Pre-design

The first step is to have a consultation at the site in order to establish your needs, desires and style. We discuss what you want to achieve and establish your must-haves, nice-to-haves etc, I’ll ask you questions to establish some of the parameters you may not have considered.

Where a new home is constructed can vary, but often it is on a bare block of land. Before starting design there is other information that is typically required and this may be provided when you purchase the land.
These typically include:

• A topographical survey of the land
• A geotechnical report on the ground condition
• Document outlining any site covenants that may apply (typically in new subdivisions).

Design

I turn your brief into designs modelled in 3D computer software to provide you with plans and images showing you different approaches to the design in order to explore possible compromises and opportunities.

During the initial design I will incorporate the information from the survey and review the geotechnical, covenant and District Plan requirements for the site. This means that the designs from the outset work as well as possible to achieve what you want within the applicable constraints. Information about any potential issues I identify is provided to you at this stage.

I can also advise what other consultants may be required on your project. These typically include a truss designer and a structural engineer.

This design process can really clarify what is important to you, what is not, and stimulate new ideas. We work together to tweak these layouts to arrive at one resolved design to proceed with.

Documentation

Once you have chosen your design, I put together all the technical information about how it will be constructed.

The first part of this is producing the big picture technical information which can be used in early discussion with builders, the bank and for other consultants that may be involved in the project.

This includes structural information such as walls, floors and roofs, dimensions, cladding and lining types.

If a structural Engineer is required on your project then they can undertake their portion of the design based on this set of drawings.

Once all the information is back from the other consultants I can compile all their information into my 3D model and check that it all works with the design. I then move onto the detailed drawings which includes construction details to show how the claddings, roofing etc. will be constructed and made weathertight. I also compile a Specification outlining the installation requirements and product information appendices. These contain further information and maintenance requirements for the products to be used in the build.

You will be provided with a copy of these documents to review. Once approved I complete all the application forms and submit the complete set to council to review and grant the consent. The council may have questions during their processing time – if they do I answer these promptly so your consent will be granted as quickly as possible

Resource Consent

If there are any aspects of the proposed building that do not comply with the district plan requirements for your zone then a resource consent application will be required. I’ll let you know at design stage or earlier if this is the case.

If so, I put together a package of plans and a report suitable to communicate the proposal for the council to assess and decide whether they will approve or not.

If neighbours’ permission is required then I will provide packages ready for you to give to your neighbours, with instructions on what is required.

Resource Consent is all about minimising any potential effects on the environment or neighbouring property amenity so it’s always my aim to minimise any effects, include any affected parties early on and have open communication throughout.

Construction

This is when the real work begins! Once all the relevant consents have been granted by the council your builder can get on and get started. While my role finishes once the consent is granted I am available if any amendments are required during the construction process, or if you or your builder have any questions.