Step 1 Your Idea
1.1 Design Session Package:
€395+VAT
Suitable as a starting point for anyone planning a small extension/renovation
Includes:
- We will come to your Home for the In Home Design Session. Being on site, Colm will be able to communicate design ideas more comprehensively, by walking through each of the rooms with you and you will be able to get a full appreciation of your property in context.
- The In Home Design Session will be with Colm Nolan who has over 20 years’ experience working in the industry. Colm is a fully qualified Architect and a member of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland & Passive House Designer.
- Most people are afraid of engaging an architect due to costs/fees. The session gives you a chance to ask plenty of questions without the fear of big costs running up.
- For a fixed fee of €395 + VAT, with no further obligations.
- You will receive professional experienced advice from a registered RIAI practising architect. Colm can communicate sketch ideas to you, not just by delivering a sketch on site, but walking you through the designs so you can fully understand the ideas.
- Like going to your Doctor/ Solicitor /Accountant just go in and be honest, identify the issue(s) Colm will listen and with his Practical and Design experience will identify a solution(s) for you. Colm uses a three step approach ADVISE, GUIDE, DESIGN. Colm with his Practical and Design experience is here to ADVISE you at this stage, ultimately all the key decisions are made by you. Colm will not tell you how you should live in your house, Colm needs to understand how you want to live in your Home so he can provide the right solutions for your needs (everyone has different needs and requirements). Colm can ADVISE you, GUIDE you through the process & DESIGN your dreams & ideas into reality.
*For more information visit https://circadesign.ie/2019/08/28/in-home-design-session/
*Please note, if you purchase a design session package we will deduct the cost from a concept design package.
1.2 Concept Design Package:
€2,250 – €3,500+VAT
Suitable for anyone who requires a concept sketch design for a small extension/renovation
Includes:
- Client brief, a good brief is the first step to delivering a successful project
- Concept sketch plans (with minor alterations as required).
- Present concept design by agreed method.
*Please note, if you have purchased a design session package we will deduct the cost from a concept design package.
*Please note, a 3D massing model can be provided if requested (allow €450 – €800 + VAT for Circa Design to produce massing model)
*Please note, depending on the scale of your project you may require a detailed measured survey (allow €850 – €2,500 + VAT for Circa Design to carry out measured survey)
*Please note, you may be required to appoint a competent professional to act as PSDP under Health & Safety regulations (allow €1,250 – €1,500 + VAT for Circa Design to act as PSDP)
1.3 Concept Budget Costings Package (if required):
€800 – €950+VAT
Suitable for anyone who requires a budget cost of a concept sketch design for a small extension/renovation
Includes:
- Preliminary concept budget costing for the concept design completed in Step 1.2.
- The cost of your build will depend on a wide range of factors including house size, construction method, materials, finishes and site context.
- We will calculate how much your project will cost based on measurement from concept design sketch plans (1.2) for your building.
- If the cost is more than the budget available we will work with to get the cost within your original budget, this could be through changing the design or specifications of building products.
- Getting the budget right is essential for the success of any project.
- Present concept budget costing by agreed method.
Step 2 Your Design
2.1 Developed Design Package:
€2,400 – €4,250+VAT
Suitable for anyone who requires a developed design for a small extension/renovation
Includes:
- Having translated your concept design to a developed design we will finalise layout drawings to include site plans, floor plans, sections and elevations
- Coordination of information from specialist consultants as/if required.
- Present finalised design drawings by agreed method.
*Please note, you must have completed Step 1. Your Idea to avail of the Step 2. Your Design packages.
*Please note, an updated 3D massing model can be provided if requested (allow €450 – €800 + VAT for Circa Design to produce massing model)
*Please note, depending on the complexity of your project you may require input from specialist consultants.
2.2 Planning Package (if required):
€900 – €1,950+VAT
Suitable for anyone who requires planning permission for a small extension/renovation
Includes:
- Prepare planning application drawings and paperwork.
- Present planning application documents by agreed method.
- Submit application & monitor progress during planning process.
*Please note, you must have completed step 2.1 developed design package to avail of 2.2 planning package.
*Please note, the planning authority may issue a request for further information with you planning application which will be quoted separately.
*Please note, out of pocket expenses to be charged at cost e.g. OS Maps, Paper Notice, Planning Fees, etc.
2.3 Developed Budget Costings Package (if required):
€900 – €1,350+VAT
Suitable for anyone who requires a developed budget cost of a developed design for a small extension/renovation
Includes:
- Preliminary developed budget costing for the developed design completed in Step 2.1.
- The cost of your build will depend on a wide range of factors including house size, construction method, materials, finishes and site context.
- We will calculate how much your project will cost based on measurement from developed design drawings (2.1) for your building.
- If the cost is more than the budget available we will work with to get the cost within your original budget, this could be through changing the design or specifications of building products.
- Getting the budget right is essential for the success of any project.
- Present developed budget costing by agreed method.
Step 3 Your Spec
3.1 Technical Design Package:
€2,200 – €4,250+VAT
Suitable for anyone who requires drawings & specification to construct a small extension/renovation
Includes:
- Technical design & drawings in line with current building regulations & planning conditions
- Present finalised technical design drawings & paperwork by agreed method
- Coordination of information from specialist consultants as required
- Please note, you may be required to appoint a competent professional to act as PSCS under Health & Safety regulations
- Please note, depending on the complexity of your project you may require input from specialist consultants
3.2 Prepare Schedule of Works:
€1,350 – €2,250 +VAT
Suitable for anyone who requires quotes from builders to construct for a small extension/renovation
Includes:
- Schedule of works and specification of building elements
3.2 Tender Package:
€900 – €1,350 +VAT
Suitable for anyone who requires quotes from builders to construct for a small extension/renovation
Includes:
- Preparation of tender documents.
- Send tender documents to relevant builders.
- Review of tender package and advice on choosing a builder.
- Present finalised technical design drawings & paperwork by agreed method.
*Please note, you must have purchased a technical design package to avail of the tender package.
Step 4 Your Build
4.1 Site Inspections Package:
€3,750 – €7,500+VAT
Suitable for anyone who requires inspections from an architect when constructing a small extension/renovation
Includes:
- Periodic site inspections as agreed
- Independent advice.
*Please note, you must completed Step 3. Your Spec to avail of the Step 4.1 Site Inspections Package.
*Please note, depending on the complexity of your project you may need to appoint a competent professional to act as Design and/or Assigned Certifier under Building Control(Amendment) Regulations- BC(A)R.
4.2 Snag List Package:
€750 – €950+VAT
Suitable for anyone who requires a snag list to complete the construction of a small extension/renovation
Includes:
- Site visit to inspect construction works.
- Preparation of snag list.
*Please note, you must have completed Step 4.1 to avail of the Step 4.2 Snag List Package.
*Please note, you may require the preparation of RIAI Certification (Form 1 & 4) upon completion of construction works.
*Please note, financial institutions may require the preparation of documents and/or certificates during the construction works.
Step 5 Your Home
Congratulations your project is complete.
At Circa Design the end of the design and construction works is not the end of the project for us.
We are always on hand to provide guidance and advice on your new home and will take the time to ensure you are happy with the project outcome.
We look forward to receiving a testimonial.
Many thanks from the Circa Design Team.
An In Home Design Session can take many forms, it can be your ideas and discussions with our RIAI Architect, sketched onto paper in an initial freehand sketch and a plan on the next steps of your project or a general discussion re-affirming that you are on the right track with your own ideas, some Design Session we have attended there has been no pen to paper just an informative discussion about the project and options. Whatever form the session takes it is lead by you the client. The session can last anywhere between 2-3hours and it is an informed discussion with a competent and experienced professional in his field of expertise with no agenda.
After the Design Session and you’ve had time to think about your options, and your ready to start on your journey, drop us a line or email, we are here if you have any further queries or you want to move to the next step or if you need more time that’s ok too. We are here when you are ready!
Concept Design stage is the next stage after your Design Session, its your finalised Brief (wishlist), topographical survey of your site (new builds) or building measured survey of your home (extensions, renovations), developed into a concept design sketch this more than likely will take the form of a pencilled sketch, this is still at the very early stages and will usually go back and forth from client to Architect until a concise design is agreed upon, at this stage you will agree a time plan, budgets, roles, communications and the services you require from us, we will also be able to advise you on the need for specialist consultants or services and on planning requirements, building regulations, and health & safety regulations.
If there is an existing building on site and your intention is to use it in full or part then a detailed measured survey will be required. This involves a member of the Circa Design Team attending site to measure the building either in full or in part, taking it back to the office and translating the measurements into an accurately dimensioned AutoCad drawing which will form the basis of your entire project.
- If you are intending to alter/extend to all aspects of the building and require Planning Permission then a full survey will be required
- If your building works are localised and you intend to alter/extend one aspect of the building and do not require Planning Permission then in most cases part survey will suffice
Depending on your project a Topographical survey may be required, this is where the land is measured in a 3D format, not only are physical aspects like boundaries, trees, road edges, footpaths are measured but also levels/contours of site, more and more we see Local Authorities requiring levels/contours in every project no matter how big or small however in some instances spot levels are sufficient. Our Architect will be able to advise you on your specific project.
PSDP, short for Project Supervisor at Design Stage is a form of Health & Safety at the design stage of your project. The PSDP is a mandatory role and must be appointed by the client before Design work has commenced. The PSDP must be a suitably qualified professional, your Designer/Architect, usually takes on the role however they must be specifically qualified. The PSDP in short identifies hazards arising from the design, technical planning or time related aspects of the project and where possible eliminate the risks, communicates necessary control measures, organises co-operation between designers and prepares a safety file for the completed structure. This is a separate role to PSCS Project Supervisor at Construction Stage which is a similar role through the onsite construction stage.
If you are unable to understand or visualize your design in flat 2D drawing, it is possible to show it in a 3D generated software programme, this may include just external massing (block shapes of what the outside of you building will take) or internal walk-through. Sometimes if the design is intricate or have many layers or variables, while the Architect can visualize and understand his vision/design we may produce a 3D model to make sure the design is sympathetic to its surroundings.
While concept Design is the design of the project still in its infancy and pencil format, Developed Design is the next step in the journey, your feedback on the Concept Design stage will become part of the Developed Design Stage for your approval. We will be translating all the information gathered to specific hardline AutoCad drawings including floor plans, elevations (views) and sections (cut-through). Other presenting tools we may use to better explain or show the design of your project may include 3D modelling software. This is an important two-way process which will require your feedback and discussion. This stage will form the very foundation of the rest of the project.
The planning package stage is for projects that specifically require planning permission. Generally If you are going to build an extension or make other changes to your house, you may need planning permission from your local authority. The most common reasons for needing planning permission are when you want to:
- Build an extension which is more than 40 square metres (this includes new and any existing extensions)
- Your extension or renovation alters the front elevation of your dwelling in any way
- Change a living room or garage to an additional bedroom is considered intensification of use
- Converting the attic to accommodation
The regulations around whether you need planning permission or not can be very complicated to navigate and you should consult our RIAI Architect to consider all aspects of your project and advise you on your unique situation.
Some phrases come to mind when we get asked this question ‘How long is a piece of string’ or ‘How much do you want to spend’ the answer invariably is ‘as little as possible’. No matter what your project is, there is one fast and hard rule; your wish list must reflect your budget or vice versa. We would all love to drive Porsches but for 90% of us our salary unfortunately makes that unrealistic.
The cost of your build will depend on a wide range of factors including house size, construction methods, materials, finishes and site context. The RIAI have compiled some typical building costs – from new single and two story houses to house extensions and renovations to an existing house.
Our Architect will be able to advise you along the whole process about generally what you will need to spend based on your design and layout and when we get to a more formal stage we can organise a formal Budget Costing of your project from a Quantity Surveyor if required.
Following planning permission, and once you have instructed us to proceed to Step 3 Your Spec, we will produce a full set of Construction Drawings, including Design Specifications & Schedule of Site works and finishes. A technical and quality specification will be prepared to ensure that the project requirements are clearly stated for the contractor, the detailed design will incorporate any changes as required under a Grant of Planning Permission, we will also liaise closely with specialist consultants as required.
As the design is now developed, a check on Building Regulation compliance will be carried out at this stage and any necessary modifications incorporated.
If the Tender Package is required these drawings and specifications will form the basis of the Tender. The drawings and specifications are invaluable at this tender stage as each builder will be pricing from the same document, the same quantities and the same qualities, it is more valuable to the client to price this way instead of a builder throwing a price/sqm at a project allowing for extras and variations during the construction stage when the client no longer have the high ground to negotiate a fair price.
During construction, your architect will act on your behalf as an experienced advisor, inspecting the building work at intervals to ensure that it is being carried out generally in accordance with the contract documents and building regulations for certification and sign off at the end of the project.
These inspections are also used for certification for periodical drawdowns from financial institutes. If these inspections are not carried out at the appropriate time then certification in accordance with Building Regulation cannot be furnished retrospectively, these certifications are required at the time of sale of the property or for financial borrowing against the property.