FAQs
Why should I use Grayara Designs?
Grayara Designs is a small studio, which allows us to provide one to one client interaction and take time to really consider the client’s needs. This being said a personal and tailored service is offered to individual clients, and we will work collaboratively together to develop your project. The aim is to ensure the service is approachable, open and with competitive fees due to less overheads.
Where do I start?
We start with an initial consultation to discuss your project and aspirations. This is held at your convenience and we will discuss your project ambitions and offer initial professional advice on design, the approach, and issues of feasibility, planning considerations, structural impact and cost.
A fee will then be tailored to ensure the service meets your needs and budget. Surveys and desktop studies will be undertaken, and we will quickly begin to start exploring ideas and refining your brief through a series of design workshops and conversations.
What services do you offer?
Grayara Designs offers a full scope of services from early project briefing, planning and building warrant applications and detailed design packages. The service can include stage by stage packages aimed at providing affordable fixed prices. Pricing depends largely on the individual project and fees are typically produced following our initial conversation and a site visit, which will then enable us put together a personalised quotation for you.
Find out more about the full services available here:
Do you have a design style?
No. Each project is approached in collaboration with the Client and will respond to your needs and tastes. The fundamentals of creating interesting spaces using high quality materials and play with natural light are always at the heart of the design.
Do I need planning permission for my project?
It depends. If you are planning to build a new house, or remodel and extend the exterior of your existing property, the chances are you will need a planning approval prior to starting any construction work. Permitted development rights, however, do allow homeowners and developers to extend their properties WITHOUT the need for a planning application IF certain criteria are met within the design. The guidance often changes and currently eligibility can be discussed as part of our initial consultation.
Is a measured survey essential?
Yes. A good quality measured survey is required to document the existing building and is used throughout the process from describing the current arrangement in a planning application, providing key information for other design professionals, to aid contractors working on the building, and to provide useful historic records of the building fabric and services for future use.
Do I need a building warrant?
If you are constructing a new build, extending or refurbishing an existing property or altering any services, these will need to be compliant under current building regulations, and require sign-off by Building Standards. A Completion Certificate is issued by Building Standards at the end of the project once the Building Control Officer is satisfied the works comply with key standards in areas such as structural design, fire protection and egress, accessibility and thermal performance.
Obtaining a Building Standards Completion Certificate will involve the checking of detailed drawings, inspection visits at various key stages, and receipt of various commissioning and testing certificates from competent contractors for their work.
A Completion Certificate is a requirement that confirms a statutory compliant building as well as ensuring safety and performance, these are often critical documents with any future sale of the property.
Can you provide structural design?
No. This is a separate specialised design service. Grayara Designs can assist in appointing a Structural Engineer as part of the project design team and will work collaboratively to ensure a fully coordinated design.
What should I do next?
Make a wish list. Think about what you want to achieve, your aspirations and any problems that need solving. Collect images, ideas and references. Try to think about a broad budget (it will help focus your priorities) and where you would most like to see your investment realised.
Do your research. A new building project is no small endeavour whatever the scale. Making sure you have the right people and fit is critical. An early conversation can lead to exciting and unexpected possibilities.
Get in touch for a free initial consultation.