Can you come to my house and give me a quote for building an extension?

We would be happy to visit you to discuss the project in principle and advise you whether your budget expectations are realistic in terms of what you want to achieve. However, we would suggest that giving you a quote based on a single visit and a verbal description of what is required is potentially meaningless. There are lots of builders who will provide quotes for building an extension but you might want to ask what assumptions they are making? It can be likened to asking a travel agent for the price of a holiday without specifying the details of where you want to go, what type of holiday you want and for how long you intend to travel. Should you have drawings for the project, we would be happy to discuss them with you and provide a quote for the work.

Why do I need design work carried out, can't you just build it?

There are many builders who will simply carry out a project from your verbal instructions. This usually involves daily meetings to discuss what will be done that day, agreeing details such as the location of services, junctions between materials and products used, often with no time to think or consider any potential repercussions or alternatives. This is one way to work although it is not an approach we would recommend. We make absolutely sure that the end result is what you really want from the very beginning; we ask the questions at the start and make sure you are happy with the decisions before we begin. Our mantra is to plan, plan and plan again. This highly considered customer focused approach not only makes sure we reach the best possible solution, but also ensures that you get the best value out of every pound you spend. It is much cheaper to make mistakes on paper than on the ground.

What is 'value for money' in a building project?

The concept of value for money is different to each person. One person’s value for money can be getting work done as cheaply as possible regardless of quality, whereas another’s might be to spend a larger amount of money for high quality work which will last and give them great satisfaction. We try to define value for money as spending the right money in the right places; we take time to consider things in detail to make sure the right thing is built in the best way. moon’s reputation and portfolio of work clearly illustrates our consistent delivery of high quality projects. Our clients repeatedly tell us that they feel we are great value for money.

Do I need to go to tender to make sure I am getting the lowest cost?

The traditional approach of appointing an architect and then going to tender is an intrinsically flawed process if you are looking for cost certainty.

Firstly, architects often design projects with little regard or understanding of the costs involved in building it. All the tender returns are often much higher than the budget. More often than not, the cheapest builder is selected while the scheme goes back to the drawing board in an attempt to bring the project back within budget. The chosen builder then re-prices the works without any competition.

Secondly, tender returns are often based solely on the drawings received. The opportunity to explore ways to reduce the cost by approaching things in a different way rarely takes place. We are often sent drawings for projects which are intrinsically expensive solutions that could be designed in a more economical, but equally effective way. What tends to happen is that when the scheme goes over budget, the architect redesigns it and all the ‘nice stuff’ is taken out, instead of looking at the overall design approach.

moon’s approach is customer focussed. Before we put pen to paper, we discuss your budget and your ideas. It’s our business to understand the cost of building and we make sure the overall solution responds to your budget.

Do you only work on expensive houses?

We approach all our projects with the same philosophy and process. The only difference to us between a small and a large project is the end result. All projects require detailed consideration and dialogue to find the right solution, both in terms of the client’s expectations and requirements, and the budget available.

We pride ourselves on our ability to design solutions that are commensurate with the value of a house. Nick worked in property development for 15 years prior to setting up moon and has invaluable experience of judging what is the right solution. Ensuring the value of a property is not only protected but enhanced by the work we do is important to us, making us your ideal companion when considering properties for purchase.

Having said all this, sometimes you just need to think of your house as your home, not a money-making investment and just enjoy it!

If I haven't appointed an architect, who takes responsibility?

One of the key issues with construction projects is the question of responsibility. Traditionally, the architect takes responsibility for the design and the builder takes responsibility for delivering that design; the two parties have a shared responsibility for the project. Problems frequently arise when the architect accuses the builder of not building it correctly, while the builder blames the architect for incorrect drawings or inadequate information. Whilst the issue can often be resolved, the bill for any remedial work or changes will often land with the client. More complex issues which cannot be resolved by the two parties can end up in an unnecessary legal battle, with the project grinding to a halt and the costs escalating.

moon takes on the role of architect and builder, assuming full responsibility for the project from conception to completion. Quite simply, we build what we design and if we make mistakes, we resolve them. This is the reason why we take our time considering every tiny detail upfront and producing construction drawings which are second to none.

Do you only do contemporary design?

Traditional versus modern is a debate of taste which camouflages the more relevant question – is the design good or bad? This question forms the basis of moon’s philosophy. Whether the project is traditional or contemporary, the design should be engaging, beautiful and superbly executed. Most importantly, the design should be the right solution for the client and that particular project. Our design approach is always pragmatic. We are driven by finding the right solution and we want to build on our clients’ aspirations and create something which both excites and exceeds their expectations. Our attention to detail, accuracy and quality of finish is unfaltering. Quality is always in fashion, no matter how old.