In the construction industry, design fees are sometimes met with scepticism. However, these fees are not just a cost - they represent an essential investment in quality, safety, and long-term project success. Here's why design fees are critical, and how they differentiate high-quality services like those offered by Premcrete from others that might fall short.
1. Full Design Liability
- What We Offer: When you pay a design fee, you're paying for commitment to take on full design liability. This means that if a design-related issue arises, Premcrete assumes responsibility - backed by £10 million in Professional Indemnity Insurance, which is double the industry standard. If there were an issue with the design, it would stand up in court.
- Contrast: Companies that don't charge a design fee may avoid taking full responsibility for their designs, leaving you at risk if something goes wrong.
2. Competence and Expertise
- What We Offer: At Premcrete, competence goes beyond holding a CSSW (Certified Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing) qualification. Many of our team members have extensive experience in the construction industry, often having worked on a variety of high-calibre projects. This real-world experience in the field of construction is invaluable and, in many cases, is a prerequisite for delivering truly effective design solutions.
- Contrast: Some companies may focus purely on certifications like CSSW but may lack the depth of hands-on experience required for complex, high-risk projects. Our team's construction background allows us to approach each design with a practical understanding that many competitors simply cannot match.
3. Thorough Documentation and Compliance
- What We Offer: We invest in document control by having a dedicated professional manage all project documents. This ensures that every document is meticulously maintained and compliant with relevant regulations, including health and safety and compliance certifications.
- Contrast: Without a robust document control system, some companies may offer poorly managed, incomplete or incorrect documentation, which can delay projects and lead to compliance issues.
4. Legal Protection and Risk Management
- What We Offer: By engaging us and paying a design fee, you gain the assurance that our designs are backed by robust legal protections. Our £10 million Professional Indemnity Insurance ensures that your interests are protected in case of any issues with the design. If there was an issue with the design, it would stand up in court.
- Contrast: Companies that don't take on design liability might not offer the same level of legal protection, leaving you exposed to potential claims or issues without proper coverage.
5. Adherence to Standards and Regulations
- What We Offer: We ensure that our designs meet the latest industry standards, such as BS8102:2022 for waterproofing and BS485:2015+A1:2019 for gas protection. This adherence guarantees that your project is compliant with the Building Safety Act and other regulatory frameworks.
- Contrast: Companies that don't charge design fees may skip the necessary steps to stay updated with evolving regulations, which can result in non-compliant designs that may lead to costly revisions or failures down the line.
6. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
What We Offer: We proactively collaborate with architects, engineers, building control teams and contractors. We attend meetings, review designs and provide technical advice to ensure all parties are aligned for project success. This expert coordination allows us to deliver a seamless experience that many other companies simply cannot match.
Contrast: Companies that don't charge design fees may not be as engaged, potentially leading to communication breakdowns and missed opportunities to address design challenges early on.
7. Collateral Warranties
- What We Offer: At Premcrete, we provide collateral warranties, which is something most manufacturers won’t commit to. This extra layer of assurance means that your project is protected, and we stand by the designs we deliver long after completion.
- Contrast: Many manufacturers will not sign up for collateral warranties, leaving clients without the added security of knowing that the original designer is still accountable for the work.
Final Thoughts: The True Value of Design Fees
Paying for quality design services is more than just covering a cost—it’s an investment in the future of your project. When you choose to work with Premcrete, you're ensuring that:
- Full design liability is taken seriously
- Expertise and competence are built into every stage of the process
- All documentation and compliance standards are meticulously met
- Legal protection and risk management are prioritized
- Collaboration with key stakeholders is seamless
- Collateral warranties are offered, providing further peace of mind
In contrast, opting for cheaper alternatives that don’t charge design fees might leave you with incomplete, substandard, or non-compliant designs that can jeopardize your project's success and lead to costly fixes down the road.
The ability to offer the level of service we do at Premcrete comes from significant investment in people, processes, and systems. This includes expert coordination across multiple stakeholders and a deep commitment to quality assurance. This level of service is difficult to replicate, and often, you won’t find it with companies that do not charge design fees.
At Premcrete, we pride ourselves on delivering value that justifies the investment in design fees. Our comprehensive approach ensures your project is safe, compliant, and successful from start to finish.
