our process
We approach each project with the individuality that it requires. Depending on the scale and requirements of our clients we can best asses your needs and apply our collective of experience, knowledge and ability to translate your vision into your dream home.
Below you will find our comprehensive and methodical 9 step approach to all projects, enabling us to guarantee perfect execution and the satisfaction of our clients each and every time.
The 9 Stage process
Design brief & survey
Before we begin we need to understand your expectations and the end goal. By fully understanding your requirements we can build a frame work to ensure we design the perfect solution that meets all your requirements and fits your criteria.
We will conduct an initial site visit and following this we will provide you with a detailed consultation cost estimate as well as a design fee proposal.
A full measured survey of the property will then be conducted upon instruction.
1-2 Weeks
Design stage 1. Concept & initial costing
Working with you to build a concept and refine your ideas is a highly collaborative experience in the process where we help you fully visuallise the proposed design. Through the use of full architectural CAD drawings and 3D visuals using basic sketch up to detailed CGIs we will bring the scheme to life.
We will also provide an initial costing package.
2-3 weeks
Design stage 1. Planning
We then apply for planning or permitted development applications once the proposed designs have been approved. We manage the planning application from the beginning, through the statutory ten-week process and our success rate is second to none. We pride ourselves on taking the stress and inconvenience out of this process for all out clients so you can focus on the end goal.
4-6 weeks
Design stage 2. Construction drawing
The next step is to obtain construction and building control approval. Our select team of specialist third -party engineers will produce detailed technical drawing packages, including full structural drawings and calculations. These will also include any third-party specialist’s information required.
If we feel strongly that securing planning permission will not be an issue, we can start this process however generally it’s done after permission has been granted.
4-6 weeks
Design stage 3. Party wall awards
This part of the process can hold long lead times and so we recommend moving forward with it early in the design phase.
Most structural works will involve a party wall agreement and we will recommend a surveyor who will be able to issue the relevant notices.
8-10 weeks (concurrently)
Finalising costing & contract
It is imperative to us that our pricing remains as comprehensive and competitive as possible. We are always transparent with our costings and will work closely with you to ensure we meet your requirements whilst remaining budget conscious.
Whether we are pricing our own tender pack or working with a third party we will provide you will a fully itemised and costed scope of works and once agreed we issue a JCT or FBM contract and deposit invoice to secure the start date.
2 weeks
Pre-commencement
With each project we create a critical path that is accessible to everyone involved. Ensuring that our clients are up to date with key stages and milestones of the build and allowing them to track the progress. This is done during pre-commencement and also allows us to notify and satisfy the relevant authorities and statutory obligations such as building control.
2 weeks
The build
Your allocated project manager will keep you up to date with each stage of the build through weekly meetings. You will be provided with notes and progress pictures so that you can track each stage of the build.
Works will be carried out as efficiently as possible and the site will always be fully compliant with Building regulations and safety protocols.
12-48+ weeks
Practical completion & retention
After working through a list of any outstanding items with you, we will sign off the project.
After 6 months, your project manager will return to discuss a list of any snagging that may need completing and will arrange a suitable time with you for the works to be carried out.
26 Weeks post PC
“HUMO were professional from the start, initially providing a far more in depth quote than other firms and then helping us shape our plans to ensure we were paying for things that would add the most value to the finished product. They were neither the cheapest nor the most expensive, but they came highly recommended to us.”
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INTERIOR DESIGN