Design and build, one company.
Drawings, warrant, costing and build handled by one team, so nothing falls between the gaps.
One company for the design and the build
The usual route is to hire an architect for drawings, then go looking for a builder to price them. Design and build puts both under one roof.
Our sister company, CWJ Architectural Design Services, draws your project and handles planning and the building warrant. Our own quantity surveyors price it, and Cutwood Joinery & Construction builds it. You deal with one team from the first visit to the completion certificate.
The traditional route
- Find and pay an architect
- Wait for drawings, then find builders to price them
- Discover the build costs more than planned
- Go back for changes
- Coordinate the architect, engineer, builder and council yourself
Why our clients choose design and build
One contract, one company
Design, costing and build sit with one firm. If something needs sorting, there is one company answering for it, not an architect and a builder pointing at each other.
Cost in mind from the first sketch
Our designers work alongside our quantity surveyors and site team, so the build cost is considered while the drawings are being made, not after.
Drawings that suit the build
The people drawing your project work with the people building it, so details are worked out with the build in mind before anything reaches site.
No gaps between stages
There is no handover from one firm to another between design, warrant and build. The same team carries the project from the first visit to the completion certificate.
We deal with the council
We handle planning and the building warrant, and deal with the council right through to the completion certificate.
A clear price before we start
You get approved drawings, a building warrant and a written build price, with finishing items priced one by one. What is not included is written down as clearly as what is.
From first visit to completion certificate
Site visit
We visit the house, talk through what you want and explain plainly what's involved.
Warrant drawings
Our sister design company draws it up and handles planning and the building warrant.
Build costing
Our own quantity surveyors price it. You get the build price in writing first.
The build
Our team builds it and runs the programme. No trades for you to chase.
Sign off
We deal with the council for you, all the way to the completion certificate.
Design and build FAQs
What is design and build?
Design and build means one company handles both the design and the construction of your project. With us, the drawings, planning and building warrant are done by our sister company, CWJ Architectural Design Services, and the build is done by Cutwood Joinery & Construction.
Can I use design and build if I already have drawings?
Yes. If you already have approved drawings and a building warrant, we can price and build from those.
Do I pay for the design separately?
The design work is carried out by CWJ Architectural Design Services, which sets out its own fees before any work starts.
Is design and build more expensive?
It does not have to be. Because the build cost is considered while the project is being designed, you are less likely to end up with drawings for something that costs more than you planned.
What kinds of project suit design and build?
Most of the work we do: house extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions, home renovations, new builds and self builds. Anything that needs drawings and a building warrant benefits from having the design and the build handled together.
Do you handle planning permission and the building warrant?
Yes. CWJ Architectural Design Services prepares and submits the planning application where one is needed and the building warrant application. We then deal with the council on your behalf all the way to the completion certificate.
Who prices the build?
Our own quantity surveyors price it from the drawings. The main price covers the construction cost to build to the approved building warrant. Finishing items such as the kitchen, flooring and decoration are listed separately, and anything not included is written down before you sign.
Can I make changes to the design?
Yes. Changes are easiest and cheapest while the project is still on paper. Because the design team and our quantity surveyors work together, you can see how a change affects the build before anything is fixed.
How long does a design and build project take?
Every project is different. As a guide, a small extension usually takes around 8 weeks on site, a loft conversion 5 to 7 weeks, and new builds or two storey extensions 12 to 16 weeks. Design, planning and the warrant come first, and how long they take depends on the project and the council.
Who is responsible if something goes wrong?
We are. You have one contract and one company answering for the work, and our own team builds it. There is no architect and builder pointing at each other.
Planning something?
Tell us what you have in mind and where you are. We will come back to you to arrange a site visit.