Architectural Services

Professional Architects and Architectural Services
in Eastbourne and East Sussex

Design & Build

Finding the right architect can prove challenging. As our number one goal is to fulfil your needs and go beyond expectations, We Are Ram Construction is in partnership with high quality local architects to incorporate architectural services into our building works.

This allows us to offer complete wall-to-wall solutions for our customers. For both residential and commercial planning, we cover all aspects of design, from an initial sketch / concept design through to detailed planning and building regulation drawings as well as submission. Our comprehensive service includes:

‍Design
Permitted Development‍
‍Planning Permission
Building Regulations
Structural Calculations
Tender Enquiries
Project Management

If required, we can also ensure that the architects that work with specialise in specific works, for example:

‍Landscaping
Interior Design‍
‍Churches
Period Buildings

Every project is different. We listen carefully to your ideas and vision and advise on the practicalities and possibilities, as well as sharing our own ideas so that you can make an informed decision on your project. We also provide visual interactive 3D drawings to make the design process more efficient. After all, we love to hear that our customers are enjoying their new home.

Planning Stages – Site Visit

During the Planning stage we undertake a detailed measured survey of your property and all parts vital to the project.
We take extensive measurements, notes and photos and we discuss your project in more detail.
We can share our own experience, knowledge, visions, and ideas with you to help develop your ideas if you find that helpful. Our Architect will work with you to create a design that is tailored to you.
We then draft sketches to meet your brief, showing the layout, how it would look and how it would work.
The drafting/sketching stage usually takes two weeks from inception, depending on the scale of the project.

A white house with a blue door and steps.

A kitchen with a large island in the middle of it.

Planning Stages – Submission

When you are happy with the design and all is finalised, we will submit the plans to the local authority planning department to either obtain a Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) or request planning approval. The LDC or Planning Permission Document forms a key part of the home records should you will to sell the house.
After planning permission has been submitted, it is then validated by the Planning Department.
A Planning Officer is allocated to your project, and a decision is usually made within eight weeks.

Over the years, we have developed great relationships with Planners. Although we cannot guarantee that planning permission will be granted, we aim to communicate and negotiate to make the application a success.

Building Regulation Stage

After Planning Permission has been granted we will work in conjunction with our Architect to develop the drawings further. This will involve combining our construction expertise to develop a cost-effective method of construction to achieve the best result for you. These drawings will meet all Building Regulations and Specifications and from these we will be able to give you a cost (estimate) for the works.

At this stage we might need to obtain some structural calculations or heat loss calculations which will be submitted to satisfy Building Control or make a submission to the Water Authority if building is near or over Public Sewers.

The Local Building Control Authority charges a fee to check and approve the plans and an inspection fee once work starts on site, this fee varies and depends on the works and the Council Authority in which you are located.

When building regulations have been approved, information is formulated and hard copies of drawings and documents are put together for your building contractor.

This two-stage process can take anywhere from three to six months, depending on the project. In some more difficult cases, network with Listed Buildings can take a lot longer.

Building Regulations stage fees would be similar to Planning Fees but is dependant on the final design, if structural calculations are required these are approximately £200.00 per beam and SAP (heat loss calcs. usually approx. £550.00).

If agreement is required with Southern Water, they charge £720.00 per application, and we would require £250.00 to process this application.

Once all this information has been collated and all approvals from the relevant bodies are in place, including acceptance of our estimate, we will then liaise with you and agree a suitable start date for the works.

THEN YOU ARE READY TO GO!

Transparent Pricing with Confidence

FEES for Planning stage from: – (depending on size of property and complexity of proposals)

Single storey extension From £950.00
Double storey From £1,600.00
Loft conversion From £1,100.00

Fees for Building Regulations stage:

Single storey extension From £650
Double storey From £1200
Loft conversion From £850

Additional costs:

If structural calculation is required, £200 per beam and SAP
Heat loss calculations is approx. £550.00
If agreement is needed with Southern Water they charge £720.00 per application, plus there is a £250.00 administration fee for us to process this application.

We will coordinate the whole process on your behalf and guide you through the, often complicated, building process. By providing a single point of contact we aim to make your dream project totally hassle and stress free.

We strongly recommend that you share your budget for your project with us, so that we have more chance of turning your dreams into affordable, practical reality!

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Applying for Planning Permission

Navigating the complexities of planning permission can be a daunting task, but at We Are RAM Construction, we're here to simplify the process and turn your vision into reality. Our experienced team understands the intricacies of obtaining planning permissions and will guide you through every step of the journey. From initial consultations to preparing comprehensive documentation and engaging with local authorities, we specialise in streamlining the planning permission process. Whether you're embarking on a new development or seeking approvals for renovations, our expertise ensures a smooth and efficient path to obtaining the necessary permissions. Let us be your partner in transforming ideas into approved, actionable plans.