SERVICES
Experts in our Field
CWA offers a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all building matters. We oversee your building project requirements, whether it be full project management involvement for a large commercial development or a one off Planning Application for a residential property.
Range of services CWA provide:
Contract Administrator
Contract Administration includes survey, design and drawing, preparation of schedules of work and specifications, procurement, briefing and coordination in conjunction with the contractor, followed by on-site monitoring and cost control during the progress of the work.
This role may also incorporate the preparation and submission of Planning Applications and seeking Building Control Approval.
CWA in their appointed role will monitor and see the project through to final handover on completion of the works and can agree settlement of the final costs with the contractor.
Project Management
Effective project management requires leadership and the ability to acquire a range of qualified professionals working cohesively in pursuit of a single objective. Appointing CWA as the project manager or lead consultant enables the client to draw upon an array of skills in order to deliver the project quickly and effectively with the confidence that the best team for the project has been appointed.
CWA has many strong relationships with a range of trusted professionals including Architects, Planning Consultants, Structural, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers which ensures CWA can deliver on all aspects of the project irrespective of size or complexity.
Feasibility Studies
Upon the initial concept of a project, a feasibility study may be appropriate to assess the client’s wishes with an assessment of the financial viability and likelihood of a project reaching successful completion.
A feasibility study is designed to meet the specific needs of each individual client and/or project. During the study, it may be necessary to confer with the appropriate statutory bodies in relation to the proposals. Such a study frequently includes advice in relation to any building restrictions that may apply on the site, planning/requirements and any other practical issues arising.
Where applicable, a feasibility report will consist of sketch or full AutoCAD proposals setting out our view of the project, together with detailed budget costings.
Principal Designer
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) are applicable to all construction projects. Anyone considering a building project must appoint a Principal Designer to manage all Health & Safety aspects of said project. As members of the Association of Project Safety, CWA are fully versed in these matters, and are able to offer guidance or a full Principal Designer service.
In the majority of instances, CWA incorporate the role of Principal Designer into our duties as Contract Administrator.
CWA are also prepared, and have experience, to act solely as Principal Designer or CDM Adviser where clients feel they need assistance with their duties under the Regulations.
Insurance and Expert Witness
There are various reasons why it may be necessary to appoint a professional advisor to manage an insurance claim. CWA have been involved in many emergency and reinstatement works as a result of floods, fires and even vehicular accidents.
Acting as Contract Administrators CWA are able to manage all remedial works and reinstatement contracts. CWA are usually first point of contact as professional buildings advisor for the Client, Insurer and Loss Adjustors in connection with the claim.
CWA act as expert witness on behalf of individual parties, legal professionals and the courts when reviewing, preparing and presenting evidence or opinion to the courts or arbitration hearings. CWA can provide advice on building law matters, technical comment on detailing, drawings or built structures and advise on boundary disputes, Party Wall matters and Rights of Light.
Contractual disputes relating to defects, delays, or extensions of time can be addressed and professional advice provided to support such claims.
Planning Application, Building Regulations Approval, Architectural Plans and Drawings
It is advisable to obtain specialist advice prior to the commencement of any building work or the submission of any Planning Application. An application normally requires a full set of drawings to accompany the written paperwork such Design, Heritage and Access Statements. CWA can provide assistance in relation to any application.
As well as planning permission, the majority of building works require approval under the Building Regulations. This requires detailed plans of the project to be submitted and approved by the Local Authority or an independent ‘Approved Inspector’. These submissions normally take the form of a set of detailed drawings with accompanying notes and statements.
Most residential applications take the form of a Building Notice with commercial projects requiring Full Plans Approval.
CWA are fully conversant with the latest regulations and would be happy to discuss any planning and Building Regulation requirements.
All of CWA’s drawing work is prepared on the latest edition of AutoCAD, the industry standard for architectural drafting. CWA are able to produce drawings form simple sketch proposals to fully developed detailed plans.
Party Wall and Neighbourly Matters
The ‘Party Wall etc. Act 1996’ applies to all properties within England and Wales.
The Act covers all works on or near a wall or boundary between two separate properties. Works affecting the ‘wall’ can be repair, refurbishment, extensions, underpinning and new build or even demolition.
CWA can act and provide advice in relation to compliance with the Act. We can act as the Building Owner’s Surveyor planning the works or act as Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor where a ‘notice’ has been served by a neighbour wishing to carry our works that affect the ‘wall’ or ‘structure’.