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What stages do standard architectural services comprise of?
In summary, a domestic renovation/extension will comprise of four defined stages of architectural service.
Stage 1 - Initial Stage
Stage 2 - Design Stage
Stage 3 - Planning Stage
Stage 4 - Construction Stage
- discuss tenders received and advise client on how to proceed,
- arrange building contract between client and building contractor,
- visit the site as appropriate to inspect generally the progress and quality of the work and see that the contractor is fulfilling his obligations to the client,
- modify the design in response to site conditions, if required.
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Do I need insurance if I decide to run the project myself?
Most home insurance policies exclude cover whilst a property is undergoing renovation or alteration works and do not provide cover on an unoccupied property. You will probably need to arrange specialist 'All Risks' renovation insurance to adequately cover the property being worked upon. These types of policies cover the entire project and include public liability, employers liability as well as legal expenses which can be useful if you have a contractual dispute. Don't assume that the contractors insurance will adequately cover you and your project.
What is a BER rating? Do I need one?
A BER is similar to the energy label for a household electrical appliance like your fridge. The label has a scale of A-G. A-rated homes are the most energy efficient and G the least efficient. A BER certificate will be compulsory for almost all new homes by mid 2008. If you are buying or renting a new house or apartment now, you may already be entitled to a BER - so do ask the seller/landlord or their agent for it. Since January 1, 2009 a BER certificate is compulsory for all homes being sold or rented. To see what a Building Energy Rating Certificate looks like please click here.
How can I make my house 'greener'?
A tin of paint and a brush is the simplest way. Seriously, 'green' or sustainable building is becoming more and more important as fossil fuel prices rise and climate change affects all of us. Your architect will be able to advise you on methods to improve the insulation to your home, what to take into account if planning solar panels, improve the sustainability of your present heating system, all the way up the scale as far as creating a 'Passive House'. Grants are available at present from Sustainable Energy Ireland under the Greener Homes Scheme for installing 'green' technologies to existing homes. Your architect can advise more on this. Rumour abounds that the grants scheme is about to be withdrawn.
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I have heard about a good few accidents on building sites. Who organises health and safety for the building works?
The builder is responsible for notifying the Health & Safety Authority where appropriate. Whether notification is required depends on the number of man-hours or the length of the project. It is important that the builder looks after the site from a health and safety point of view, as the HSA carries out planned visits and spot checks on building sites to ensure compliance. Non-compliance can result in the shutting down of the building site and this will cause delays.
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I would like to install a basement, is this possible?
Basements are becoming popular as land values increase and space becomes scarce. They are subject to planning permission and some local Councils are not big fans of them. Your architects can advise.
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My builder does not want to sign a Building Contract, he says they are bad for him. Is this true?
A Building Contract in its simplest form is an agreement - he will build the extension as per the drawings, and you will pay him the price quoted. No more, no less. But, if it was this simple, lawyers would have little to do but sit on their backsides. The above agreement does not specify when the builder should be paid, how long he is to take, what happens if it rains for six weeks when he is trying to lay the foundations, when he should repair defects on completion, what he will reimburse you if he does not turn up for work three weeks in a row, etc. Just imagine Premiership Football without rules, except that goals had to be scored - I bet the Connacht Rugby team (for all their faults) would beat Manchester United FC hands down. This is why we have referees, to make sure games are played by rules. The standard RIAI SF88 Building Contract is a clear and simple six page contract that sets out the agreement between client and builder, and covers all eventualities. If a problem arises during the work, there will be a fair answer in the Contract.
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My Bank/Mortgage Provider say they need a registered architect to certify or sign off the work. Can homearchitect do this?
Yes. All our architects are registered members of the RIAI, they all carry Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance and they are all able to certify work properly carried out for release of finance by the Bank/Mortgage Provider.
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What is Retention Permission?
Retention Permission is applying for Planning Permission in retrospect, i.e., build first, apply for permission after. This involves a pretty much similar package as for a normal planning application, except the statutory fee to the local Council will be higher (usually 2.5 times that of the standard fee). There is also no guarantee that permission will be granted, in which case the local Council may apply to have the extension removed.
