Frequently Asked Questions

Only in narrow circumstances. 

We’ve found that when parts of a project sit outside our coordinated process and responsibility, even small things can cause big problems – adding on both cost and time delays. So as a rule, we ask to manage the supply and coordination of all fixed elements.

In our experience, when clients supply their own items, say bathroom fixtures, a sink, or a window,  it might seem simple on the surface but it often leads to compatibility issues, missing parts, incorrect specs or delays on site. We’ve seen it many times before, and it’s rarely worth the stress.

That said, we’re always happy to chat about small exceptions. We just ask that, if you are providing something, you’re fully responsible for its spec, delivery, storage, and any knock-on costs if it causes delays or needs to be replaced. Our terms of business cover all this, and we can talk you through it clearly.

So while we understand the appeal of sourcing certain items yourself, we strongly recommend keeping all fixed and fitted elements  like bathrooms, kitchens, flooring, lighting, and more  within our process in order to avoid costly surprises and ensure everything comes together properly on site.

Whenever feasible, we will implement a “fabric first” strategy in our building design and renovation projects. This approach prioritises optimising the energy performance of a building’s physical components, known as its ‘envelope,’ which encompasses walls, roofs, floors, windows, and doors. This is done before integrating mechanical or electrical systems like heating and ventilation.

Key Elements of the Fabric First Approach

• High-Performance Materials: Focus on using superior materials.
• Reducing Thermal Bridging: Minimise areas where heat can escape.
• Enhancing Airtightness: Ensure that the building is sealed properly.
• Achieving Low U-Values: Aim for lower rates of heat transfer.

This methodology serves as a foundational strategy for sustainable construction, aiming to inherently decrease energy demand through thoughtful design.

Benefits of the Fabric First Approach

• Energy Efficiency: This strategy can enhance energy efficiency and sustainability, potentially reducing energy needs for heating or cooling by up to 50%.
• Reduced Reliance on Conventional Heating: It may lower or even eliminate the necessity for traditional heating systems, leading to cost savings and improved comfort.
• Support for Sustainability Goals: This approach aligns with net-zero objectives by decreasing emissions and carbon footprints.

According to estate agents Knight Frank, properties that improve their EPC rating from an E to a C can see an increase in value of up to 8.8% compared to similar homes with lower ratings. Additionally, 20% of buyers express willingness to pay a premium for energy-efficient homes.

Applicability and Future Considerations

This strategy is effective for both new constructions and renovations, enabling compliance with standards such as Passivhaus. Key steps include enhancing insulation in walls, attics, and floors to reduce heat loss and future-proof residences. By improving thermal performance, reliance on active systems is lowered, providing resilience against fluctuations in energy prices and technological advancements. A well-insulated building ensures that future investments in renewable technologies yield better results, promoting long-term savings and sustainability

Yes and this is something we’re genuinely passionate about. We care deeply about retrofit, sustainability, and designing homes that perform well over the long term  not just on paper, but in real life.

While architects are not by default trained ‘energy consultants’, we can still make a meaningful difference. We use tried-and-tested retrofit strategies  especially in older homes  that help reduce energy use, improve comfort, and lower running costs, without relying on expensive consultancy at every stage.

Our approach explores two guiding philosophies, to find the best match for you, your property, and your life:

1. A Fabric First Approach
   This means improving the thermal performance and moisture management of your building before investing in operational and high-tech systems. This approach prioritises insulation, airtightness, ventilation, and moisture control  so any heating system you do install will be working efficiently, not fighting heat loss. If you want to read a little more about the Fabric First Approach see our blog here… 
2. An Electrification First Approach
   Switching to an all-electric system (like an air source heat pump, electric boiler, and possibly supported by solar panels) can reduce your home’s reliance on fossil fuels, even before you’ve upgraded all the insulation. It’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all approach, but for some people, it’s a smart, lower-carbon path  especially as the UK grid becomes greener.

Every home is different, especially the older ones we often work with so we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. We’ll help you weigh up the trade-offs, explain the jargon, and sketch out a plan that suits your priorities.

We don’t carry out detailed energy modelling or bill forecasting in-house, though we do collaborate with great energy and sustainability specialists who can produce this information for an additional fee if you decide it’s important.

Bear with us, as this one may get a little bit technical.

A U-value, also known as a heat transfer coefficient or thermal transmittance, measures how well a building element (like a wall, roof, floor, or window) insulates. It quantifies how heat flows from the inside to the outside of a building. A lower U-value means better insulation, requiring less energy to maintain comfortable temperatures. This metric is key for evaluating and improving energy efficiency, affecting heating and cooling costs as well as carbon emissions.

While manufacturers provide U-values, understanding this calculation helps assess custom constructions or validate specifications.

Historical Context and Regulatory Framework

U-values were introduced in UK legislation in 1965, with stricter requirements in 2002 and updates in 2013. They set limiting standards for building elements as per Building Regulations.

A significant development is the upcoming Future Homes Standard (FHS), expected this year (2025), aiming for a 75-80% reduction in carbon emissions and energy loss compared to current standards. This evolution reflects the UK’s commitment to promoting energy-efficient, low-carbon residential buildings.

This trend requires innovation in materials and techniques, increasing initial costs but offering long-term energy savings. It also highlights the UK’s commitment to its 2050 net-zero emissions goal, making energy performance crucial in property development and valuation.

Addressing the Performance Gap

Despite calculations and regulations, a discrepancy often exists between predicted U-values and actual performance. This “performance gap” can result from poor workmanship, inadequate detailing, or moisture presence.

Achieving energy efficiency targets faces challenges due to this gap between design and execution. The root cause often lies in insufficient quality control or moisture management during construction. Thus, enhanced on-site quality assurance, improved training, and robust performance monitoring are essential to fully realise the benefits of low U-values.

Yes you can and in fact, it’s often a very smart move. 

Once you’ve had your offer accepted and your mortgage provider or conveyancer is asking you to arrange a building survey, it can be the perfect time to commission a measured survey as well. And, if you have strong indications from the seller that the purchase is likely to go ahead smoothly, having an architect carry out a measured survey (often using a 3D laser scan) before exchange or completion lets you compare the results with your building surveyor’s findings. For example, if the building survey mentions sloping walls, bulging brickwork, or uneven floors, the measured survey can precisely capture and quantify these issues.

Organising a measured survey before completion allows you to plan future works early which can enable your architect to begin the design phase if you intend to renovate before moving in. It also saves time overall by overlapping the survey with the purchase process, helping you avoid delays once you get the keys.

Most of our customers choose to have their measured survey carried out after the offer has been accepted but before exchange and completion, giving them confidence in the property and helping them prepare for any remedial work or design changes in advance.

Although it might sound dramatic, the only crime a CCTV drain survey will uncover is what your drains are doing when no one is looking… and that is exactly why it is so useful before you start a house refurbishment.

A CCTV drain survey is all about understanding what is happening underground with your drains and sewers. Because these pipes are hidden below ground, you would otherwise be guessing where they run, how deep they go, and what condition they are in. A survey shows exactly where everything is, which is vital before you start designing foundations or extensions.

But it’s not just about knowing where your own drains are. Sometimes a water company sewer runs through your land, and even if council drainage searches or water searches do not show any mapped evidence, that does not always mean there is nothing there. Missing this early can impact what you are allowed to build and how much it could cost to build.

A CCTV survey can also reveal if your neighbour’s waste is travelling through a shared drain or sewer on your property. If that is the case, a Thames Water Build Over or Build Near application might be required. This usually happens at the technical design stage, after planning permission, and it needs input from a structural engineer to design how your foundations or slabs will bridge over the pipe safely. Thames Water may cover the cost of repairs if the sewer needs attention, but this is much easier to sort out before your builder starts work.

Skipping a CCTV survey can lead to delays and extra costs. If a shared or public sewer is discovered after construction has started, work may need to stop while an application is made and designs are revised. That pause can last weeks or even months, costing money and disrupting your schedule. A CCTV drain survey is a relatively inexpensive step, usually around £300–£400 plus VAT, and the best surveys use radar to show both the location and the depth of drains. 

Getting this information early helps you and your architect make informed decisions, plan any necessary repairs or build-over solutions, and keep your project on track from the start.

Your neighbour’s success can be a useful reference, but it’s not a guarantee.

Every property has its own context, and each planning application is considered individually. Read our blog here on things you need to know and steps you can take.