What services can GreyCastle Architectural provide me?

We offer full architectural design services to homeowner, self-builders & developers, providing full drawing packages for extensions, alterations and conversions, new build dwellings along with any necessary statutory approvals needed.

Whether it is a small single storey extension, a garage conversion, building your dream home, or a housing development we can get your project on site. 

Are GreyCastle Architectural qualified to carry out my project?

We are not an RIBA practice or registered with the Architects Registration Board. We are however highly qualified in our specialist field. We are degree qualified in both Architecture and Interior Design as well as possessing a number of other qualifications in Building Construction and management.  

We have 30 years’ experience working in public and private architectural practices as well as building contractors, so have seen many aspects of both design and building as both the designer & contractor.

As Architectural Technologists we provide the combined qualities of the two previously separated disciplines. That of Architect (concept design) and Technician (buildability) GreyCastle Architectural bring together design flair & the technical capability. We possess a real understanding of the design and buildability of buildings and concentrate not just on how things look but how buildings work on both a construction level, and on a practical basis ensuring you enjoy your space.

What size projects do you carryout?

We carry out any size project from small internal alterations, loft conversion & extensions to large new build developments. Our portfolio of work is diverse and we treat every project with the same level of professionalism it requires.

We would be happy to meet & discuss your project requirements at a convenient time.

Do you charge for an initial consultation?

We offer a free no obligation consultation and quotation for any prospective project. We provide valuable upfront advice whether you utilise our services or not. What’s more, being aware of our customers own commitments; we offer weekend & evening visits at no extra charge.

What areas do you cover?

From our premises in Lincoln and Grantham we can satisfactorily cover Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. For larger projects we will travel that bit further and have recently completed works on West Yorkshire Coast.

Do you deal with the Planning Department & Building Control?

Dealing with the Local authority Planning and Building Control Departments can be time consuming and at times difficult. We take the hassle away from you by dealing with the statutory approvals & correspondence within our fixed price fee quotations.

Do I need planning permission for my project?

Most new buildings or changes to existing buildings or to the local environment need consent - known as planning permission. Without a planning system everyone could construct buildings or use land in any way they wanted, no matter what effect this would have on other people who live and work in their area.

The local planning authority is responsible for deciding whether a new build, extension or change of use should be allowed go ahead. However, some domestic projects do not require planning permission. There are certain criteria that the project would have to meet in order to be constructed under householder permitted development rights. Usually we can determine this at the initial consultation. You can also view the government Interactive guidance relating to householder permitted development rights

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200125/do_you_need_permission/90/interactive_house

The interactive guide is a useful tool for common projects however, please be aware that householder permitted development rights may have been removed from the property for various reasons & there may be other factors such as conservation area status, listed buildings, tree preservation orders that may need to be taken into account.

What about Building Regulations?

Building regulations are minimum standards for design, construction and alterations to virtually every building. They are developed by the government and approved by Parliament. The Building Regulations 2010 cover the construction and extension of buildings and are supported by Approved Documents which set out detailed practical guidance on compliance.  

The majority of Building Projects do require Building Regulations approval and meeting the requirements of the Building Regulations is the responsibility of the person carrying out the building work and, if they are not the same person, the owner of the building. The building regulations apply to most building work, therefore it is important to know when approval is needed.

https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200128/building_control

We currently have a recognised Partnering Agreement with the Local Authority for our Building Regulations applications.   

There are two main routes of complying with Building Regulations – The Building Notice & Full Plans Approval. There are advantages to both routes, however we normally recommend the full plans approval route so that all details and specifications are agreed and confirmed prior to starting on site. This way, you can confirm prices of the build against the specification; ensure that all quotations are priced on the same documentation and specification, thus resulting in any “surprises” being kept to a minimum.

Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas?

We have worked on a number of listed buildings and have extensive experience of working within conservation areas. Key to a successful application such as these is early involvement of the local conservation officer to gain an understanding of what they are looking for from the project ensuring there are no surprises further down the line.

How much do we charge?

Because each and every project is different, we will provide you with a fixed price quotation for any project. We charge a fixed rate fee for each project as opposed to hourly rates or a percentage of the works. This ensures that from day one you are fully aware of the costs involved.

Very occasionally circumstances arise that are beyond our control and unfortunately result in additional costs. This will be discussed prior to anything being instructed and everything in our power will be done to ensure this doesn’t happen.

We do not limit our design fees to a number of solutions unlike most other Architectural technologist & Architects in Lincolnshire. We provide a fixed fee based on a brief and we do not charge additionally for sketch schemes and minor amendments. Also, we do not limit the number of design ideas or schemes we provide. We could produce only a few or maybe several of sketch scheme proposals. We firmly believe it is our duty to meet your individual needs and will explore all design avenues prior to agreeing a final solution.

GreyCastle Architectural are not V.A.T registered so the current 20% tax rate is not applicable to our fees unlike a lot of Architects & Architectural practices.