Skip to content

SELF BUILD HOMES
WITH AC ARCHITECTS

Are you interested in building your own dream home? Well, Allan Corfield Architects (ACA) are perfectly suited to provide the required architectural services for your project.
We provide a tailored service to suit our clients’ needs. As each client has their own individual requirements, it is paramount we develop a close working relationship with our clients – in order to successfully achieve your Self Build dream.
This relationship begins with a free initial ACA consultation, as we feel it is important to meet with all potential clients, and develop an impression of what their dream home consists of. In understanding the way our clients live, ACA can deliver a bespoke proposal to match the specific wishes of each and every client.

Murrayfield

Self Build HomesSelf Build Homes

However, at ACA we also understand the difficulties faced by the first time Self Builder.

We endeavour to guide them through each stage of their project – offering a service that goes well beyond the initial design process.

From the traditional parts of the architect’s role – such as the planning, building control and technical drawings for the Self Build – right through to developing a build schedule and engaging with sub-contractors, ACA assist and educate the Self Builder throughout the build process.

When ACA provide a Fee Proposal for a new house project, the required services are split up into logical stages. These have a fixed cost and an advised timescale. The RIBA suggest that an average fee for this type of project would equate to between 8-10% of the overall Construction Cost. At ACA, we believe our clients should know all of the main facts and costs before committing to a project, so we work on a fixed cost rather than a percentage – that way our fee isn’t determined by how expensive your build is!

Initial Design Development
Step 1

INITIAL DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Planning Submission
Stage 2

PLANNING SUBMISSION

Detail Design Development
Stage 3

DETAIL DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Production Information
Step 4

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

On Site Supervision
Step 5

ON SITE SUPERVISION

SAP & EPC
Step 6

SAP & EPC

STAGE 1 – INITIAL DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Preparation of a draft programme and briefing document, which will be used throughout the project
Preparation of 2 design options for your review, in our 3D drawing package
Meet with you to review the options, either in our office or at your home. We will then wlk you around the proposal in 3D format
Completion of final option, usually this will be an amalgamation of the 2 initial options
Complete pre-application discussions with the local planning department
Revise option depending on planning discussions


Estimated time – 2/3 week to complete drawings

Self Build Homes service

STAGE 2 – PLANNING SUBMISSION

Work up initial design drawings to planning level, including plans, sections and elevations
Prepare our BIMx model, so you can walk around your home on your PC, TV or iPad
Initial cost check with contractor or QS
Completion of external rendered images, which will be key for the planning submission success
Complete any additional drawings or statements required to support the planning application
Draft SAP calculation exercise, which accurately predict the energy performance of the dwelling
Lodge the planning application and deal with any queries during the application (allow 8 weeks for review)

Estimated time – 3/4 weeks to complete drawings

Planning Submission

Click Here For A Quick Introduction To BIMx Hyper Models 

STAGE 3 – DETAIL DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Technical review and investigation of various suitable construction methods, including possible integration of Eco design and smart technologies (ground source, air source heat pumps, heat recovery technology)
Selection of construction method and detailed design, including 2D drawings and specifications
Integration of Structural Engineer's design information. Confirmation of heating requirements and energy performance of design
Final SAP calculation exercise, which accurately predicts the energy performance of the dwelling
Complete and Issue draft EPC
Completion of building control drawings and specifications. Application for building standards approval (Allow 6 weeks for decision)

Estimated time – 4/6 weeks to complete drawings

 DETAIL DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

STAGE 4 – PRODUCTION INFORMATION

Development of construction drawings, specifications and schedules (windows & doors)
Integration of structural engineer's design information and any other consultants
Integration of detailed ventilation and any standard heating or renewable energy sources etc
Review SIPS/Kit package on your behalf
Review Window & Door package on your behalf
Selection of all interior and exterior materials, with samples provided for your approval
Completion of construction drawings, specifications and schedules, which will form part of the tender documents
Liaise with QS or contractor to provide an accurate final cost plan
Assist client in interviewing & choosing suitable contractors
 

Estimated time – 4/5 weeks to complete drawings

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

 

 

 

STAGE 5 – ON-SITE SUPERVISION
 
Regular site visits to check on work and provide any assistance to the contractor
Provide Completion Certificate visit and certification via the local Council
Provide CML mortgage certificates, to release staged funding from your lender
 
Estimated time – 1 visit per calendar month (dependent on requirements)

 

 

 

ON SITE SUPERVISION

STAGE 6 – SAP AND EPC

Regular site visits to check on work and provide any assistance to the contractor
Provide Completion Certificate visit and certification via the local Council
Provide CML mortgage certificates, to release staged funding from your lender

Estimated time – 1 visit per calendar month (dependent on requirements)

Stage-6
Additional Info
Pre-application Planning Enquiry

If your project is contentious or doesn’t comply with Permitted Development it may be worthwhile getting pre-application planning advice. Some planning departments will discuss the proposals over the phone, but due to workload most of the Councils now require a formal application. A Pre-Application enquiry is a cost effective route which will give you a formal response from the planning team. The process usually takes 21 days and shouldn’t cost any more than £160.

Structural Engineer Services

You will need an Engineer for the Building Warrant Stage. The engineer will access the ground condition, before designing the foundations and the super-structure for the new house. They will also provide any calculations required in order to satisfy the building warrant application. AC Structures basic engineering costs for a typical house should be approx. £5,000 (ex VAT).

Generic Fee Proposal –

To give you an indication of how the costs are made up on an average self build project, we have based this example on a 4 bedroom 2 storey 180 sqm2 house. Budget approx £360,000, based on £2,000 pm2 ex VAT:

Stage 1: Initial Design Development from £6,500 (ex VAT)
Stage 2: Planning Submission from £5,500 (ex VAT)
Stage 3: Detail Design Development from £9,000 (ex VAT)
Stage 4: Production Information from £7,000 (ex VAT)
Stage 5: On site Supervision £350 per visit*
Stage 6: SAP & EPC £500 approx*
Total fee £28,000 (ex VAT and optional services)

Note – Application costs and other consultant fees are excluded and paid direct by client.

*These are optional services.