Terms & Conditions

1. Turnaround Time

While the Service Provider aims to complete the first draft of plans within the agreed timeframe (normally within 15 working days after purchase of a design package) for all concept design packages however, unforeseen circumstances may cause delays. Therefore, no guarantees are made regarding this timeline.

All full design packages are subject to an agreed upon timeframe with the client (typically 1-2 months per design stage).

For engineering calculations sourced externally, turnaround times cannot be guaranteed. Calculations will only be prepared after the drawings are finalised, typically requiring an additional 1-2 weeks. If necessary, a Building Control application can be submitted with the notation “calculations to follow” to accommodate tight deadlines.

2. Structural Calculations

For projects involving the installation of steel beams or columns, the Client’s Building Control Department will require engineering calculations. The Service Provider can recommend a suitable engineer but will not cover associated costs.

Where structural calculations are required as part of the Client’s project, the Service Provider will not provide these as part of any design package. This subcontracted company will operate entirely remotely, relying on the Service Provider’s architectural drawings, survey notes, on-site measurements, and photographs to prepare the required calculations.

The Service Provider will not cover the costs of any additional drawings or calculations required by Building Control for engineered foundations (raft/pile/sheet/deep trench). In the event that such drawings are necessary and able to be provided, an additional fee will be quoted.

Retaining Walls:
Where a retaining wall exceeding 1 metre in height is required as part of the project, this must be specifically designed and calculated by a suitably qualified structural engineer.

Foundation Design and Soil Assumptions:
Where foundation design is included, the appointed structural engineers will assess likely ground conditions using available information such as survey, satellite imagery, online soil maps, the proximity and type of trees, site photographs, and any other relevant inputs.

Upon receipt of structural engineer calculations and if appropriate, the foundation type and/or depth may then be revised accordingly.

Amendments and Additional Charges:
Structural calculations can only be provided once the architectural drawings are complete, which may take up to two additional weeks.

The design changes included in the Service Provider’s design packages do not include structural calculation amendments. Structural calculations include one free hour of amendment work. Any further amendments will be quoted to the Client, and they will be given an opportunity to accept or reject the proposed additional charges.

Amendments requested due to builder preferences—such as alternative construction methods, splicing of beams, or changes to steel specifications that differ from the original engineer’s design—will be chargeable, as these do not constitute errors or omissions in the original calculations. The Service Provider strongly encourages the Client to consult with their builder prior to the initial calculations being completed to minimise the risk of additional charges.

3. Drawing Amendments

Upon receipt of the first draft, the Client may request amendments using the online portal provided. Three full rounds of amendments, including an unlimited number of design changes within each round, are included in the package price. Additional rounds will incur a fee of £149 under our alterative design package which requires payment prior to alterations being made by the Service Provider.

The Service Provider recommends that minor details, such as kitchen layouts and interior finishes, remain unchanged to avoid unnecessary delays.

4. Survey Information

Should the client purchase the hire of a home survey kit, the Service Provider agrees to the issue of a 'Home Survey Kit' for the use by the client for 10 working days. The Affordable Architect agrees to provide a return postal label free of charge within the kit. A fully refundable deposit is required to secure the issue of a kit on the basis that it is returned within 10 working days (Monday to Friday) in the same condition it was sent out in. If the kit is not received back in the office within the agreed timeframe or is received is a poor condition, The Affordable Architect reserves to right to retain a portion of the fee for the replacement/ repair of the equipment contained within.

Should the client select the 'home survey kit' option, The Affordable Architect takes no responsibility or liability for works provided to us by the client.

Alternatively, if a survey package is purchased this will be completed by a third party company. This subcontracted company will operate entirely remotely, relying on the Service Provider’s architectural drawings, survey notes, on-site measurements, and photographs to prepare the required calculations. The service provider takes no responsibility or liability for third party work’s on a project.

5. Council Applications

Upon completion, the Client will be prompted to formally request council submission. If the Client desires the Service Provider to submit a Planning or Building Control Application, this should be purchased under our Local Authority Submission Package. The Service Provider will endeavour to do so within five days of the request. Application fees are not covered by the Service Provider; payment instructions will be emailed for direct payment to the council.

Due to continuous changes within Planning and Building Control procedures, any additional fees required by Local Authorities or Building Control Approved Inspectors are outside of the Service Provider’s control and are payable by the Client.

If the Local Authority Submission Package is purchased the Service Provider will manage all submitted applications on the Client’s behalf and will provide updates until a decision is reached.

6. Local Builder Invitations

The Service Provider will not be directly involved in the selection of a contractor. The service provider offers a Tender and Contract Advice Package which provides all necessary details and templates required to source a local contractor suitable for the client’s project.

7. Party Wall Act

A Party Wall Agreement is required for work near or on a party wall. The Client must provide affected neighbours with a Party Wall Notice prior to construction. The Service Provider will not serve notice but can advise on the process. Costs incurred from disputes or Party Wall Surveyors will not be covered by the Service Provider.

8. Building Work On Site

Due to the nature of construction projects, it is common for builder quotes to increase post-commencement. The Service Provider will not be responsible for additional costs incurred on-site and disclaims liability for the construction work performed. The Client is responsible for hiring a competent contractor.

9. Building Over/Near a Sewer

For construction near or over a sewer, the local Water Board may require permission. The Service Provider will not submit this application or cover associated costs but will include relevant details on drawings as required.

10. Drainage

For Building Control drawings, the Service Provider will provide the minimum drainage detail necessary for approval. Detailed drainage design can only be finalised on-site following assessment by the Contractor and Building Control Officer.

11. CDM 2015 Regulations

Prior to undertaking any services in connection with the Project we would like to take this opportunity to advise you of duties that you have as our client under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (‘CDM Regulations’) and The Building Regulations 2010 (‘Building Regulations’) as amended by The Building Regulations etc. (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023.

These regulations create statutory duties for clients, designers and contractors in connection with the design and construction of buildings to ensure that buildings are safe to build, occupy, maintain and demolish and to ensure that they comply with the relevant requirements of the Building Regulations (‘relevant requirements’).

Our designer duties under the regulations prohibit us from starting design work unless we are satisfied that you are aware of your duties under the regulations.

As a domestic client your duties under the regulations are to:

provide building information and pre-construction information as soon as is practicable to every designer and contractor appointed, or being considered for appointment, on the Project
cooperate with any other person working on or in relation to the Project to the extent necessary to enable any person with a duty or function under the regulations to fulfil that duty or function.

There are further client duties under the regulations that will be undertaken by others on your behalf because you are a domestic client. These duties include making suitable arrangements for planning, managing and monitoring the Project, including allocating sufficient time and other resources, that must be maintained and reviewed throughout the Project, so as to ensure:

design work is carried out so that the building work to which the design relates, if built, would be in compliance with all relevant requirements
building work is carried out in accordance with all relevant requirements
designers and contractors working on the Project cooperate with each other to ensure compliance with all relevant requirements
design and building work is periodically reviewed to identify whether it is higher-risk building work
building work can be carried out, so far as reasonably practicable, without risks to the health and safety of any person affected by the Project
facilities required by Schedule 2 of the CDM Regulations are provided in respect of any person carrying out construction work.

If there will only be one contractor on the Project these client duties must be undertaken by that contractor. If there is more than one contractor, these client duties must be undertaken by the principal contractor. Alternatively, if you would like us undertake these duties on your behalf, as your principal designer, we would be happy to discuss this with you.

12. Principle Designer And Principle Contractor

The new Principal Designer role, introduced by the new secondary legislation of the Building Safety Act 2022 requires all domestic clients to appoint a principle designer for the design works. There are two options for this:

Option 1: We envisage that more than one contractor will be working on your project, therefore under the CDM Regulation and Building Regulations you must appoint in writing:

a designer with control over the design work as the principal designer
a contractor with control over the building work as the principal contractor.

You may make separate appointments to these roles under the CDM Regulations and Building Regulations respectively. Or you may certify that your CDM Regulations principal designer and principal contractor are also to be treated as your Building Regulations principal designer and principal contractor, provided they are competent to fulfil both functions.

Option 2: We envisage that only one contractor will be working on your project, therefore under the CDM Regulations and Building Regulations the contractor will be the principal contractor with control over the building work.

As the only designer on a project, The Affordable Architect can confirm that they will act as principle designer with control over the design work.

As a form of agreement, a domestic client letter will be issued to you for signature upon instruction of our services. A signature will be required prior to commencement of works involved.

13. Electrical Layouts

Electrical layouts are not required for Planning or Building Control Approval. If requested, the Service Provider will need sketch information from a qualified electrician and can quote for the additional drafting time.

14. SAP Calculations

For projects involving large amounts of glazing, the Building Control Officer will require SAP Calculations from a qualified SAP Assessor. The Service Provider will not cover costs incurred.

15. Additional Surveys/Reports

Planning or Building Control Departments may request additional surveys or reports (e.g., wildlife surveys, tree surveys). The Service Provider will not hire or cover costs for any additional professionals required.

16. Payments

The purchase of any of The Affordable Architects Design Packages will signify acceptance of the terms herein, and payment will be withdrawn using the card details supplied when the Client made their initial purchase to The Affordable Architect. Any subsequent request for services will be dealt with in a same manor and payment will be withdrawn using the card details supplied at purchase of services by The Affordable Architect.

Any cancellation of services during the design period will not result in an automatic cancellation of payments. Due to the nature of the service, any issues that arise should be discussed with The Affordable Architect via email using hello@theaffordablearchitect.co.uk for consideration. Any offer of a refund will be based on works completed to date.

17. Money Back Guarantee

We believe in 100% customer satisfaction and that is why we are offering all customers a 14-day money-back guarantee! If you are not satisfied with our service, you may within 14 days from the order date request a full refund, no questions asked.

18. Planning Permission Guarantee

For Clients selecting the Technical Package or paying the full balance upfront for the concept, planning and technical work, the Service Provider offers the following Planning Permission Guarantee:

If a Lawful Development Certificate Application, Householder Planning Application, or Full Plans Building Control Application submitted by The Affordable Architect is rejected by the local Planning Department or Building Control Officer, the Client may choose to:

a) Receive a full refund of the Planning Application fee paid to the Local Authority, or
b) Continue working with The Affordable Architect at no additional cost, including all necessary design amendments and resubmission of planning applications, as many times as required, until a similar scheme is approved or the Client elects to stop pursuing approval.

Opting for a Planning Application fee refund will result in the cessation of all further work under this agreement. This guarantee does not apply to applications for schemes that have previously been refused or withdrawn on the same plot prior to the Client’s first engagement with The Affordable Architect. Where The Affordable Architect reasonably determines that a project falls into this category, the Client may still proceed with an application, but without the benefits of this guarantee.

This guarantee is limited to architectural drawings produced by The Affordable Architect and to applications submitted by The Affordable Architect acting as the Client’s Planning Agent. It does not apply to Prior Approval applications, which are subject to neighbour consultation and fall outside the scope of The Affordable Architect’s control. Any application for the creation of a new dwelling/residential unit will require a pre-application; the outcome of such pre-application advice is not covered under this guarantee nor a service The Affordable Architect offers.

19. Additional Detail Drawings and Information

Should the Client request the Service Provider to produce any additional detailed drawings or incorporate information into their plans that is not necessary for obtaining Planning or Building Control approval, these services will incur an additional charge of £60 + VAT per hour.

The Service Provider will notify the Client in writing of the estimated cost for such work before commencing. Work will only proceed once the Client has provided written confirmation of their acceptance of the additional charges.

20. Below-Ground Structures

The Service Provider is not insured to provide architectural design or structural engineering services for structures below ground. This includes, but is not limited to, subterranean extensions, cellar conversions, and basement conversions. As a result, the Service Provider will not undertake such services for the Client’s project and accepts no liability for any below-ground building work or associated site conditions.

21. Ongoing Technical Support and Post-Approval Services

Following the completion of Planning and Building Control approvals, the Client’s assigned Designer will conclude their involvement in the project. Any further technical assistance will be provided by the Service Provider’s Technical Manager or an appropriate member of the team.

This assistance may include, but is not limited to: responding to questions from the Client or their contractor, attending phone or Zoom meetings, providing clarification or interpretation of the plans, making design changes, drafting revised or additional drawings, or resubmitting applications to Planning or Building Control authorities.

All such services will be charged at a flat rate of £100.00 per hour including VAT, billed in 15-minute increments, and are not included in the original package price.

The Client will be advised of any expected charges prior to the commencement of additional work. Services will only proceed upon confirmation from the Client that they accept the associated costs.

22. Concept Design Package

You acknowledge and agree that any images generated by our Services are for inspiration and conceptualisation purposes only. They are not intended to be used as blueprints, construction plans, or for any other purpose related to actual construction or renovation. The generated images may not be architecturally sound, feasible, or compliant with building codes and regulations.

The Affordable Architect makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, feasibility, or safety of any designs depicted in the generated images. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any construction or renovation project you undertake complies with all applicable laws, regulations, and building codes. If you require detailed drawings suitable for planning, building control submission and construction that comply with all relevant and up to date laws and regulations, it is essential you purchase one of our detailed design packages and one of our qualified architects will be able to assist with this.

23. Professional Contract

Should the client proceed with a purchase of one of the Service Provider’s planning or technical packages, the package includes the cost of a professional services contract. All clients will be required to sign a standard professional services contract prior to the start of any design work being performed. The Affordable Architect uses the RIBA Professional Services contract for all works performed under a planning and technical package. A free downloadable example can be found HERE.

24. Build Cost Reporting

The service provider packages do not include full build cost reporting. An estimate of the project cost will be given at a suitable cost per square meter of the project. This sum is an estimate only based on standard details and design choices being selected and/or made. The Service Provider can recommend a suitable cost estimating service if required but will not cover associated costs.

This subcontracted company will operate entirely remotely, relying on the Service Provider’s architectural drawings, survey notes, on-site measurements, and photographs to prepare the required calculations. The service provider takes no responsibility or liability for third party work’s on a project.

25. Data Sharing with Trusted Partners

In order to deliver a comprehensive and streamlined service, The Affordable Architect may share the Client’s personal data (such as name, address, email address, telephone number, property photography, planning application data) with trusted third parties who assist in the delivery of the Client’s project. This may include, but is not limited to, surveyors, architectural consultants, structural engineers, quantity surveyors, approved building contractors, financial advisors and private building control companies.

These third parties may contact the Client directly in connection with their role in the project — for example, to provide specialist input, prepare quotations, or offer advice on project funding options. Where financial advice is offered, The Affordable Architect may receive a share of any commission earned by the advisor from lenders if the Client proceeds with a financial product.

All data shared will be limited to what is necessary for the performance of services related to the Client’s project and will be handled in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. The Affordable Architect ensures that all third parties are contractually required to process personal data lawfully, securely, and solely for the relevant purpose.

Clients may opt out of this data sharing arrangement at any time by notifying The Affordable Architect in writing, though this may affect the level or speed of service The Affordable Architect is able to provide.

If you have any further questions related to the terms and conditions as set out above or any other information on our website please get in touch via email at hello@theaffordablearchitect.co.uk.