How We Work
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Inception - A Beginning
We start by establishing a client brief, by meeting clients, preferably on site, to discuss the project, their vision and any budgetary requirements.
Our work will be carried out in accordance with the RIBA 'Plan of Work'.
Once our brief is established, fees and our terms of engagement will be agreed prior to commencent of works.
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Design & Pre Construction
The design stage is crucial and Stiles & Co are dedicated to achieving a design that satisfies both the Local Authority and the client.
We will develop and draft concepts and submit proposals for Pre-Application Advice if considered necessary. After feedback we can then develop the final design to obtain planning permission.
As part of the pre-construction information, Stiles & Co will develop any Building Regulation applications and construction drawings that may be necessary.
The Specification and Schedule of Works is the key document to ensure the success of any project. Stiles & Co will prepare this in accordance with the client’s requirements and technical drawings. This documentation will be included in the tender package, which will be sent out to a number of contractors for pricing.
Further risk assessments and pre-construction information to satisfy the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 will be produced at this stage.
The type of contract appropriate to the nature and scope of works will be determined and put in place to protect both parties.
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Construction
Once a contractor has been appointed, your project will go live. This can be a very stressful time for clients and it is important that a project is kept on track.
Documenting variations in materials, time and costs to ensure the job is completed on time and to the standard specified will assist in ensuring the works remain within budget. As part of our Project Management services we consider all variations and issues and keep a close eye on cost control to provide peace of mind. We authorise stage payments based on the work completed to date and instruct the client to pay the contractor the appropriate amount.
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Completion - Success
As your project approaches the final stages, it will be important to ensure that the finer detail and finishes are completed to a satisfactory standard. Once the works are finished, we issue a Practical Completion Certificate to the client, based on the anticipated final account, normally holding back a ‘retention sum’. We carry out a final account analysis, with reference to the original contract sum and scope of work. Towards the end of the retention period, we carry out our final snagging inspections and, once all items have been signed off, issue a Final Certificate to release the retained sum to the contractor.
Operations and Maintenance Manuals of a Health and Safety File will be prepared and presented to the client at the end of the works to assist with future maintenance of the property.
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Future Maintenance
Looking after your most valuable asset is vital to retain the value and longevity of the building fabric. Concierge is a unique strategic maintenance service which looks after your property freeing you from stress.
Stiles & Co will develop a good understanding of how your building works and the maintenance requirements, not only for the fabric but also any audio-visual systems, swimming pool plant, hot water systems or other specialist installations, including lifts and renewable energy equipment.
If not already available, Stiles & Co, through their ‘Concierge’ service, can prepare an Operations and Maintenance Manual or Health & Safety File. This will not only assist with short and medium term maintenance, but can often facilitate the sale of a property.
