About Carl’s design services

The scope of the service

My comments and drawings are based on the information you provide and, for a Home Improvement Workshop, what we can reasonably discuss during the call.

Neither service includes a measured survey, site inspection, condition survey or a complete architectural design. Unless expressly agreed otherwise, they do not provide comprehensive structural, planning, building-regulations, fire-safety, party-wall, drainage, legal, valuation or cost advice.

I will highlight important issues that I notice, but the limited nature of these services means that I cannot identify or investigate every issue affecting a property or project.

Sketches and drawings

Any drawings produced are initial exploratory design sketches. They illustrate ideas and possible approaches; they are not coordinated technical or construction drawings.

They must not be used for construction, tendering, manufacture or an application for planning permission, building regulations or any other consent. Dimensions, levels, structure, services and regulatory compliance must all be independently surveyed, developed and checked before work proceeds.

Taking a project forward

Before relying on an idea or carrying out work, you should appoint an architect, architectural designer or other suitably qualified professional to develop it properly.

Depending on the project, you may also need advice from a structural engineer, planning consultant, building-control professional, quantity surveyor, party-wall surveyor, drainage specialist or another consultant.

Your appointed professionals and contractors must verify the property, dimensions, site conditions, ownership constraints, statutory requirements, buildability and costs.

Information you provide

The usefulness of my response depends upon the accuracy and completeness of the plans, photographs, property information and questions you send me.

You are responsible for ensuring that you have permission to share any material supplied by somebody else. I am not responsible for important matters that could not reasonably have been identified from the information provided or within the agreed scope of the service.

Planning, regulations and properties outside the UK

I may identify planning or regulatory matters that appear relevant, but this is not a comprehensive compliance review or confirmation that consent will be granted.

Rules, policies and construction practices vary by location and change over time. For properties outside the UK, local professional advice will be particularly important.

Costs and feasibility

Any discussion of costs, timescales or feasibility is indicative only. Prices and construction conditions vary considerably. Obtain appropriate surveys, professional advice and current quotations before making commitments.

Using the ideas

You are welcome to use, develop and adapt the ideas produced for you, and to share them with another architect, designer, consultant or contractor who is helping take your property forward.

Copyright in the original sketches, drawings and recordings remains with CARL Design Ltd, but you receive a permanent, royalty-free, non-exclusive licence to use and adapt the design material for your property.

The recordings are supplied for your private use and should not be published, resold or used commercially without written permission.

Decisions and outcomes

The purpose of these services is to help you think more clearly and understand possible directions. They do not guarantee that a particular idea will be technically feasible, affordable, acceptable to an approving authority or suitable for construction.

Any decision to purchase a property, appoint a professional, seek consent or undertake building work remains yours.