Next Steps?
We have a mixture of experienced professional architecture, construction and property development skills, we have established relationships with the appropriate authorities in France, and we know France and the French waterways.
This means that we can assist you in a number of ways
- Find your perfect lock-keeper's cottage
- Formulate your canal-side small business proposal
- Deal with the documentation and liaise with the appropriate authorities
- Following a successful submission, handle the renovation partially or completely
To discuss this new and uniquely attractive opportunity further (without obligation except as to mutual confidentiality),
Our Services
Each project situation will be different; differing requirements of the prospective 'owner' (long-term tenant, entrepreneur) and differing circumstances of the property (or properties) under consideration. The services that we can provide can be selected, in a bespoke manner to suit each situation, from the following broad headings, being divided into the four natural phases that a project would fall into.
1. Assessment and Feasibility
2. Submission
3. Implementation
4. Support
1. Assessment and Feasibility
- Researching buildings, reporting findings. Visiting lock cottages, taking photographs, obtaining access, making outline assessments of condition (not a structural survey), making outline 'guesstimates' of remedial/construction costs.
- Discussion and liaison with interested parties and the relevant authorities, including what we would understand to be the legal/property situation. Reporting back.
- Investigating context. Local conditions - local towns, villages and potential passing trade on the water or the towpath. Wider market context. Opportunities, competition and possible 'partners'.
- Potential conversion (etc.) scheme(s). Drawings and sketches.
- Outline feasibility report including building assessment, market context, investment costs and annual overheads (rent), potential return. Conclusions.
This work will assist a prospective 'owner' to make decisions between buildings or locations and whether a particular situation appears to be feasible or viable. Unviable situations or options can be freed from further effort and expense. Those that are viable can be taken forward.
The nature of this phase is naturally such that the exact nature and extent of our work cannot be pre-determined. They would be carried out on a time-related basis of £20/23€ per hour, excluding expenses (for example, travelling, telephone) incurred, to be charged in addition. A ceiling figure would be set by agreement, which we would not exceed except by agreement. We would require a commissioning payment in advance of £250/285€.
2. Submission
Bids are appraised by the relevant authorities on the basis of a submission document.
- Preparation of the proposal document, including (as appropriate) description, explanation, credentials, abilities, scheme drawings and costings, business viability forecasts.
- Submitting the document, responding and liaising regarding questions, clarifications and other points as raised.
3. Implementation
We are interested, and able, to act in a number of ways to take the approved submission through to a constructed reality.
- Prepare detailed drawings, schedules of work and materials, and specifications.
- Liaise regarding any formal project approvals necessary (for example, planning, construction regulations, etc.)
- Project manage / administer the works.
- Carry out actual construction work - demolition, carpentry, etc. Liaise with specialist sub-contractors - plumber, electrician, etc.
We would do so, using our own boat moored alongside as a base.
4. Support
Marketing and promotion, including telemarketing, email, website and search engine optimisation.
Our Credentials
- Architect / Interior Designer with 15 years experience of alteration, conversion and renovation of old and historic buildings. Direct hands-on building, carpentry and other trades experience.
- Most recently (2008/9), business/potential appraisal of a complete portfolio of farm properties. Hands-on (groundwork, carpentry, supervision, etc.) transformation of farmhouse including kitchen, breakfast room, utility, boot/gun room, terrace and garden.
- Marketing Communications specialism with 15 years experience of construction and property, and business consultancy. Print and digital (websites, intranet, extranet, social networking strategies). Database and telephone marketing. Email campaigns. Property sales.
- International experience including 3 years in Spain, 3 years in France. Good language skills. Good contacts, including those who have already been through a directly comparable lock cottage process.
To discuss this new and uniquely attractive opportunity further (without obligation except as to mutual confidentiality),
|
|
