Additional Services

Party wall matters
3D drawing capabilities
Structural calculations
Project costs analysis
Project management
Interior design service

Party wall matters

With extensive knowledge of the Party Wall Act 1996, Great West Design are specialists in all areas of party wall matters and are members of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors. Any building owner carrying out works to adjoining walls which are covered by the Act must give their neighbouring owners notice of their intentions as required by the Act.

Adjoining owners can agree or disagree with what is proposed. Where they disagree, the Act provides a mechanism for resolving disputes.

Great West Design can act for both building and adjoining owners in respect of party wall matters. Our party wall specialists are fully versed in the procedures of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and how to resolve any disputes quickly and smoothly.

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What is the definition of a party wall?

The main types of party wall are:

a wall that stands on the lands of two (or more) owners and forms part of a building - this wall can be part of one building only or separate buildings belonging to different owners
a wall that stands on the lands of two owners but does not form part of a building, such as a garden wall but not including timber fences
a wall that is on one owner’s land but is used by two (or more) owners to separate their buildings

The Act also uses the expression ‘party structure’. This could be a wall or floor partition or other structure separating buildings or parts of buildings in different ownership, such as in flats.

What the Act covers

The Act covers:

new building on or at the boundary of two properties
work to an existing party wall or party structure
excavation near to and below the foundation level of neighbouring buildings

This may include:

building a new wall on or at the boundary of two properties
cutting into a party wall
making a party wall taller, shorter or deeper
removing chimney breasts from a party wall
demolishing and rebuilding a party wall
excavating below the foundation level of a neighbour’s property

More Information and Explanatory booklet

This booklet provides detailed guidance on the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. The guidance explains how the Act may affect a building owner who wishes to carry out work covered by the Act, or an adjoining building owner who receives notification under the Act of proposed work.

The guidance has been further updated in May 2016 to take account of amendments to the Act to allow the electronic transmission of notices and other documents, required under the Act, where both the giver and receiver of the notices and documents agree.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/party-wall-etc-act-1996-guidance

3D drawing capabilities

We have spent 2 years combining 4 different software packages to produce a streamlined 3D modelling and rendering service. This allows us to configure a 3D model that produces accurate 2d planning drawings, detailed 2d and 3d prospective construction drawings, 360 internal panorama renders, external renders, video walkthroughs and excel costing analysis.

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This is a unique services as the 3d model not only allows the client to see an almost photorealistic visualisation of the completed project before and construction starts on site, it is also effective and efficient. Other software packages only give an inaccurate overview as they are produced from 2d drawings and only serve the purpose of giving the client a basic idea of the finished produce. We at Great West Design have the ability to accurately produce a 3D model from which all the construction information is based from. Please click on the links below to see an example.

Extension Walk through videos

Extensions, 360 degree views

Lofts, 360 degree views

Advantages of 3D Building Models

There are many different benefits of using a 3D building model. Not only does it help both those involved in the project and the client visualise the completed project, it is also effective and efficient. Below are some of the many advantages.

Project Visualization

A 3D architectural model can help clients visualise a project. Most humans are visual beings who are able to grasp spatial concepts much better if they can see them rather than just imagining them. Recent studies show that 90% of transmitted information in the human brain is visual.

3D models give an accurate picture of how a design team can change their plans if they need to. It is much easier to change a project during the design stage rather than after construction has already begun.

Improving Project Speed

A 3D building model is a valuable tool that can save valuable time and money. Models can be shown to contractors or builders to help save significant time in the construction process. This leads to a faster designing and building process.

3D modelling can construct structures much faster than 2D drawings. This saves precious time and money that can be used on other aspects of the construction design.

3D building models also leave little room for error because they provide an accurate picture. This means that architects and engineers don't waste time looking for errors or miscalculations on 2D. A 3D model is a fantastic communication tool which allows the designer to convey their designs in a way that clients, contractors, and consultants can easily understand them. Clients with an immersive 3D experience, wherein they no longer need to waste time deciphering 2D drawings that are difficult to understand. Because of this, the communication gap between architect, client and contractor is eliminated.

Great West Design provide a responsive, reliable and professional service which balances the highest quality of architectural illustration and imagery with outstanding value for our clients. Our charges reflect both the level of time and skill involved in creating a 3D model.

A 3D model can speed up the process of steel fabracation as the Fabracotors can easily see the steel design in a 3D format. A 3D model is a cost-saving feature which helps all party’s easily and quickly identify any design errors before they even occur on site. They can use their 3D models on-site to explain project details, make RFIs (request for information), and give suggestions for better construction results.

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Structural calculations

In order to comply with current Building Regulations, you will need a Structural Engineer to arrange the required calculations for your project. We can provide our own engineer or are happy to liaise with your engineer to arrange all required structural calculations including beams, joists and rafters.

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Catering for all areas of design, we can supply structural design proposals for projects including:

Preferred foundation design
Frame systems
Structural grid with column sizes
Primary and secondary beam sizes and spans
Schedules of floor loadings catering for dead and live loads
Special loads
Horizontal and vertical expansion joints
Major openings in floors and structural walls
Wind bracing elements
Typical edge details
Fire protection to the structure

Project costs analysis

Having an exact cost analysis from a Quantity Surveyor will give you an advantage when tendering your project to secure the right builder for the right price.

QS Services

Accurate analysis of pricing and costing your entire project
Detailed assessment of materials required for your build
Advice on procuring materials from the most cost-effective suppliers
Provide cost analysis to save you money across your building project

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All types of construction project, ranging from the largest loft conversion to the smallest house extension or refurbishment, could benefit from the services of a Quantity Surveyor. With so many new materials and products on the market today, employing the services of a QS or Quantity Surveyor could provide you with exact costings to ensure your project is completed in the right timeframe and at the right price.

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Project management

As project managers, Great West Design would be responsible for the planning, management, co-ordination and financial control of your project.

We work closely with our clients to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. Our expertise means that there is always a keen focus on the project's objectives and we oversee each stage making sure that everyone is doing their job properly.

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Managing the project, we ensure the desired result is achieved in the best and most efficient way. Our experience enables us to select the right suppliers and resources for each build.

Typical responsibilities include:

Agreeing project objectives
Providing advice on the management of projects
Organising the many professionals working on a project
Carrying out risk assessment
Making sure that all the aims of the project are met
Making sure the quality standards are met
Using IT or other systems to keep track of people and progress
Recruiting specialists and sub-contractors
Overseeing the accounting, costing and billing
Reporting on progress to the client or senior stakeholders
Evaluating the success of the project against its benchmarking and sharing lessons or best practice with other organisations or project managers

Interior design service

The icing on the cake with any project is the interior appearance and design. However, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. An interior designer can unlock the full potential of your project, creating a beautiful home, whilst also saving both time and money by avoiding costly mistakes.

Having a professional to lead you through the design journey, giving advice and inspiration along the way, ensures you end up with a home you truly love.

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Working closely with you on your project, an interior designer will provide invaluable advice and take the headache out of the process. Services include:

Spatial design and optimum use of space
Helping the client define the interior brief, programme and budget
Selecting colours, materials, finishes, furnishings, equipment and other components
Advising on and Selecting suppliers and placing contracts

Contact us for further information