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Find the Answers to Your Architectural and Design Questions
At Habitat Architecture, we understand that building or renovating a home is a significant investment. Our FAQ section is here to provide you with answers to the most common questions about our process, sustainability practices, and what you can expect when working with us. Whether you're curious about our design packages, the planning process, or our approach to eco-friendly homes, we've got you covered.
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How much does an initial consultation cost?We don't charge for our initial consultations, however, if considerable travel is required, a fee will be agreed before the meeting.
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How much will it cost me to work with you?This all depends on the size and scale of the project, the constraints of the site, and your ultimate goals. Once we have carried out an initial consultation and got to fully understand what will be required, we will be able to offer you a Fee Proposal for your project. Our minimum fee of engagement is £2000 and can go up from there, dependant upon the scale and complexity of your project.
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How long does it take to get my drawings?This depend on the size, scale and complexity of the job. After an initial consultation, we will provide a detailed Fee Proposal, this will highlight timescales and estimated submission dates.
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Do I need drawings for my project?A question we have heard all too often For the success of any architectural or landscape project, a lack of drawings will always lead to unforeseen expenses and poor choices. Don't get me wrong, yes you can do these things without drawings (sometimes). But the reasons for having them always outweigh the reasons to not have them.
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Can you tell me if I need planning permission?Yes, if you fill out our New Client Intake form, we will give you a call to discuss your project further and advise you on whether or not you require planning permission.
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Do you do planning drawings and submit planning applications?Yes, we provide a full service, from start to finish. We also work with many consultants on a regular basis for sites that require more than the usual level of information. We provide all of the architectural, heritage and landscape documentation as well as highly comprehensive planning statement to support your application.
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What are Planning Drawings?Planning drawings will demonstrate your design intent to the Local Planning Authority and will be put into the public domain prior to a decision being made on whether or not to grant or refuse planning permission. The drawings usually lack all technical information as these drawings are not intended for construction use. The drawings are derived from initial survey drawings, these are usually done by a qualified Surveyor or your designer. The planning drawings will be the first set of drawings you will usually need in a project and are sometimes referred to as the Concept Design Drawings.
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What are Building Regulations Drawings?The Building Regulations Drawings demonstrate that the proposed design meets all of the necessary current building standards that are in place. These drawings will include detailed information about how the building is to be put together and how the proposed materials will meet regulations such as fireproofing, water tightness, insulation, overheating etc.
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What are Construction Drawings?Construction drawings remove all of the on-site decisions and allow for a greater level of control over the final product. Detailed floor plans, elevations - both external and internal, detailed sections with accompanying blown up details, all of these will be included within a full set of Construction Drawings, you would also find specifications and window and door schedules, all of this information will help to cost and build the project.
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Do you do commercial or residential design and architecture?We focus more on residential architecture, however we have existing commercial clients and if the project aligns with our values and beliefs, we'd love to hear about it.
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What are your specialities?We specialise in designing buildings from a detail first approach. We believe that in order for a building to perform at its best, it has to be conceived from a place of performance, then carefully integrated into its surrounding environment, whilst ensuring that we leave a positive impact on the existing site.
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Can you design me a Passivhaus?Yes, we are members of the Passivhaus Trust and work very closely with certified Passivhaus consultants to ensure our inhouse Passivhaus specialist are working inline with current guidance.
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Can you help me workout the build cost of my project?Yes, we work with a range of consultants and will discuss all of the option you have for building your project within your initial consultation.
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Do you work with listed buildings?Yes, we are very well versed in working with building of all grades.
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Is it true that I can't do anything to my listed home?Absolutely not, we can advise and help guide you through the process of making changes to your home. Yes, they are restrictions in place and constraints you must work within, but you would be surprised what changes you can make, as long as they are done in a tasteful and sympathetic way.
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