Frequently Asked Questions

Designing and building is a complex process. If you havenʼt worked with design professionals or contractors before, it can be especially confusing. What follows are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive.

Costs

What does it cost to build my dream project?

Clients should allow approximately £2,500 to £4,000 per square metre for bespoke construction in the South West, excluding site development, utilities, professional fees, statutory fees and VAT. The actual rate will vary depending on specification, site constraints and project complexity. When we start the design process, we use these square-metre ranges to determine the overall size and scale of your project. It is crucial to align the size of your desired house with your budget. This keeps all parties working towards a single goal. It's much easier to define a realistic project size that fits your budget early on than to try to remove funds from an oversized project you've fallen in love with. We always recommend designing smaller, more energy-efficient and affordable floor plans.

How much are your fees?

While the cost of constructing a project does not determine architectural fees, it serves as a useful guideline for estimating the design time required to consider the project and produce the drawings. A comprehensive scope of architectural services typically falls within the range of 8% to 16% of the actual construction cost. This refers to the actual construction cost, not the initial budget, as these figures can often differ significantly. Factors such as the project type, construction value, decision-making process, the client's directives, and the extent of design input requested all influence the overall fees. Consequently, fees can only be estimated at the outset of a project based on its potential size, complexity, and intended work. Fees will be at the higher end for projects that consider a listed building, extension, or master plan, focus on the fit-out, and/or have a smaller construction budget.  Please contact us to learn more.

Whatʼs included in your fee?

While we love designing, design is only one part of what we do on a project. A significant amount of communication and project administration is involved, and these duties span all stages of the work. This is included in the basic services fee. For a project to run smoothly, open communication among everyone is crucial. We pride ourselves on being open communicators and are always responsive to your questions. These administrative processes are in place to ensure that your project runs efficiently, on budget, and on schedule. Examples of this project administration include phone, Teams, and email correspondence; client meetings and presentations; meeting agendas and minutes; and coordination of consultants' work.

How can we control costs?

In our Professional Services Proposal, we will outline the expected costs for your project and set a cap for each stage, which we will not exceed without your agreement. This ensures you maintain control and keeps everything fair and properly managed. The more decisive you are, the faster we can move. Moving quickly (without backtracking) directly saves you money. As exciting as it is to explore every possibility, more options can quickly exceed our initial fee estimates. Be upfront about your goals, preferences, and dislikes. We thrive on critical dialogue, so please be direct and candid. Without an honest, open dialogue, the process can take longer to reach a solution that satisfies you.

Construction

Can I be involved/help in the construction?

Yes and no. We encourage you to visit the site regularly to monitor progress. Although most decisions will have been made by this stage, important walkthroughs are scheduled to confirm design choices. We welcome your input and collaboration throughout the construction process. Contractors' insurance typically covers their own work and employees. Clients working on the site may not be covered by the contractor's insurance, so they should check their own insurance. While clients can participate in their own construction projects, it's crucial to establish clear agreements on roles, responsibilities, and insurance coverage to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Whoʼs responsible for quality control?

Quality control is a collaborative effort between the build team and our design team at BluePrint. While the build team is primarily responsible for executing the construction in accordance with the plans and specifications, the design team actively monitors progress and reviews the work to ensure it meets our standards of quality and craftsmanship. Our aim is to maintain open communication between the teams and promptly address any issues, so the final result meets or exceeds your expectations.

What about changes during construction?

Changes are a natural part of construction. They can take two forms: a change in the scope of work (more or less) or a change in the schedule (more or less). When they arise, we handle them through change orders. We'll review the cost and scope implications together before any work takes place. With your confirmation, we will issue the necessary revised documents, adjust the schedule and budget, and proceed with the work.

How are disputes handled?

Disputes during the construction process are handled through open communication and collaboration among all parties involved. We aim to resolve any issues or disagreements swiftly and amicably, seeking mutually satisfactory solutions that align with the project's objectives. In the unlikely event that disputes cannot be resolved directly, we may explore alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, as outlined in our contract, to resolve them efficiently and fairly.

Programme

How long will it take to design?

This can vary depending on the scope and complexity of your project, as well as factors such as your responsiveness to feedback and decision-making. Typically, our design process for a standard 4-5 bedroom home, ranging from 167 to 232 square metres (approximately 1,800 to 2,500 square feet), will take 4 to 6 months to complete. We'll work closely with you to establish a timeline early in the process that reflects a realistic estimate based on your project scope, budget, and goals. 

How long will it take to build my home?

The timeline for completing construction may vary based on several factors, including the size and complexity of the project, site conditions, and the availability of materials and labour. During the initial planning stages, we will collaborate closely with you to establish a realistic timeline considering these factors. While we aim to adhere to the agreed-upon programme, unforeseen circumstances such as weather delays or unexpected site conditions may influence the timeline. Rest assured, we will keep you informed throughout the construction process and make every effort to complete your project efficiently and on time.

What if you donʼt meet the programme?

We aim to stick to the agreed schedule, but unforeseen circumstances may occasionally affect the timeline. If we experience delays during the design or construction phases, we will promptly communicate with you to discuss the situation and explore potential solutions. Our priority is to keep you informed and work collaboratively to address any challenges while minimising disruptions to the project timeline. Rest assured, we are committed to delivering your project with the utmost care and attention to detail, and we will make every effort to mitigate any delays that may arise.

What about liquidated damages?

We do not use liquidated damages in our contracts. Instead, we prioritise clear communication, collaboration, and proactive problem-solving to ensure the successful completion of your project within the agreed timeline. While we understand the importance of adhering to schedules, we believe that fostering a positive and transparent working relationship with our clients yields better results than relying on punitive measures. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality craft and exceptional service, and we are committed to addressing any challenges that may arise throughout the design and construction process in a cooperative and constructive manner.

Design and Preparation

What if we donʼt like any of the designs?

In the 20+ years weʼve been designing and building in the South West, this has never happened. The reason is that weʼre good listeners. We understand that this is your home, and it must reflect your needs and desires. That said, if you find that none of the initial design concepts meets your expectations or aligns with your vision for the project, we will work closely with you to understand your feedback and revisit your stated preferences and the client questionnaire. Our team will then revise and refine the designs until we achieve a solution that resonates with you.

Who pays for redesign?

The cost of design revisions is viewed as a natural aspect of an iterative design process. Consequently, the client is responsible for the fees. If the redesign results from an error or omission on our part, no fees will be incurred. We work diligently and fairly to address any concerns or preferences you may have regarding our agreement. We aim to deliver a design that meets your expectations and exceeds your vision for the project, and we are committed to working with you to achieve that.

Can I tour a project youʼve completed?

We would love to show you around. We understand the importance of experiencing our work firsthand. Depending on availability and location, we can arrange for you to tour one of our completed projects. Seeing our designs in person can provide valuable insight into our design aesthetic, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Please get in touch with us to discuss arranging a tour. We'll do our best to accommodate your request.

Free Client Investment Guide

Thinking about a listed building, extension, refurbishment or new build? Download our free Client Investment Guide for a clear overview of our process, typical costs, timelines and what to expect at each stage.