Janet T. phoned Duncan Thompson Extensions to discuss the possibility of extending her home. A meeting with a design consultant was arranged. While the essential requirement of a new bedroom and ensuite was clear, the means of achieving it was not. The feasibility of the project was tested against the likely building cost, the structural requirements and regulatory limitations. A variety of possibilities were discussed, and by the end of the meeting it was clear that at least two quite different resolutions were possible.
Janet & Abe spent some weeks after this first meeting considering their options, before requesting that Duncan Thompson Extensions prepare a detailed design and project costing. The design consultant returned to refine the ideas previously considered, and to measure and photograph the house. This information was used to create a 3D computer model. The designer took the project brief and the computer model and set about resolving the best possible balance of aesthetics, efficiency, and detailing. A specification was written to confirm the inclusions and exclusions. The estimator worked from the design and specifications to prepare an accurate assessment of the total project cost.
After measuring the house the design consultant returned with floor plans, a perspective rendering, a set of specifications and the project cost. Abe and Janet were able to see exactly how the extension would connect to the existing house, and how it would look from the street. They were able to see how well it met the requirements of their original project brief. The project cost was within the limits of the budget they’d previously discussed with their designer, and the comprehensive specifications gave them a clear understanding of all that was to be included for that price. With all requirements satisfied, Abe and Janet agreed to sign up to the next stage of the process, an agreement authorising Duncan Thompson Extensions to prepare working drawings and a building contract.
The next step was to organise a site visit where the new clients could meet the managing director, the estimator, the geotechnician and the structural engineer. Two draftsmen also re-measured the house to confirm the accuracy of the designer’s measurements. The draftsman was then able to begin to develop working drawings from the approved design. Some minor amendments to the design drawings were made on the client’s request and were included in the final documentation after their approval. The new drawings were delivered to the building surveyor for building permit pre-approval. The specifications were re-written, the price checked and confirmed and contract prepared.
After the site visit a final set of working drawings, specifications and contract were delivered to Abe and Janet for their approval. They carefully reviewed the documentation to ensure they understood it fully before signing, but with the design, specifications, and price already confirmed, there were no surprises, and they were able to proceed to the contract stage with confidence.
With the contract signed, Duncan Thompson Extensions was able to obtain Home Owner’s Warranty insurance for the project, and after that to request that the building surveyor issue the building permit. A project manager was appointed and a pre-start meeting between him, Abe and Janet was organised to discuss access to the site, security, storage of materials and the schedule of works. Building materials were ordered and tradesmen assigned to the project.
After the issue of the building permit, construction began. Though relatively small, the project involved the use of all trades – scaffolding, concreting, carpentry, bricklaying, plumbing, electrical, plastering, tiling, and roof tiling. Despite this, work proceeded smoothly and on schedule, with minimal disruption to Abe and Janet, who lived comfortably at home while construction continued.
Five months after work on site began the project was compete, and the notice of completion was issued by the building surveyor.
