We carry out a dimensional survey of the relevant
parts of your property which is then drawn up accurately
on computer (generally producing plans, elevations and
sections). On site we sketch by hand, but utilize various
survey devices to precisely capture the information we need.
We also take photographs to help record the finer details.

Having produced accurate drawings of your existing
property, we then begin sketch designs. Whilst developing
various ideas to suit your brief, we discuss them with you so
that you can guide us as to your exact needs. The final scheme
is the one that YOU choose: after all, it’s your property!
We can produce detailed computer visualizations
that describe our proposals to you, which can be
useful when contemplating a scheme.

Once the final scheme is complete,
it may require planning permission.
If so, we will prepare all the necessary
drawings, and work with any consultants
(as required) to compile the relevant
application documents. We will then
submit the application on your behalf
and monitor it through to the
final decision.

Obtaining planning
permission can be tricky,
especially in areas such as the
New Forest. At DUA Architecture
we have a proven track record
of success in gaining consent
for the scheme you want.

Your scheme will almost certainly require building
regulations approval. Again, we will prepare all necessary
drawings and work with the required consultants (typically a
structural engineer is required at this point) to produce a full set
of documents that will accompany the application. We will
submit the application on your behalf and monitor it
through to the final approval.

Also, your scheme may be the subject of other matters
(Party Wall Act, restrictive covenants or the CDM
regulations). Again we can assist you in all these
matters and will guide you through the process.

Most domestic projects require planning permission and
approval under the building regulations. Having obtained these,
some of our clients then seek quotes from builders and continue
their projects without our assistance.

For various reasons however (time, inexperience, cost and/or quality
monitoring), others prefer us to oversee construction through to
completion. If so, we generally produce more detailed working
drawings and a full specification (with your input) before
taking the job out to tender. Once the tenders are
returned, we provide you with the results and give
our professional view of them, before allowing
you to decide upon your final contractor.

Another option: We can help
you to produce your own detailed
specification, supplemented if
necessary with working drawings.
In other words, we tailor our
service to your needs
and/or budget.

Many people employ us to oversee construction on site.
There are various reasons and they include:

The need to satisfy lenders that the building work has
been properly carried out.

The knowledge that all technical and aesthetic aspects
will be overseen by a professional.

The practical benefit of being able to - for example -
return to a job elsewhere in the UK, confident that you have
left a professional to oversee the entire project.

When overseeing a project on site, we
follow matters through to the issuing of our
‘Final Certificate’ - which is normally 3 or 6
months after construction is completed.
In the administration of a formal contract
(between you and the builder) we make
regular site inspections, sort out technical
and other queries, issue instructions as
necessary, certify payments, keep you
up-to-date on the project cost and certify
work on completion.