Glossary
Whether you’re planning a house extension in Essex or need a party wall surveyor in South London, Robert Turner Associates can guide you through the process. As a team of architects in Essex, design and build is the language we speak. As a result, we may use terms or acronyms that are unfamiliar.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a glossary of terminology and acronyms from ARB to value engineering to help demystify language that can seem confusing.
Architecture & Design
ARB (Architects Registration Board)
The UK’s regulatory body for architects. Our chartered architect, Giulia Pasqualini Galliani, is affiliated with ARB.
Architect
A professional qualified in designing and building houses and other constructions. Our architects in Chelmsford offer a range of professional services, including extensions and loft conversions in Essex.
Building envelope
The exterior shell of a building, encompassing the roof, walls, windows and doors.
Character
The physical features and visual aspects that define a building, particularly historic properties.
Commercial project
Buildings meant for commercial purposes, such as retail, offices, restaurants and other businesses. You can see some of the commercial projects we’ve worked on in our portfolio.
Deliverables
These are essentially the planned outcomes at different stages of the project. Depending on your vision, deliverables include scale drawings such as site plans and floor plans, models, material specifications, computer renderings and the completed building.
Domestic project
(Also known as residential projects). Any building work done on your home, for domestic, not business purposes. For example, a loft conversion or house extension in Essex.
Heritage
Buildings and structures with historical or cultural significance.
Designing structures using traditional techniques and values with aesthetically pleasing results.
Refurbishment
Maintenance and repair work that improves the appearance and functionality of a building. Includes redecoration, new doors and windows, and replacing outdated kitchens and bathrooms.
RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects)
Giulia Pasqualini Galliani, our chartered architect, is a full member of RIBA, demonstrating a standard of excellence in architectural services.
Sense of place
The feeling of connection or belonging that a client experiences through a combination of heritage, emotion and building design.
Surveys & Digital Modelling
3D visualisation
An accurate three-dimensional computer model of a building, generated by Measured Building Surveys.
BIM (Building Information Modelling)
BIM creates a digital 3D model of a building, providing a collaborative work space for architects and contractors.
CAD (Computer Aided Design)
The use of computer software to model commercial and domestic building projects.
Chartered building surveyor
A specialist professional who provides advice on property and construction and assesses buildings for defects and potential problems.
Digital twin
A virtual replica of a building in its environment.
Feasibility study
An assessment of the viability of a construction project that looks at the potential costs, benefits and risks.
Measured Survey
A comprehensive inspection of a property to recreate it in CAD or 3d CAD.
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
This organisation enforces and regulates standards to ensure that property surveys, valuations, and developments are carried out accurately, fairly, and to the highest quality.
Topographical survey
Records the location of artificial and natural features in an area of land. Used for commercial projects or to solve domestic boundary disputes.
Party Wall & Neighbour Matters
Adjoining owner
The owner of a neighbouring property, who must be notified of any planned works.
Agreed surveyor
A party wall surveyor in London or elsewhere who is appointed jointly by the building owner and the adjoining owner.
Award
To resolve a dispute, both owners appoint surveyors (or agree on a joint surveyor). The surveyor agrees the Award with which the owner must comply. Our party wall surveyor covers Suffolk, Essex and London.
Building owner
The owner of the property where work will be carried out.
Consent/ dissent
Agreeing to or opposing the proposed works. If the adjoining owner disagrees, they create a party wall dispute.
Counter notice
Once a party structure notice has been issued, the adjoining owner can issue a counter notice, outlining the specific conditions for completing any work.
Disputes
The adjoining owner must consent to party wall works within 14 days of a notice being issued. If not, the owners are said to be in dispute. Our party wall surveyor covers North London, Suffolk and Essex and can assist with the dispute resolution process.
Line of Junction
An imaginary dividing line between two properties that extends horizontally and vertically.
Notice (Party Wall Notice)
Also known as a party structure notice, this is a formal notification to the adjoining owner of the proposed work and start date.
Notifiable works
Any works covered by sections 1, 2 or 6 of the Party Wall Act.
Occupier
Any person living in an adjoining property who isn’t the owner.
Party wall
The Party Wall Act covers two types of party walls: boundary walls and internal walls that separate one or more buildings. Party walls straddle the boundaries of two or more properties.
Party Wall, etc. Act 1996
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 Provides a legislative framework for solving disputes arising over party walls. It sets out guidelines on who must serve party wall notice and when to ensure all parties are happy with proposed construction work.
Party wall agreement
Otherwise known as an Award. Part of the dispute resolution process that the surveyor or surveyors determine.
Party wall matters
Legal issues relating to a party wall dispute.
Party wall structure
This term covers party walls. However, other structures can also be subject to the Act — for example, partitions or floors that separate one or more adjoining properties.
Party wall surveyor
A surveyor appointed by the building owner, the adjoining owner or both parties. Our party wall surveyor in Essex has a legal duty to act impartially.
Property boundary
The point at which two properties meet, which is usually marked by a wall or fence.
Schedule of condition
Usually a detailed written report with photographic evidence, providing an accurate picture of the condition of a building before any work takes place.
Construction & Project Management
Construction stage
Also known as RIBA Stage 5. This stage encompasses all building work, from off-site fabrication to on-site construction of the physical building.
Contractor
A professional or firm that oversees every aspect of construction from start to finish. Also responsible for hiring subcontractors.
Design and build
An all-in-one service covering both architectural services and construction of your commercial or domestic project.
Project management
A professional responsible for planning and executing a construction project. They’re responsible for overseeing budgets and teams to ensure your project meets its deadlines.
Risk assessment
Identifies potential risks and hazards and indicates ways of mitigating those risks for safe completion of your project.
Scope of works
A general description of the work expected to be carried out, allowing the client and supplier to agree on broad project requirements.
Schedule of works
A document outlining broad works. Usually drawn up by your architect.
Subcontractor
A person or firm chosen by the contractor to perform work for a larger project under a separate contract.
Tender/ tendering
A formal bid for a construction contract or the process of bidding for contracts.
Value engineering
A methodology used to improve quality and functionality by identifying problems and eliminating unnecessary costs.
Works
The completed project, as agreed in the contract.
Planning & Regulations
Article 4 direction
A direction that removes some or all permitted development rights, for example, in a conservation area or for a listed building. Learn more about Article 4 directions.
Building code
Regulatory standards for design and construction which your project must meet.
Building control
An inspection that checks that your construction, extension or alterations meet building regulations. You must submit a building control application before you start work.
Building regulations
Legally binding regulations required for projects such as new constructions, loft conversions or basement extensions. Your project must meet building standards for health and safety and energy efficiency.
British Standards
A set of standards produced by the British Standards Institution (BSI), for product manufacture or “agreed ways of doing something”.
Change of use
Changing the use of a building to a different Use Class. This type of work generally requires planning permission but may be covered by permitted development rights.
Conservation Area Consent
Type of planning permission required for buildings in a designated conservation area.
Listed Building Consent
Type of planning permission required before making any changes to listed buildings.
Local Planning Authority (LPA)
Your local council or planning authority. Determines whether planning applications meet local and national standards before granting planning permission.
Permitted development
Limited forms of development that can be carried out without requiring planning permission.
Planning application
Asking for legal permission to carry out any building work that isn’t covered by permitted development rights.
Planning condition
Additional measures your project must meet to be granted planning permission.
Planning permission
Confirmation from your local planning authority that your project has met relevant laws and regulations, and work can start.
Planning portal
This website allows you to apply for a building control application or planning permission online.
Contact Robert Turner Associates for further guidance
Our comprehensive list covers the basics, but please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance. Our team is always happy to help.
