Your architect should advise you and the planners
will have their say but you will have to decide
which roof tiles, floor coverings, window frames,
etc, you want for your house. Look into the cost,
quality and availability of materials, and how easy
or problematic they are to work with. Do this
before the build starts. Problems with lead times
and availability from different sources are major
reasons why builds run late.
Tip 6 – Quality control
Be on site as much as you can, even if you have
appointed your architect or builder as project man-
ager. This keeps the communication flowing and
ensures that decisions are made without costly
delays. Choose kitchen and bathroom fittings and
measure carefully to make sure they fit.
Compromises will undoubtedly need to be made
during the design and build. Establish early on
what your priorities are.
Tip 7 – Homework
Do your homework. Get as much information as
possible by researching online, buying magazines
and visiting The Northern Home Show, on at
Manchester’s EventCity, the Trafford Centre, from
15-17 June. As well as exhibitors the Show features
free seminars, workshops and advice from
the experts. Taking place during the Love
Architecture Festival 2012, you will also be able
to arrange short consultations with chartered architects
from the Royal Institute of British Architects,
there to help make your dream home a reality.
Tickets are £8 on the door (children under 16 go
free). For more information and advance tickets,
ring 0844 888 4415 or visit www.northernhomeshow.co.uk.