RESOURCES
Understanding the Role of a Chartered Architect: A Guide for First-Time Clients
If you have never worked with an architect before, it can feel overwhelming to know what to expect. This guide explains the process, the value an architect brings, and why using a chartered architect—especially one with local knowledge—can make all the difference in the success of your project. This is for information only and gives a general overview of what the architect’s role can encompass. This is therefore not an agreed remit. The architect’s role will be subject to a separate contractual agreement of which to be agreed prior to progressing with your project.
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Here is a Client Brief Checklist for the design of your new build house or renovation project. This is a general checklist to help you structure and give clarity to your building project and provide the necessary information for your architect to understand your needs, expectations, timescales and budget.
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SAP stands for 'standard assessment procedure'. SAP calculations are designed to measure the energy
performance of all new dwellings, conversions and extensions. A SAP Assessment is required under the Building Regulations 2021 PartL1b to demonstrate that your new dwelling or house extension complies with Part L of the Building Regulations. SAP calculations are the Government's Standard Assessment Procedure for Energy Ratings.
In order to produce an On Construction EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) or a Predicted Energy Assessment (PEA), a SAP is required, as this is the calculation these certificates are based on. The higher the SAP rating, the lower the cost will be to run the building. The score represents the cost of energy required by a property over the course of a year with a 100 score meaning there's no energy cost. To calculate the SAP, the assessor uses information relating to lighting, heating, hot water systems, renewable technologies used and the elements of structure.
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The Schedule of Works is a document used to capture the full scope/description of the works associated with a building project. It is a list of tasks needed to be completed to finish the project and correlates with the drawn
information such as the building regulations and working drawings. It also supports other documents such as structural engineers’ details to help record and price building work.
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The Party Wall Act of 1996 provides a framework for resolving disputes between neighbors when carrying out building works on shared walls or boundaries. If you're planning work on a wall shared with a neighbor (known as a party wall), such as raising, rebuilding, or excavating near it, the Act ensures you notify your neighbors and reach agreements to avoid disputes.
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For local authorities on the implementation of Schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, the mandatory use of SuDS on new developments and approval and adoption by the SuDS approving body (the SAB).
“We approached MJA help remodel our home, we were open to alternative ideas and they blew us away! We now have a contemporary and spacious extension that we are proud to show off.”
— Marcus and Jayne Wilkes