
The typical procedure for mainly residential projects is set out below. Commercial projects will vary more significantly due to the large scope, difference in scale, statutory approval process and the number of consultants required.
Get advice from your Architect in terms of the architectural scope prior to buying a property. This could be remunerated on an hourly basis, which the Architect will advise. If a green star rating is required it is important to involve a team of professionals as early as possible.
The SACAP publishes a scale of fees for the architectural profession as a guide.
Brief the architect on the project. This could take the form of setting out of accommodation needs and intended functionality or you can compile a wish list and storey board concepts.
The architect is appointed. The client should decide the level of involvement of the architect during the construction process and do the appointment accordingly. SAIA publishes a detailed Client Architect agreement as a guide.
The architect will advise on possibilities, size of project and estimated budget as well as time lines.
Thereafter the design process starts. This can take the form of an interpretation presentation by the architect or an interactive process with the client. Allow a minimum of 3 months for the design stage. The length of the design process depends on many factors such as the size and technical nature of the project. The input of various consultants is crucial during the design stage.
Consultants may include but are not limited to: a land surveyor to plot the site and supply contours, engineers to establish and design services and soil conditions, interior designers, landscaping, town planners, etc.
Other consultants during the planning stages could be ventilation designers, quantity surveyors, heating and cooling, water management, automation etc.
If non standard approvals are required such as Building Line Relaxations, Heritage Recourses Applications and Site Development Plans, these are to be addressed preferably before building plan drawings are submitted.
Submissions to Estate Committees, if any, should also be factored early on in the process.
Once the design is completed, we commence with the working drawing stage.
On average a residential project takes approximately one month for technical drawings whereafter the drawings are submitted for approvals to local authorities.
Depending on design intensity, another month is required for finalising specifications and finishing schedules. This could coinside with the approval process mentioned above.
Accurate building quotations, tenders or bills of quantities can only be produced after this stage. Any costing prior to that will be a mere estimate and will be subject to adjustment.
For quality and cost control purposes we prefer using known contractors if their services are available in any particular area.
During the construction stage, the architect oversees the process, if so agreed. This is advisable in order to achieve a final product that closely matches the concept.
Costs to bear in mind are: connection fees to services, site health and safety measures, landscaping and other site works such as boundary walls, security and storm water management etc. NHBRC fees are raised for new residential projects. Estates usually have additional costs and deposits set out in their contracts.
After the construction stage, it is also advisable to have a close out stage where a record is compiled of sub contractors, service providers and their installations, suppliers etc.