Construction
Structural Engineer's Pack
A Structural Engineer's pack, which includes drawings and calculations for the steels and foundations, is required. This pack is essential for building control sign-off during construction, getting fixed costs for the steels and foundations, and determining if party wall notices need to be served. Our fees for this pack range from £500 to £2000, depending on the project size. Each project will also receive a fixed quote once the design is finalized at the planning stage. This includes a Structural Engineer survey.
Pre-Construction Service: Specification Document
One of the pre-construction services we offer is a specification document. This document ensures that you receive like-for-like quotes from construction firms. Without it, different firms may make varying assumptions about finishes and materials, which could result in widely different estimates. For example, one firm might include lower-grade insulation, while another could specify the best available, making cost comparisons difficult. By detailing your requirements—such as specific materials, finishes, and fixtures—the specification document ensures that all necessary elements are included in the agreed quote. This helps prevent unexpected cost increases during the build.
If you choose to work with Bluelime, you won't need to pay a deposit and will only be invoiced for completed works on a fortnightly basis. The specification document also becomes part of the agreed contract with the construction firm.
Why Choose Bluelime's Approach?
Different construction firms have various payment methods, such as deposits and lump sums. Bluelime believes our method gives clients control and confidence, as you only pay for work that has been completed. We charge £500 for the specification document due to the labor-intensive nature of creating it. However, if you choose to continue with Bluelime for the construction phase, we refund this fee at the start of the works.
If you've already arranged some of these steps, feel free to skip ahead. For those new to the construction process, this guide details the steps to take after planning permission is granted. For more information on the planning process, please visit our Services page and click Design & Planning.
Payment Structure & Process
Our payment process starts with a JCT contract signed with you. The project begins, and after two weeks, we issue an invoice based on the percentage of works completed. For example, if 10% of one task and 30% of another have been completed, this will be reflected in the invoice. A site meeting allows you to verify that the work has been done before you pay 95% of the invoice. You retain 5% of each invoice—2.5% of which is released upon completion, while the remaining 2.5% is held for six months as a defects period. This ensures peace of mind, as we will return to address any issues, such as surface cracks, which may arise due to seasonal changes or settling.
Invoicing occurs every two weeks, allowing you flexibility in making changes to the project, such as switching from a tiled floor to a timber one. We will adjust the costs accordingly and notify you of any potential changes to the project timeline.