If you’re planning a renovation or new build, you may think that once you’ve secured planning approval, it’s time to hand over the drawings to a builder and get started. But there’s a crucial step in between that can make or break your project: RIBA Stage 4 – Technical Design.
This stage takes your approved design and develops it into a detailed, coordinated, and construction-ready package. Skipping it might seem like a shortcut—but it often leads to unexpected costs, delays, and compromises down the line. Our SW+ service can guide you through this pocess to help your ideas come to reality on site.
Here’s why continuing with your architect and interior designer through Stage 4 is such a valuable move:
1. Detailed Design = Fewer Surprises
Planning drawings are a starting point—not a blueprint for building. At Stage 4, we resolve the full construction detail: structure, insulation, services, junctions, and finishes. This helps identify and solve problems early, rather than discovering them on site when they’re costlier and more disruptive to fix.
2. Accurate Costs and Competitive Pricing
With everything clearly defined—materials, products, finishes, and fittings—contractors can price your project far more accurately. This protects you from spiralling costs due to vague scope or assumptions. It also makes it easier to compare quotes on a like-for-like basis when tendering.
3. Smarter Time Management
Because we’ve planned in advance, products with long lead times can be ordered earlier, keeping your build on track. A well-developed Stage 4 package also reduces delays caused by on-site questions or late design decisions.
4. Better Build Quality and Design Integrity
By staying involved, we ensure that the design vision is carried through into the technical detail and not diluted on site. Builders are less likely to make assumptions or cut corners when they’re working from a robust, clear set of documents.
5. Reduced Risk, Increased Compliance
Stage 4 gives us time to review your design for compliance with building regulations, warranty standards, and health and safety (CDM) requirements. It’s also the right time to lock in key sustainability features—before practical constraints get in the way.
6. Empowered Clients, Smoother Builds
With a detailed package, you’ll feel more in control of your project, with a clear picture of what’s being delivered. Contractors are more confident pricing and building from well-resolved information, which often leads to smoother relationships and fewer disputes.
7. Value Engineering with Care
If budgets need adjusting, Stage 4 allows us to explore cost-saving options without compromising design intent or quality—something that’s far harder to do once you’re on site.
In Summary: Stage 4 Bridges the Gap Between Vision and Reality
It’s the difference between building with clarity and confidence—or crossing your fingers and hoping for the best. It’s about protecting your investment, preserving your design, and preparing everyone involved for a successful build.
If you’re ready to move from planning to construction, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—ensuring your project is not just approved, but ready to build beautifully.
Get in touch to find out more about how we can support you through Stage 4 and beyond.