Is it necessary for us to employ an Engineer or a Land Surveyor?
No, we have all the necessary in house expertise, so you don't have to go to the additional expense of hiring an Engineer or a Land Surveyor.
Can you handle the Planning Application for us?
Yes, we have a wealth of experience with the Planning Department and we can help you through each stage of the proceedure, from the initial outline planning submission to the building warrant and completion certificate. We can never guarantee that permission will be granted, but if we think there is a reasonable chance of success, we will apply as your agent
How long does the planning process take and how much does it cost?
The statutory period for consideration is normally 2 months, but it can extend beyond this if, for example if further information is required. The cost of an outline planning application is currently £382 (correct at May 2013). However further fees are payable at different stages of the process and these would be included and detailed within our fees.
Do we need to employ an architect?
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No, our highly experienced team can work with you on design ideas or modify our existing designs to help produce your ideal home. However if you have already commissioned an architect to produce your design, we are happy to work with them to bring your dream to reality.
What is the difference between Planning Permission and a Building Warrant?
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There is an ongoing misconception with many people that a Building Warrant and Planning Permission are one and the same. This is not the case and it is important to differentiate between the two.
A Building Warrant gives you permission for the design and construction of the work. It also includes things like fire protection & escape, drainage, energy conservation and safety & wellbeing of occupants/users. Building regulations make sure that the work meets minimum standards.
Planning Permission mainly relates to the siting, appearance and use of the building and the effect this will have on neighbouring properties and the surrounding environment.
It cannot be emphasised too strongly that, whatever the project, advice from both Building Standards and Planning should be sought to avoid costly and unnecessary work at a later date.
Is my garden too big or too small for a design?
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Absolutely not! I’ve designed gardens as small as 3 x 5 metres and as large as 5 acres – and lots in between. The point of good garden design is to make the most of the space you have available and ensure that the garden and house sit comfortably together. That’s what I set out to do, so you can get on with enjoying your garden.
What if I just want part of my garden redesigned?
If you just want part of your garden to be updated then that is no problem at all. Planting schemes can vary in size from a small cottage garden border, right up to large formal borders. Hard landscaping might involve changes to
some steps through to a complete landscaping redesign and build.
How many gardens have you designed?
I’ve designed well over 300 gardens. Many of these have been complete rebuilds which have involved hard landscaping project management. Others have been much simpler. All of them have involved planting and most of the time I’ve also sourced plants for my clients and managed the planting schemes. I’m also experienced in the design, management and creation of water gardens and features; lighting; garden structures and buildings. Sometimes there are very specific requirements to meet, such as ensuring that that garden is fully accessible for various types of disability; or in providing a unique feature such as a putting green.
Do you charged for revisions to the design?
As long as the overall scope of the brief has not changed then I do not charge to make revisions. Once I’ve been through the design with you I will typically leave it with you for a week or so to mull over. Then we get back together and go through any changes you might want to make. Building a garden is not cheap and it’s important that the plan gives you what you need because you don`t want to have to do it again.
How long will it typically take from design to complete garden?
That will obviously depend on how complex the overall job is and when work is planned to start. A key part to making sure that jobs don’t take longer than necessary is to make sure that landscaping, building and planting work are all properly scheduled around each other. Reputable landscapers can often be booked up for several months in advance, so early conversations with them to get work start dates agreed is essential. Different types of plants are often only available at certain times of year. If you want bare rooted plants, then these have to be ordered in advance and will be supplied by the nurseries during the bare root season only – late October to March. With all these factors to consider, it’s likely that for substantial jobs the process of moving from design to a complete garden will take several months.
When is the best time to build a garden?
Gardens can be built at any time of year – although clearly you can get a lot more done when the days are longer and the weather is good, than you can when the days are short or the weather is bad. Rain and mud are landscaper’s worst enemies as they create extra mess and slow work down. Reputable landscaping firms should be able to cope with all but extreme weather. Snow is usually the main time when landscapers and planters have to down tools. However, most planting is done in the autumn, winter and early spring during the bare root season. This allows the plants to rest after planting and then be fully settled in by the time they start growing in the spring. Planting in the winter also means that you are less likely to have to spend every evening watering the plants in as most years we have adequate rainfall.
When is the best time of year to design a garden?
The design of a garden can be done at any time of year and there are no months when I won’t be working on designs for clients. Managing the building and planting of garden is more time critical as these happen outside and have to deal with the challenges of British weather. It’s important to remember that plants are living organisms and it can be very stressful for a plant being planted when conditions are not favourable – usually when it is too dry or windy.
Do you offer an initial consultation?
Yes - because every garden is different so it`s impossible to offer a quote without seeing the garden and talking through your requirements. So the initial consultation is an opportunity for us to meet; for you to see some of my designs and for me to talk through what you’re looking to achieve and how we can best work together. For clients in Norfolk and Suffolk I don`t charge for this consultation.
When do you measure up the garden and take soil samples?
I carry out a site survey after you’ve agreed to have a design done. During a site survey I will measure up the outside of the house, including the position of windows, doors etc. I will also measure out the plot, including the boundaries and any prominent features such as mature trees, drains, outbuilding etc. A survey will typically take 2 – 3 hours.
What are my options if I can’t afford to have my entire garden rebuilt all at once?
Many of my clients have taken a phased approach to the creation of their garden. Typically this will involve completion of the design – followed by the phased building and planting of the garden. This may take place over a single year, or even several years depending on the size of the job and the funds that are available. The important thing is to be clear on the design. Once this is in place then you’ll have a much better idea of what your build and planting costs will be and how you can break these down into sensible chunks to create your garden.