Your simple steps to a successful construction project.
With spring in the air, many of you will turn attention to embarking on a grand design of your own; getting an extension or loft conversion underway; repairs or upgrades to your business premises.
January is a great time to start planning a project and although it is a big investment and complicated process, Duckett Building Services can walk you through the steps and decisions required to move you forward. Here are our simple steps to help you get started.
1. Planning Permission
Whether you need planning permission for your project depends on its size and nature. Many domestic extensions, conversions and upgrades are permitted, but if you live in a National Park or AONB there may be restrictions. We can give you free, no obligation advice if you have any queries. Our customers range from absolute beginners to designers and property professionals and we tailor our approach according to your needs and budget – from full project management to ‘light touch’ input to keep everything ticking over.
2. Do you need an Architect?
A contentious issue! An architect will always add value and new perspective to a project, but there are some cases where a good Building Surveyor may be able to perform the role adequately. The approach will depend on the needs of your project but we can advise you on appropriate and reliable consultants who have the right skills to deliver it successfully.
3. Quality and Time
Balancing quality and time within a budget is the biggest challenge faced on a project. Projects often hit delays due to a lack of clarity around the desired quality or customers not being informed of the timescales for decisions required to keep the project moving.
It is essential to ask the right questions early in the process to gain an understanding of the objectives for the project: what are the time or cost limitations? ‘must haves’ and ‘nice to haves’? We can help you avoid abortive effort and unnecessary costs by really listening to you and communicating the right information at the right time.
4. Budget
Preparation is the key. Having clear ideas on expectations around quality and time will help you arrive at a realistic budget. Cost certainty can be improved by buying services on a Guaranteed Maximum Price basis. We bring over 65 years’ building experience in the local area: we can help you choose the right materials, get you the best prices from reliable suppliers and suggest solutions to get the best results within your budget.
5. Making it happen: which firms to choose?
Main contractors, subcontractors, plumbers, electricians, joiners, roofers, glazers, plasterers, bricklayers...many trades are essential to make a project happen, the big challenge when asking firms to price jobs is to arrive at costs which are comparable and transparent. Duckett Building Services can provide advice to help you find the best option, with no hidden costs.
Why choose Duckett Building Services?
We are a family firm in its third generation. Traditional values and integrity underpin our business and we pride ourselves on our:
- Reputation for quality and integrity
- Knowledge and experience in the Bay and Lakes areas
- Personal service and commitment to delighting our customers.
We will not rest until the job is right and always give you the advice which is best for your business or family, not for our bottom line.
Don’t just take our word for it: most of our work comes from repeat customers or referrals and here’s what they say about us:
“Duckett took the time to understand the design; priced exactly what I asked; sought feedback and showed a willingness to accommodate the developing design” Mr. J., Halton
“It’s reassuring to see the same faces and I know they will do the job efficiently and right first time” Mr. H., Crooklands
“You might pay a little bit extra for Ducketts, but what you get is a very high standard of build quality and finish, reliable management, openness, clear communication and peace of mind that everything is on track. These things, - for me - are invaluable” Mr. H., Levens.
Contact us today for a free, no obligation chat – whether you have a plan, a sketch or just a dream: we can help you realise it in 2015. Call us in January or February quoting ‘Lancashire Life’ and get 10% off your first phase of works.
Tel: 01524 784300 I Web: www.duckett.ltd.uk | Email: office@duckett.ltd.uk
Quigginsfield, Brigsteer: A new-build house, incorporating modern design and green technology in an ancient woodland setting.
A design by Simon Winstanley Architects, requiring creativity in project management and material specification: This new home is intended to be highly sustainable in both its design and construction. Construction will use natural, low carbon materials as much as possible and sustainable features include a highly insulated timber frame, air source heat pump and Photovoltaic panels.
Crooklands Hotel, Bar & Restaurant: An AA 3* family run hotel, which has just earned the Gold award from The Green Tourism board.
Targeted refurbishment to help a small business deliver a great service: It is always important for a business to ensure that time and money is spent in the places which will have the most impact. We work closely with the owners to agree objectives, budget and programme. These improvements have facilitated better staff communication and responsive customer service, where individual guest requirements can be identified and met more effectively.
