Step 1: How to Commission Your Project

The first step is to meet with us and give us a tour of your home. Following this, we will provide you with a detailed quote, which will need your approval before we can proceed.

Our Fee Structure

Initial Deposit: 50% of the total fee, payable upfront.

Final Payment: The remaining 50% upon project completion.

Once the quote is approved, we will draft a contract and invoice you for the initial deposit to begin work.

Additional Requirement

Please note that you will need to arrange for a measured survey to be conducted by a surveyor. The cost for this typically starts at £695+ (depending on the size of the property) and is an additional expense separate from our fee.

Let’s take the first step toward bringing your vision to life!

Step 2: Designing Your Dream Project

We’ve now reached Step 2 of our process, where we use our expertise to bring your dream project to life through thoughtful and creative design.

After our initial meeting (in-person or via Zoom during Step 1), we’ll meet again—either face-to-face or via video call—to discuss your project in detail, reviewing ideas through drawings and images. These will be emailed to you for further consideration.

If the designs don’t make you smile, we’ll gladly revisit the drawing board. However, please note that additional costs may apply for extra revisions outside the agreed scope.

Important Note on Building Costs (At Building Stage)

As building costs have risen, we strongly recommend bringing on board a Quantity Surveyor to help manage your budget effectively. A Quantity Surveyor ensures your project stays within budget and meets performance specifications from the start.

Estimated Cost for a Quantity Surveyor

Plan for an additional £700 - £1,500 for this service, which is separate from our fee.

Let’s work together to make your vision a reality while keeping it aligned with your budget!

Step 3: Submitting Your Planning Application

At this stage, we take care of the entire planning application process for you. There’s no need for you to apply online—we’ll guide you through every step, ensuring you have all the information necessary to complete the application form.

Before submission, we’ll invoice you for the final balance. Acting as your agent, we liaise directly with the Council to minimise your stress, ensuring all necessary planning conditions are met before lodging the application. We’ll also help you track the progress of your application as it moves through the scrutiny process.

What’s Included

Our fee covers all related expenses, except for:

Planning application costs

Additional requirements, such as ecology survey or flood risk assessments

Additional Budget

Please budget a minimum of approximately £300 on top of our fee for planning application costs or additional requirements.

With our support, you can feel confident that your application is in expert hands.

Step 4: Once Planning is APPROVED

Once your planning application is approved, your project will progress to the building regulation process. This stage ensures that your design complies with current building regulations and standards, covering aspects such as structure, fire safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility.

We will:

Prepare Detailed Drawings: These include all necessary technical specifications to meet building regulation requirements.

Coordinate with Consultants: We work with trusted professionals, such as structural engineers or energy consultants, to provide additional documentation if required (these services will incur additional costs).

Submit Your Application: Acting as your agent, we submit the building regulation application to your local authority or an approved inspector for review.

Support During the Review: We handle any queries or amendments needed during the approval process.

Additional Costs

Please note that fees for building regulation applications and consultant services are separate from our fee. These typically range between £300 and £1,500, depending on the complexity of your project.

This stage ensures your project is ready for construction with full compliance and peace of mind.

Let us guide you seamlessly through the next step in your journey!

Full Project Management

This step is a comprehensive project management program to ensure your project progresses smoothly from tender to completion. Our focus during this stage is to monitor the build's progress, keep it within the approved scope of planning and building regulations as well as providing a expert oversight.

With SAA managing your project, you’ll have peace of mind knowing every aspect is professionally overseen.