Property in Bordon

Works – Single storey front extension and conversion of existing garage in Whitehall, Bordon

DFG project

Project value – £70,000.00

ghd partnership were commissioned by the local authority to prepare existing and proposed drawings for a new bedroom and wet room for a disabled child living at the property. The design was based upon the Occupational Therapist recommendations. Several options were put forward and considered by the parents of the child to include both first floor accommodation with a through the floor lift, ground floor extension and alterations to the existing layout. After discussions and consideration of both the child’s and family’s needs the option of the ground floor front extension and garage conversion was agreed.

There were concerns over the build costs, so it was decided to obtain contractors quotations initially to see if the project was viable.  Whilst the works were being paid for by the grant, a top up of the grant may have been needed, therefore, a full schedule of works and working drawings were prepared and sent to contractors for pricing. The received tenders were within the original estimates provided by ghd partnership, even though costs were starting to escalate in respect to building materials etc.  

Once funding had been secured then a planning application was submitted based upon the agreed design. Unfortunately, there was a few hurdles that needed to be overcome in respect to a nearby tree which required a change to the design from strip foundations to piled foundations, to prevent any damage to the tree roots. Building control drawings were submitted and approved with the change from strip footings to piled foundations.

Works started on site once the statutory approvals were in place, the party wall act was resolved and funding secured.   

The project was undertaken in two stages with the piling and ring beam being undertaken by the piling contractor and then the remaining structure being completed by the appointed contractor.     

The works were undertaken in a timely and professional manner by the appointed contractor and were procured under a JCT Homeowners Contract with ghd partnership acting as the Contract Administrator.  The Contract Administrator role included managing the works on behalf of the client, dealing with any issues on site, dealing with interim payments, agreeing the final account, issuing the practical completion certificate and final completion certificate at the end of the defects liability period.

During the build, the contractor undertook additional works for the client as a gesture of goodwill to help the family utilize all the available space within the property.  

The clients were pleased with the completed works as well as with the services provided by both ghd partnership and the contractor. The finished works have now enabled the child to be more independent and has assisted the family.