Adaptation of a ready/typical project
Even the best visualization of a building must be adapted to local regulations and the shape of the plot. Ready-made designs, also called typical or repeatable designs in the meaning of construction law, are not considered construction designs.
It can be said that they are quite universal in nature: they are not prepared with the conditions of the terrain on a given plot in mind, nor with the applicable local regulations in mind. Before they are submitted together with the application for a building permit, they must therefore undergo certain modifications and adaptations. The whole process, in short, looks as follows:
• obtaining an extract from the local spatial development plan or a decision on development conditions
• preparation of a geodetic map on a scale of 1:500 and additionally carrying out geotechnical tests in terms of the soil’s load-bearing capacity and groundwater level
• purchase of a ready-made architectural and construction project and its adaptation
• submission of documents to the district office.
Adaptation of a finished project – who does it and how is it done?
The role in adapting the ready-made project to the requirements of the site falls to the adapting architect, who will be responsible for all the solutions included in it. He is usually selected from among local architects – Mabudo cooperates with such Partners. This specialist should have the appropriate qualifications and also belong to the Chamber of Architects or Construction Engineers.
The adapting architect must first adapt the project to the provisions of the Local Spatial Development Plan, and if these do not apply to a given plot – to the Development Conditions. His tasks also include preparing a land development plan, drawing the outline of the building on the map, and introducing changes to the original plan – resulting from the conditions of the area or the needs of the investor. The plot map should include the outline of the house, marked connections and installations, the method of sewage disposal or treatment, small architecture, and the layout of greenery. The adapting architect must take into account the location of the plot in relation to the cardinal directions, the terrain, the load-bearing capacity of the soil, and the depth of frost penetration.
The adaptive architect’s tasks also include preparing documentation for ZUDP, i.e. the Design Documentation Agreement Team. It is worth using their help in arranging all other formalities and permits.
Duration and costs of the project
How long does it take to adapt a finished project? Each situation is slightly different, but it is estimated that it usually takes about 1.5 months. Exceptions to this rule are caused by, among other things, the conditions of the terrain. When it comes to costs, they include the purchase of the finished project, its adaptation, and often the price of the geodetic map. The costs of adaptation depend on the scope and level of complexity of the changes introduced, and often also on the architect’s reputation. Expenses of several thousand zlotys should be taken into account.
Full documentation, which includes, among others, a plot or land development plan and an architectural and construction plan in paper form in triplicate or electronically, a current geodetic map and technical conditions for the supply of media, and a technical plan (it is part of the construction plan but is not subject to verification by the office), must be submitted together with the application for a building permit to the architecture department in the relevant starosty. The decision is issued within 65 days.
Important and insignificant changes
It is important to be aware that a finished project is a product covered by copyright. What does this mean? In such a case, you cannot make changes to it at your whim and without the consent of the original author. The scope of modifications that can be implemented without it is usually attached to the documentation. For changes not included in it, we must obtain the author’s permission – it is worth taking care of it before starting work.
In the development plans and in the architectural and construction project, we also distinguish between significant and non-significant changes. Detailed information on this subject is included in the Construction Law in Article 36a. The introduction of the former requires a change to the decision on the building permit, the latter must be entered in the construction log. Significant changes include, for example, those that increase the area of impact of the facility beyond the plot. These are also modifications to specific, characteristic parameters of the building object and changes to the intended use of the building object or its part. Non-significant changes, on the other hand, concern, for example, small architecture or the number of window and door openings. It is worth noting that these provisions only apply to situations when changes are introduced after obtaining a building permit. In order to avoid unnecessary formalities, it is better to make all changes before submitting the application.
And what if it turns out that fitting the object to the plot requires too many modifications? Nothing is lost! In the Mabudo catalog you will find many other ready-made proposals with different surfaces. We invite you.