Our Services In More Detail

Computer Aided Design System.

We have Autocad and AEC (Architectural Extension), on which any building can be designed, altered, extended or repeated as required. We have some standard house type designs on the computer. The Cad system can also be used for layout work, perspectives and 3D modelling.

C.D.M. Regulations.

These regulations have recently come into force and we have now completed the necessary courses (with the help of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists) and we have become a member of the Association of Project Safety, and we can now offer the Planning Supervisors service.

Equipment.

At our offices we have our own vehicles, surveying equipment, photocopy and plan printing equipment, computers and software systems, printers, typewriters etc., CAD plotting equipment, report binding and laminating equipment.

Insurance’s.

We have a range of comprehensive insurance’s, and to date we have had no claims made against us.

Professional Indemnity.

We have £2.0 million cover, taken up through McParland Finn (formerly Alfred Blackmore (North West) Ltd.) Lloyd’s Brokers - of London, who are the appointed brokers to the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists. This policy also covers us as Designers and Planning Supervisors under the C.D.M. Regulations.

Public Liability.

We have £5.0 million cover, taken up through Provincial Insurance plc.

Employers Liability.

We have £10.0 million cover, taken up through Provincial Insurance plc. These policies are available for inspection at our offices.

Work Base.

Our work base is wide and varied, although as time goes on, our average project size is growing. We undertake projects from small extensions and structural condition surveys up to multi million pound residential developments and nursing homes.

Planning Supervisor

If appointed as the Planning Supervisor, we will explain the legal duties the Client has under the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 1994. Our main role as Planning Supervisor is to co-ordinate the Health & Safety aspects of the project design. We will allocate adequate resources to the project, in terms of numbers and competence of staff, and we will :

1. Notify the Health & Safety Executive about the project at the appropriate stages.
2. Advise the client (if requested) of the competence and allocation of resources by all of the designers and all contractors, advise contractors appointed designers and
3. advise the client on the Health & Safety Plan before the construction phase starts.
4. Hold initial Health & Safety briefings with all designers, ensure the designers know their responsibilities under the regulations and comply with their duties, and initiate a system of co-operation between the various parties.
5. Hold Health & Safety meetings with the Designers to discuss the drawings, and collate hazard assessment documents.
6. Produce a Pre Tender Health & Safety Plan for inclusion with the tender documents.
7. Meet the selected Principal Contractor to review the method statements which address the hazards highlighted in the Pre Tender Health & Safety Plan.
8. Hold Health & Safety meetings with the Principal Contractor to ensure the Health & Safety Plan is being updated as required.
9. Collate the documentation for the Health & Safety File, keep it updated, and ready to hand over to the client on completion of the project.

The Party Wall etc Act

The Party Wall etc Act 1996 came into force in order to protect the rights of building owners and their neighbours. It is to make provision in respect of party walls, and excavation and construction in proximity to certain buildings or structures; and for connecting purposes.
It places certain responsibilities upon a “Building Owner” when that building owner wishes to carry out works on or near a boundary with a neighbour.
There are several key points and stages which require action by the Building Owner or their Agent, and theses are as follows:

1. Legislation
2. Pre-Contract Work Stages
3. Notices
4. Disputes and Awards
5. The Building Contract
6. Post-Contract Work Stages