The Process | Belle Unique Ltd

Our Process.....It's More Than Just Plans!

Taking The Brief

We provide a free initial consultation onsite to meet and discuss the individual needs of the client. Following and in-depth analysis of your requirements, we will determine which services you require while considering your budget, lifestyle and time constraints. We will at the same time assess the feasibility of the project with your budget in mind and scope of the works to ensure that we can take the design forward to specify products and create the space that you are dreaming of that will also fit the budget.

Following these important discussion to capture your thoughts and ideas, we will send over our fee proposal that will have timeframes, the payment schedule of each stage including a deposit which will be due prior to booking in the survey of the property.

Survey Time

Now to get the project started! This is a very thorough detailed survey, measuring every nook and cranny to allow us to recreate your house in a 3D model. We can then work our magic to design your new space, whether it's an extension, conversion or remodel.

Design Concept

Following the briefing stage we will develop initial outline concept proposals for your space supported with 2d plans with QR Codes to allow you to view the proposals in full 360 degree panorama view to provide a feel for the space.

We will provide initial thoughts around the architectural space planning, structural changes and the potential furniture, fixtures and finishes that can fit in the space and apply to the building.

This stage should give you an initial vision of how the new space can look and feel. We will use generic models and finishes if you are unsure of what you are looking for or if you know exactly what you want we can add the details of the finishes to the model for viewing at the design concept stage.

If you require a full bespoke interior service we can add this to your package at a small additional cost.

Planning Permission

With client approval on the initial design concepts and layouts, we progress to the next step which will be the planning permission stage (IF REQUIRED) as it depends on the project and what's being designed.

We will add all the relevant details including the required dimensions, views, and external finishes to allow planning to give the go ahead on the design.

We would then after your review, submit the planning package to the local authority through the online portal.

The average timescale on planning approval of projects after submission is around 8-12 weeks.

When we receive the approvals we can then move onto the next stage.

Building Warrant

The building warrant process is a crucial aspect of the design journey, ensuring that your architectural and interior design plans meet all necessary regulations and standards. It involves submitting detailed drawings, specifications, and other documentation to the local authorities for approval.

This process typically evaluates aspects such as structural integrity, fire safety, accessibility, and environmental impact. While it can seem like a bureaucratic hurdle, obtaining a building warrant is essential for ensuring the safety and legality of your project. It's like laying a solid foundation for your design aspirations, ensuring that your vision can take shape within the bounds of regulations. So, while it may involve some paperwork and patience, navigating the building warrant process is a vital step towards bringing your design ideas to life in a safe and compliant manner.

We would at this stage have sent our drawings to 3rd party structural engineers which we use on a regular basis to provide quotes for their service. They provide all the details on the structural elements, for example, foundations, support beams for opening walls etc.. we would then add their drawings to the warrant back and have it ready for submission.

Once submitted to the local authority it usually takes them around 12 weeks to approve.

Tender Process

With the stamped and approved detailed drawings pack for your project now available, the approved drawings and all other supporting documentation will be issued to the relevant level of contractor to suit your project for pricing.

We have close relationships with varying scales of companies to suite the size of your project, therefore we normally seek three quotes for all elements we are procuring, from an individual room renovation to a full scale commercial or public sector project. This ensures that we deliver the right team and products to suit the budget and project. Similarly with furniture and finishes, we will search the market to deliver the most cost effective solutions for the highest quality products. Affordable high end design is our aim!

Site Meetings

We can if opted for, provide site meetings at key stages to ensure the build is inline with the design and we can also meet with building control as they sign off each stage.. We can then submit the completion of works form and the council will do a final review to sign it off as complete.

Now it's over to you to enjoy!