Why Architecture and Engineering Work Better Together: Supporting Create Home Design Behind the Scenes

We don’t shout much about our residential work.

Our primary focus is on commercial clients; developers, building owners, architects, and contractors. But behind the scenes, we also support a steady flow of domestic projects through our sister brand, Create Home Design.


Create Home Design specialises in extensions and new-build homes, and we provide the structural engineering expertise to make those architectural visions a reality.

Together, we offer a seamless design experience for homeowners without the delays, miscommunications, or compromises that often come from using separate consultants.


building regulations

Here’s how working together benefits residential clients:

  1. Architecture and Engineering, Aligned from Day One

From the earliest concept sketches, we’re collaborating with the architectural team to ensure designs are not only creative and functional but also structurally feasible. That saves time, reduces design iterations, and avoids surprises later in the process.

  1. Smoother, Faster Delivery

Because we’re in constant communication with our in-house Architects decisions are made quickly and efficiently. There’s no waiting for replies from third parties or reworking plans after the fact, we move in sync.

  1. Avoiding Design Clashes

One of the most common issues in residential projects (not so much in commercial) is the disconnect between the architect’s intent and what the structure can support. Our integrated working relationship means potential conflicts are identified and resolved early, keeping the build on track.

building regulations
  1. Realistic Designs = Controlled Budgets

We help our Architects develop elegant, buildable solutions that stay within budget. By identifying costly details or overengineering early on, we protect clients from unexpected costs during construction.

  1. One Team, One Vision

With us, homeowners don’t feel like they’re managing multiple consultants, they get one coordinated team with a shared goal: delivering a home that looks great and performs brilliantly.

So while we’re best known for our commercial work, our residential projects get the same depth of engineering expertise, quietly delivered, consistently reliable.


Got 5 minutes,? grab a coffee and take a look at our Create Home Design website; click here 

Create home design website

Everyone Likes A Bargain – Right?

Are you looking for someone to produce cheap Planning Drawings and Building Regulations drawings?

After all, it’s human nature to want to shop around for the best price.

As Structural Engineers we are often asked to quote for our services from Building Regulation drawings and sometimes Planning drawings.

This week we have received several enquiries from homeowners looking for structural engineering quotations.

We were asked to quote from drawings that they had, but the lack of detail on the drawings was shocking.

The homeowner was using these drawings to obtain quotes from builders – it’s a disaster waiting to happen.

We want to warn homeowners of the risks when buying cheap and why its worth investing at the design stage.

Cheap Planning Drawings – 3 Reasons Why This Is NOT Such A Great Idea!

1. You Will Be Unable to Compare Builders Quotes

If your drawings do not contain sufficient detail then you will receive a wide range of quotes from builders – you think you are comparing similar quotes but you’re not.

2. Your Costs May Spiral Out Of Control

If certain elements (eg insulation as an example) are unspecified on the drawings, then some builders will price for the cheapest

If you realise too late and want to change the products when the job is on site, this will lead to disputes and your costs will spiral out of control.

3. The Quotes You Receive May Be Over Priced

If the drawings are not clear, then the builder may add money into their quote to allow for the time they will need to sort out poor design information.

The quote may include contingency under the builder’s control.  If he can claim extras, he will, and pocket the contingency.  If that’s not possible he is covered.  If he has over-allowed, he banks more profit. 

If all quotes make this sort of allowance, they could all be inflated and you wouldn’t know. 

You may even be suspicious of a low quote which doesn’t! 

The secret is clarity of requirements. 

Building isn’t black and white – there will always be surprises on an extension and refurbishment project – but the nearer you get to dark grey and light grey, the less impactful those surprises will be.

How Do You Know If Your Drawings Contain Sufficient Information For Builders To Quote Against?

The builders will probably have sufficient information to quote against, it’s just how accurate the price is and how closely the final cost matches the initial quote!

Typically you are looking for clear, concise drawings including LOTS of detailed specification.

For example;

  • detailed sections showing how elements will be built, particular attention to foundations, eaves and roof.
  • If you are removing any loadbearing walls, sizing of the new steelwork and padstones
  • Lintel sizes
  • Movement joint details
  • Construction details for the floor and walls including identifying blockwork, and insulation manufacturers
  • If you are installing bi-fold doors (very popular at the moment) make sure that lateral stability has been taken into account in the design.  Check that a structural engineer has looked at the design and given you advice/construction details BEFORE the builder prices your job.

TYPICAL DETAILS

Here are just a few typical examples of the level of detail that you should expect on your drawings

Eaves Detail

Steelwork Detail


How Do You Make Sure You Are Comparing Like-For-Like Prices? 

By the quality of information provided for pricing. 

Whilst it can appears more expensive at design stage, it can save many times more in the construction phase. 

Good Design Is An Investment

Like any sound investment, there is a return later. 

Design is such a small proportion of the overall project cost – good design should create a return in terms of build cost savings. 

Not to mention a smoother, less stressful and more enjoyable project!

Are you planning a project?

Contact us today to see how we could help you.

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