Engineering

You may, for whatever reason, decide to use separate architecture and building companies. Whilst there are benefits to using a single company which combines design, building and engineering in one, it certainly isn’t the be all and end all!

For example, Bischell can supply one of our in-house engineers to work on external development projects with one or more architecture and building firms. This means that you get an engineer working on your project which has considerable experience in collaborating during the design and build stages both in-house and with other companies. If you have existing parties involved but would still like to involve Bischell’s engineering expertise, then we can act as your independent engineer to take care of all the paperwork for planning permission and building regulation approval, and also contribute to a smoother, more efficient and more cost-effective project.

Your in-house Bischell engineer is primarily focused on the following tasks when required:

Concept, feasibility and scheme design studies

The role of the engineer in this instance is to take the designers concepts and analyse whether they are not only structurally feasible and safe to build, but also fit for your budget. The engineer can look beyond the surface to assess whether the space and surrounding structure is a suitable canvas for the design to be crafted.

Inspection and assessment of existing structures

Following on from the previous point, an engineer has the mathematical knowledge to crunch the numbers and make sure that the existing structure can support the design plans. This involves analysing the different materials, their strengths and their current conditions in your property.

Structural reports and surveys

This involves creating formal reports on the existing structure of the property and conducting surveys to obtain information which can be passed on to the build team, building control regulators or planning permission authorities.

Preparation of preliminary schemes and specifications

This involves creating preliminary plans of the project to not only assist the design and build teams, but also to create the paperwork required to seek planning permission approval at an earlier stage.

Civil engineering detail designs and working drawings

This involves creating the detailed technical designs and formal drawings to assist all parties involved in civil engineering projects.

3D modelling of buildings

Engineers may contribute or create scale 3D models of buildings and project spaces. Whilst designers are more likely to create 3D models for aesthetic reasons to show you how your finished project could look, engineer 3D models are usually used to assist build teams and any relevant parties which are involved in the design, planning or build stages.

3D structural design drawings

These millimetre accurate 3D design drawings can assist the build team with construction and can also be used to apply for planning permission and any other permissions required.

Drawings for building regulations

Most engineers have an in-depth understanding of building regulations (the set of rules which govern the standards of quality, safety and accessibility in construction projects). If building regulation approval is required, the engineer can liaise with the design team to ensure that building regulations are met, and also create the formal drawings to be sent to building control for approval.

Structural specifications

These formal plans can be used to assist the build team and can also be submitted to aid the approval process for planning permission or building regulations.

Structural calculations

Engineers can conduct the structural calculations to make sure that changes to a property can be comfortably supported by the existing property. This involves an in-depth understanding of mathematics, geometry, materials and forces. For example, if a new storey is being added to a building, does the existing structure have the strength to support it, or will reinforcements have to be made?

Value engineering

A very important aspect of engineering services involves value engineering. Designers may focus primarily on aesthetics and the best looking result, whilst the build team focuses more on their own workmanship. This leaves the engineers to analyse the plans and make sure that they are the most cost-effective available.

This process doesn’t necessarily involve cost-cutting. It may involve seeking out and eradicating any wastage or unnecessary expenditure which will have no impact on the final quality. A strong understanding of construction also means that engineers can suggest the most cost-efficient way of achieving a certain element of design within the final build result, so it looks and functions the same, but is constructed in a more efficient and less costly manner.

Another important area of good value engineering is seeking out long-term investments. It isn’t all about the short-term and making sure that the initial costs are as low as possible. For example, a certain element of the project may not be the cheapest option initially, but it could add a higher value to your home when it is sold to result in an overall net gain. Components and materials are also an important area to consider. A certain material may be cheaper in the short-term, but may need to be repaired or replaced further down the line, causing the long-term cost to be higher.

Good value engineering is about making sure that the initial project cost is the most efficient so you aren’t wasting money, but it also involves looking further ahead to ensure that you have the most cost-effective result long-term.

Civil engineering inspections and appraisals

This involves inspecting and appraising project spaces to assess their feasibility and gather the initial data required to begin formulating plans and concept designs.

Pre-purchase advice

Engineers can be highly useful during pre-purchase periods. Building surveys and homebuyer’s reports can be created to help you decide whether purchasing a property is a wise investment. Surveys help to identify potentially hidden issues which may clash with your brief or require inevitable repairs later down the line.

Mechanical engineering

Project engineering isn’t all about the structure. It can also be about mechanical elements inside of the project, such as heating, cooling and ventilation systems. These all require a degree of engineering, whether that involves making sure that these systems work correctly behind the scenes, or dealing with how the components (pipes etc) fit within the overall structure of the building to remain effective whilst staying as non-evasive as possible within the overall design.

Quantity surveying

Another important aspect of engineering is quantity surveying. This involves dealing with the costs of construction and the relevant contracts involved in the project. Quantity surveying can involve cost estimates, cost analysis, cost planning, procurement, procurement consultation, quantifying, assistance during the tendering procedures, risk management, cost management, interim payment assessment, cost control, financial statements, account preparation, settlement of contractual claims, earned value analysis, formal document preparation, technical auditing, budget advice, life cycle costing and more.

This really depends on the existing architecture and building companies you use. Many have other members of staff (or staff with combined roles) which can handle many of the processes usually reserved for engineers. If your project requires planning permission or building regulation approval, then an engineer is usually essential to draw up the required plans to submit an application.

However, no matter how small or large a build project is, input from an engineer can improve the overall project efficiency and quality, and can often play a vital role in tasks which are beyond the jurisdiction of the design or build teams. Quality value engineering from an engineer can also bring the overall cost down, and in some cases, the savings sought by an engineer can pay for the cost of hiring one many times over.

That’s why London builders Bischell consider it so important to have in-house engineers on hand to collaborate on every design and build project we carry out.