About

When a building designer is engaged to prepare house plans for a specific lot; the very first step undertaken is to visit the site for appraisal. Such characteristics as aspect, topography, geology, vegetation, drainage, access, prevailing winds, views, privacy, streetscape and existing infrastructure will all be considered before a preliminary concept is developed. The next step is to discuss the project with the local council to ascertain their requirements. Council requirements today are very complex and are often beyond the understanding of the average property owner. Council requirements can include boundary set-backs, height limits, floor space ratios, building envelopes and many other requirements.

Upon approval of the concept design working drawings and specifications will be prepared. These documents tell the builder exactly how to construct your building in detail. Well prepared drawings and specifications save time, reduce uncertainty, help avoid disputes and assure a baseline level of project quality. Whilst drawings and schedules list materials and form, it is a properly constructed comprehensive specification that provides a clear outline of the quality of materials and tolerance of construction required. A Project Specification also guarantees at tender stage, builders are quoting on the same items making for a better comparison and assuring that the project will not be lost to someone who will cut the quality of construction.

SandS Building Design are skilled in an entire range of building design services, including site analysis, design and documentation, council submissions, energy rating etc. We undertake continuing professional development in order to keep up to date with the rapid changes in building design and technology.