services for individuals

No matter if the job is large or small, for some the thought of having any sort of building work done fills them with apprehension - so many things that could go wrong. Well, it doesn't have to be like that ...

Providing everything's prepared correctly, and properly managed, there really is no need to worry. And no surprises! It's a case of doing all the right things in the right way at the right time. Which is where we come in

We can provide a full consultancy service - as well as getting straightforward advice from the outset we'll manage the whole process for you from beginning to end - or alternatively, if you're happy managing most of the work yourself, but need help with a particular aspect or phase, we can tailor our service to provide exactly what you need. If things have gone wrong, we may also be able to assist in resolving misunderstandings or disputes

To help out you'll find links to lots of useful online resources lower down this page, all related to domestic building work - simply use the menu on the right. From official Planning and Building Regulations advice to finding professionals and builders you can trust, we hope they'll lead you to the information you need

Whichever way we can help, we're here to make your life easier!

full service

For you to get the maximum benefit, we should ideally be brought on board at the very outset - when you know you need to do something but haven't finally decided what. Then we can help you to formulate your ideas and look at alternatives whilst making sure that everything's still likely to be within your budget. The later we're appointed, the fewer options there may be to get things on track

Our role is to advise you honestly and clearly, and to manage the processes of setting up and completing your building work in the most efficient and cost effective way. We make sure that everything that needs doing gets done in the right way at the right time. We don't replace the services of any other professionals you may need (Architect, Structural Engineer, Party Wall Surveyor etc), nor do we employ the other consultants or contractors on your behalf. We simply coordinate and manage it all on your behalf so that you, the architect, the builder and everyone else involved are working together towards a common goal - the successful completion of your project!

We'll first help you develop your brief (what you want doing) and your budget (roughly how much it will cost including everything). We'll draw up a timescale showing all the things that need to happen and when, so you can see exactly where you are. At the appropriate times we'll advise on appointing a designer and submitting the plans for council approvals. We'll draw up specifications for the builders to price to make sure you get exactly what you want. We'll get competitive prices from builders we know you can trust. We'll help you with any difficulties that crop up whilst the building work is going on and even advise on any problems that surface after the work has been finished

At present our full consultancy service only available in West and North Yorkshire, so if you think we may be able to help please contact us to find the best way forward for you

partial services

Our partial consultancy services are generally available in all areas* of England and Wales and typically involve one or more of the following elements, but we know every project is different and always individually tailor our service to your needs:

• document drafting service

• client brief
• employers requirements (for obtaining competitive quotes)
• programme/timescale
• specifications (where Architect/Designer not employed)
• contractual notices

• site reviews
• dispute advice
• defects liability advice
• latent defect advice

Please note that these services are not necessarily available individually - please contact us to discuss your specific requirements. Please note that certain services may require pre-payment before the work is carried out

* where site visits are required, our partial services are currently only available in West and North Yorkshire

fees and charges

Our fees vary significantly depending on the nature, extent and duration of the services. We'll give you an assessment when we initially discuss your requirements, then set it out clearly in the Appointment proposal we send you for consideration. If parts of the service are subsequently omitted we will reduce our fee accordingly and, if supplementary services are added, we will agree any extra fee with you, in writing, before we do the work

For an easier way to pay your invoice, or where pre-payment for partial services has been agreed, you can use our online payment facility (sorry, this service is not available to business clients). After submitting the payment form you'll be directed to our secure PayPal facility where you can use your debit or credit card or, if you have one, pay directly from your PayPal account

resources

None of the links provided in the following sections are sponsored, they are offered as being of potential interest or use to our visitors, but please note that Chaffer Associates are not responsible for the content of external internet sites

You should satisfy yourself that all of the information you base your decisions on is both current and applicable to your own circumstances - if in doubt you should seek the specific advice of an appropriate professional or suitably qualified and experienced tradesperson

If you have details of any other non-commercial sites that may be of interest to our visitors please let us know by sending us an with a link to the site - thanks

resources: general

• Building Conservation

  The Building Conservation site includes comprehensive articles on virtually every aspect of building conservation, all written by experts in their field. It also includes a directory of links to related organisations, products and services

• Consumer Direct

  Consumer Direct is a government-funded online (and telephone) service offering information and advice on consumer issues. They provide clear, practical, impartial advice to help you sort out problems and disagreements you may be having with suppliers of goods or services

• JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal)

  The JCT produces a full range of standard contracts for the construction industry, and some are appropriate for work to domestic buildings. This link will take you to their full list of contracts - we suggest you just visit the very top link 'Minor Works Building Contract' (for fairly large extensions, extensive alterations or even simple new build houses) and the very bottom link 'Home Owner Contracts' (for smaller scale extensions and alterations). Your Architect, or even a reputable builder, will advise you on the appropriate choice. The JCT don't actually sell contracts themselves, but they can be purchased here from RICS Books or other resellers

• NHBC (National House Building Council)

  The NHBC provide construction warranties and insurance for new and newly-converted homes, subject to the work being carried out by their registered builders and to the standards they have set. If you're having a new house built then make sure it will be covered by the NHBC, though they don't cover extensions or alterations to existing properties

• Rebuilding Cost Calculator

  Most domestic house insurance policies require that the sum assured is the full rebuilding cost of the property. It is your responsibility to get this figure right, but to help you this site, from the Association of British Insurers, will calculate the approximate current cost of rebuilding a range of standard house types from the information you provide. You will need to register to use the calculator, but there is no charge for the service. For 'non-standard' properties, or for a more accurate valuation, the ABI recommends that you instruct a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors to prepare a professional Rebuilding Cost Assessment for insurance purposes

resources: regulations

• Bat Conservation

  Bats and their roosts are protected by law in the UK. If you have (or suspect that you have) bats anywhere in the vicinity of proposed building work (including demolition) you will need to obtain a derogation licence before any work starts. You may find that the time of year when you can carry out the work could be restricted. This site gives good general advice and the helpline page is very comprehensive

  For more details on the derogation licence and a downloadable application form you can visit The Wildlife Management and Licensing Service on Natural England's web site. Note that the habitat of the Great Crested Newt is also protected by law and again no work in its vicinity can begin before a derogation licence has been obtained from Natural England

• Building Regulations and Planning Permission

  The current Central Government advice on Building Regulations, planning and other legal requirements for building work - everything from skip permits to appealing against a planning decision

• Building Regulations Part P: Electrics Factsheet (download)

  Since January 2005 if you carry out alterations or new work to the electrics in your kitchen, bathroom or outside, you must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations. This download identifies which work requires notification to the Local Authority (or be carried out by a registered electrician)

• Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 Guidance (download)

  These Regulations help ensure that construction projects are safe to build, safe to use and safe to maintain. Good health and safety planning also helps ensure projects are well managed and reduces the risk that unexpected problems will arise. Only genuinely domestic clients do not have any legal duties under the Regulations (ie those who live, or will live, in the premises where the work is to be carried out) although those who work for them on construction projects still do. The application of the Regulations is managed by a CDM Coordinator, who you will have to appoint if CDM applies to your project (your designers will generally advise on appropriate firms, or see Find a CDM Coordinator below). This download from the Health and Safety Executive gives a good introduction to how the Regulations work

• HIP/Energy Performance Certificates

  With effect from 21 May 2010 the compulsory requirement to produce a Home Information Pack (HIP) when selling most homes in England and Wales, has been suspended pending legislation for a permanent abolition. However an Energy Performance Certificate (one of the original HIP elements) must still be commissioned by the seller (though not necessarily received) before marketing their property - these currently cost around £60 - see Item 6 of the 'Notes to Editors' at the above link. Detailed information on Energy Performance Certificates is available here on the Directgov site

• Listed Buildings

  This page on the English Heritage site details how and why buildings are listed and the duties and obligations this imposes on the owner, particularly when changes are proposed

• Party Wall etc Act 1996

  If you are proposing to carry out work to a wall shared with your neighbour, or adjacent to a boundary, then this act will almost certainly apply. You (or your adviser) must determine if it does apply and, if so, comply with the obligations it places on you. This includes giving advance (2 months) formal notification to your neighbour(s) of the proposed work. The link gives an overview of the law - each page includes a further link to the official explanatory booklet - a copy of which can also be downloaded here. See 'find a professional' below to find local Party Wall Surveyors

• Planning Portal

  The government's online service for planning. You can use the tools and information on the site to find out about planning in your area and what development you can perform around your house. The Portal's services also let you apply for planning permission electronically as well as submit and track an appeal online

• Submit-a-Plan.com

  Submit-a-Plan is the LABC (Local Authority Building Control) National Portal for making electronic and offline Building Control applications to ANY Local Authority in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as reporting dangerous structures. The site has been designed as a single location for both the general public and professional users to submit Building Control applications directly to their intended Local Authority. Users can also track the progress of their application online via the dedicated portal DataSpace On-line

You should also find relevant information on your local council web site - including downloadable application forms for Planning submissions and Building Regulations, along with advice on conservation areas, approved planning submissions etc

resources: safety

• Asbestos Advice

  The current Central Government advice on what to do if you think you have asbestos in your home. If you have asbestos that needs action there are links to the relevant section of your Local Authority web site who will advise on its removal or treatment

• Carbon Monoxide

  This link takes you to the fire service advice on the dangers of poisoning from fires, boilers and flues etc which are faulty or in rooms with insufficient ventilation. Alternatively, clicking the logo on the right will take you to the Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance site, another good source of information on carbon monoxide

• Radon Gas (Protective Measures Maps)

  Radon is a radioactive, colourless, odourless gas which, after smoking, is the second highest cause of lung cancer in the UK. When house extensions or new buildings are constructed in high radon areas the Building Regulations require that protective measures are taken against radon entering the building. Click on the link, then scroll down to the bottom of the page for detailed maps showing the affected areas. The site also includes general information on radon and links to related sites

• Smoke Alarms

  Advice from the Fire Service on choosing probably the most essential pieces of safety equipment in your home

resources: professions

• Find an Architect

  This section of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) site gives advice on the benefits of using an Architect and links to help select the right one for you

• Find an Architectural Technologist

  The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) site includes a search for local practices and has a very comprehensive and useful 'Information for Clients' page

• Find a Building Regulations Approved Inspector

  As an alternative to submitting plans to the local council to confirm compliance with the Building Regulations (and then check that the actual building work also complies) you can have an approved private firm do it instead. The Association of Approved Inspectors site includes a list of qualified and experienced Inspectors, many of which operate nationally. If you have an Architect or other Designer on board they will usually advise you, if appropriate, on the appointment of an Inspector

• Find a CDM Coordinator

  If your project is commercial and will last longer than 30 days, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 require that you appoint a CDM Coordinator (see rules and regulations above). Your design professionals will generally recommend appropriate firms, but if you prefer, this link will take you to the Association for Project Safety - go to the 'Clients Area' page and register/log in for lists of CDM Coordinators operating in your area

• Find a Party Wall Surveyor

  We recommend this site if you need to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor (see rules and regulations above). Under 'Quick Search' type your location in the second box and select 'Party Walls' from the drop down list

• Find a Structural Engineer

  This site is managed by the Institution of Structural Engineers (ISE) and includes a search for local practices, including those who undertake structural design work for loft conversions, alterations, extensions and new build houses

resources: trades

• Find a Builder

  If you're going to employ a builder it's worth having a good look around the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) site first. It has good advice and free downloadable contract forms as well as a search for local registered builders and tradesmen

• Find a Painter and Decorator

  You can find local experienced and professional painters and decorators on the Painting and Decorating Association's (PDA) site. All their members have a minimum of 5 years experience, adequate insurance and work to a code of practice which is also available on the site

• Find a Registered Electrician

  Contractors registered by NICEIC are assessed on a regular basis to ensure that they are competent and capable of meeting the relevant technical and safety standards, codes of practice and rules of the Schemes they are registered to. There are over 20,000 contractors registered covering the whole of the UK, including Northern Ireland so you're sure to have a choice of competent contractors operating in your area

• Find a Registered Gas Engineer

  By law all installations and repairs to gas fittings and appliances must be carried out by a Registered Engineer who will certify that the work complies with the current regulations. You can search the Gas Safe database of registered engineers here. Please make sure you get a certificate from the installer when the work has been completed and keep it in a safe place

Online searches for 'builder', 'plumber', 'joiner', 'roofer' or 'glazier' etc in your local area will give you additional links, but please be aware that many trade organisations, whilst they may provide advice, exist primarily to further their members interests. They do not necessarily assess new or current members against defined standards or recognised codes of practice, or require that they carry appropriate insurances - please check carefully

Personal recommendation from satisfied customers is generally a good (though not infallible) guide, and always get at least three quotes

resources: products

• Cavity Wall Insulation

  This link takes you to the Sunday Telegraph building columnist's views on the risks of having your old cavity walls filled with insulation. Whilst correctly insulating pre-1980's external walls will undoubtedly reduce heating costs, spraying insulation into cavities which do not meet the criteria set out in Building Regulations Part C:5.15.e and BS5168:1985 to which it refers, can lead to very expensive and disruptive problems. Even then, the Building Regulations acknowledge "Some materials that are used to fill existing cavity walls may have a low risk of moisture being carried over to the internal leaf of the wall". We strongly recommend that you take INDEPENDENT professional advice from a qualified Engineer or Surveyor before proceeeding and, if they recommend against filling the cavities, follow their advice

• Home Security/Burglar Alarms

  This link will take you to the home security advice page of the National Security Inspectorate (an approvals and certification body for companies providing home security etc). The official Home Office 'Guide to Home Security' is downloadable from here and you should find more advice and information on the crime prevention page of your local Police Force website

• Rot/Damp/Insect Infestation Remedial Works

  The Property Care Association (PCA) is a trade body for the structural waterproofing, wood preservation, damp proofing, flood remediation and structural maintenance industries in the UK. Its members must meet minimum professional standards and carry appropriate insurances. The site includes a search facility for local specialists in the particular field you require, whilst the menu links give general advice on problems such as dry and wet rot, insect infestation and rising damp