frequently asked questions

If I already have existing conditions drawings from a previous designer are Existing Conditions plans really required?

If you’ve embarked on this process with a previous designer we understand that it’s not ideal to effectively pay for this service twice! However, the Existing Conditions plans are one of the most integral parts of our due diligence process, providing the foundation in which the rest of the project is built on. If there is an error in these drawings then there is a ripple effect down the chain. Unfortunately, we have no way of verifying another designer’s plans without doing our own.

DO I NEED INTERIORS?

Although you don't require interior design for the building permit, it is helpful for the overall accuracy of the design, costing and execution. The builder will require a set of scaled plans to work from, the alternative is to work this out on-site with independent trades - this has the potential to lead to confusion on-site and an inferior end product. At some point in time, somebody has to document the interiors, which is why we take on the responsibility within our process.

Interior Design - this seems quite expensive considering the deliverables. I also feel like there might be some double up between S3 Interior Design and S5 Interior Documentation & Selection. Can you please break these stages down?

Interior Design is one of the most intensive stages in our process. We typically split this in two, allowing for the design concept to be complete, shortly followed by construction estimating.  

Interior Design (Stage 3.1) 

As the title suggest, this is the design component and at its conclusion, we will know what the interiors will look like. 

Interior Documentation & Selection (Stage 5.1)

During this phase of the journey, we will take you through the selection and documentation of your interiors including scheduling of Fixtures & Fittings, Appliances and Floor and Wall Finishes. We will also assist with colour selection and prepare a colour board. By its conclusion, we will have to prepare an electrical and lighting layout.  

We are comfortable reading plans/elevations and renders, and we don't feel a 3D fly through or 3D model is required.

If you’re comfortable with reading plans this will certainly help during our collaborative design process! However, the 3D Fly through model (BIMx) assists us and our team as we use this 3D model to document from. The way modern CAD technology works is that we build a model and we document from this model and extrapolate particular information. For example; if we are to change the parameters of a window not only does it change how the plan represents on the 3D Model it also changes on the drawing that it’s represented, additionally the glazing schedule is updated, there-by eliminating the chance for error. 

Throughout the design, documentation and construction process any time a new set of drawings is issued a new BIMx accompanies it. You can look at the plans, the BIMx or both.

We want to ensure that the design we have is achievable within our budget as early as possible. How does Altereco manage this process? 

Our Director, James is from a family of builders and has a very sound grasp on construction, he makes a point of only designing homes that are ‘buildable’, rather than impressive looking lines on paper! However, as building designers, we do not have our finger on the pulse with ever-changing construction costs to the same extent that a builder does. 

Engaging a builder early in the process is integral to the success of the project and this is exactly why we have moved away from Traditional Tenders. Instead, we prefer to pursue a methodology called ‘Early Contractor Involvement’ or ‘Negotiated Tender’. You can read more about this here. 

Our method typically goes through three steps;

1. Budget - is your brief achievable with your budget.

2. Estimate - at the completion of your design phase we engage a builder to liaise with us to determine an accurate estimate.

3. Fixed - at the completion of the documentation stages, the builder will provide a fixed price quotation for use in the contract.

We have found that this is the only reliable way to ensure a project meets budget.

If we are not engaged to value manage through the design phase then we can take no responsibility for the overall construction cost.

I’m thinking of going owner-builder, what do I need to know?

As owner-builder, you are required to engage each trade directly. Your chippie can help you get quotes etc, but you will be engaging and managing them with their assistance. As an owner-builder, you will be required to take full responsibility of each individual trade. Moving forward, the VBA will soon require each individual trade to be required to be registered practitioners (and insured).