Get to know what’s included in an architecture project

If you want to build or rehabilitate, the architecture project comprises of several planning drawings and written documentation required by the Town Council. But it is much more than that.

With the exception of bridge construction, in order to build you will always need an architect.

In this article you will find what you need to know regarding what’s included in an architecture project, when will you need one, what are the advantages of working with Neves&Ferrão, how much are the Town Council fees, how long it takes to receive an architecture project, if the architecture project is sufficient to obtain a construction permit, and what is the difference between planning permission project and project execution plan.

What is an architecture project?

The architecture project is the most important of the approximately ten projects that the Town Council will request.

It is the architect’s responsibility to compile all the specialties (stability, building services which include water, drainage and plumbing, energy supply (gas and electricity), heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), acoustic project, etc.). In order to achieve good quality and economy in the overall project and construction, the architect must have minimal knowledge of each of the specialties — not all architects are able to do this.

The architecture project consists of:

• Planning drawings: foundation plan, floor plans, roof plan, at least four elevations, at least two sections and details; common scales used are 1/200, 1/100, 1/50 and 1/20.
• Written documentation: written description, quantity survey, cost plan, general terms, technical and responsibility terms.

When do you need an architecture project?

• When you intend to build something permanent.
• Planning permission.
• In most cases when you want to rehabilitate a house, even if the changes are only indoors.

What are the advantages of working with the architecture department of Neves&Ferrão?

Amongst architecture projects for planning permission and building construction, we offer the following advantages:

• Your project will be specifically designed for you and your family or business.
• You will have the tailored services of an architect who’s a chartered member of Ordem dos Arquitectos.
• You will be charged a competitive price which will guarantee a project of quality.
• You will receive the architecture project within agreed deadlines.
• The architecture project will be developed aiming to be within the available budget.

Site visits by the architect are not mandatory but they are advised. With regard to the documentation that the architect will need, this includes the title certificate, the land registry certificate and topographical survey.

How much are the Town Council fees?

The fees payable to the Town Council depend on the construction area, the expansion area, and most importantly on the council itself.

Our architecture department does not have any control over this value, however usually we are able to provide an estimate using for instance the Lisbon Town Council simulator.

How long does it take to receive an architecture project?

This depends on several factors, but it is not possible to hand in an architecture project in less than 30 days.

Think of this as a two-way process, as the architect will need your input in order to fulfil your expectations, thus the deadline depends on you too.

This is a question better answered in person by our architecture department. Do not hesitate to contact us for a more detailed answer.

Is the architecture project sufficient to obtain a construction permit?

No. You will also need the other specialties which are usually designed by engineers (stability,    building services which include water, drainage and plumbing, energy supply (gas and electricity), heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), acoustic project, etc.). If you choose the services provides by Neves&Ferrão, we can provide a quote for not only the architecture project but the other specialties as well.

What is the difference between planning permission project and project execution plan?

Think of the planning permission as an incomplete project, comprising only what the Town Council requests. The council won’t request quantity surveying neither a cost plan. It won’t request general and technical terms either, and neither any construction details which will be part of the project execution plan.

However just because it isn’t mandatory, it doesn’t mean that the project execution plan isn’t important. Whenever you request quotes from contractors, the planning permission project won’t be enough for them to provide an accurate quotation — not only the project execution plan would be necessary, but also a project programme.

If you have any questions regarding our services, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will answer all your questions.