Not every set of architectural plans is ready to build. We recently took on a project where the original plans, created by an architect, simply weren’t feasible. If the homeowners had gone ahead without expert input, they would have faced major delays, cost overruns and a home that didn’t function as it should.
At Shiel Developments, we work closely with customers to problem-solve, refine and improve designs to make sure they work in the real world.
The problem: A design that wasn’t buildable
When the homeowners came to us, they already had detailed architectural plans in place. On the surface, everything looked well thought out, but as we reviewed the drawings, it became clear that the design simply wouldn’t work in practice. Structural issues and missing details meant that, as it stood, the home couldn’t be built as planned.
On top of that, the budget didn’t match the reality of the design. If the project had gone ahead without changes, it would have cost significantly more than the homeowners expected. While the layout looked good on paper, it didn’t account for how the homeowners would actually live in the space, which meant they could have ended up with a home that felt impractical and restrictive.
How we fixed it
Rather than starting from scratch, which would have caused unnecessary delays and extra costs, we worked closely with the homeowners and their architects to refine the design. The first priority was redesigning key structural elements to make sure the house was buildable without compromising on quality. We then optimised the layout, ensuring the space worked properly for daily life while still reflecting the homeowners’ original vision.
Budget was another important factor, so we focused on balancing cost and quality, removing unnecessary complexities that would have pushed up the price without adding real value.
The result?
By making these changes early, we were able to deliver a home that matched the homeowner’ expectations while staying practical, cost-effective and ready to build.
Thinking about a bespoke home?
If you’re planning a new build or major renovation, get your builder involved early, it’ll save you time, stress and money. We’d love to hear from you to talk through your vision.