Planning Advice

At our free initial visit we will give planning advice and discuss the planning implications of your proposal and give advise on the likelihood of obtaining approval.

Sometimes it is sensible to apply for pre-application advice from the Planners to determine as soon as possible whether permission is likely and Hill Reading can prepare the necessary information required.

Our aim is to determine as quickly and cheaply as possible whether your project is viable and to assist you through the process. We will deal with all matters related to the application including completing forms and preparing a design and access statement if necessary.

Building Design

Hill Reading is a “listening” practice. At our first meeting we determine whether you are the sort of client who has fixed ideas, needs building design input or is happy for us to have a clean sheet.

We are able to interpret Planner’s requirements and to produce contemporary or traditional designs or a mix of both.

Our particular skills are in maximising space. Planning whether in a new build property or re-arranging existing space. Our portfolio of completed projects illustrate a light and airy approach, maximising daylight and minimising circulation space.

Extensions must respect the proportions of the existing property whilst minimising impact on existing rooms.

Construction Advice

Our technical staff can advise on the most practical and effective building solutions ensuring that all comply with the latest Building Regulations.

Construction methods and materials are constantly evolving and our staff are fully up to date with the latest technology and cost-effective solutions.

We are the current holders of the Local Authority Building Control Administration Award which recognises the high quality of information prepared in support of Building Regulations applications, and are happy to discuss various construction approaches to determine which is best for your project.

If you’re planning a new build or alterations to an existing building then consult us for construction advice in Somerset.

Contract Administration

We work with clients and builders to provide a complete building contract administration service to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.

To provide clients with peace of mind we offer a contract administration service which involves the preparation of tender documentation, seeking like for like tenders from suitable local contractors with whom we have worked and then inspecting the work as it progresses, chairing site meetings, agreeing valuations and certifying payment all to ensure that the project is completed to budget, on time and to a good standard.

This approach is particularly helpful for medium to large sized projects when a client is unable to devote the time required to ensure that he is obtaining best value.

We can provide references for previous projects if required.

Measured Survey

Before the start of the project we need to set out the “as existing” situation and we have the latest equipment to enable us to prepare accurate floor plans and elevations, cross sections and topographical site layouts.

Land surveys can be carried out to provide essential information such as spot levels, services and boundary information and all this information is needed before design work can commence and to ensure that no hidden surprises are encountered during the build process.

Please contact us for your measured survey in Somerset and the South West.

Building Regulations

We have expertise in the ever developing world of Building Regulations and deal with both Local Authority and Building Inspectors with our knowledge of the Regulations and their interpretation, working with the Inspectors to provide accurate drawings for use on site.

We have developed a good working relationship with the local authorities and private inspectors being the current Winners of the Mendip Local Authority Administration Award given for the quality of our applications.

It is vital that the design of buildings takes into account Building Regulations requirements and we take clients through the process as painlessly as possible working with the Inspectors and the regulations to produce the best solutions.

Our building regulations drawings are generally more detailed than the minimum standard required.

Party Wall Surveyors

We have in-house expertise on the Party Wall (1996) etc. Act and act as Party Wall Surveyors when required.

This Act is relevant when construction is taking place on or near to boundary walls and we can advise how to comply and how to ensure that the construction methods proposed fall within the requirements.

Expert Witness

We can support legal teams with expert witness evidence in disputes relating to :

• Scheme design and feasibility studies
• Level of information shown on drawings
• Planning Appeals
• Design co-ordination
• Building defects

Please contact us if you’re looking for expert witness architects in Somerset or the South West.