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Summit Build & Design

Our process

How a project comes together, step by step.

Building is a series of decisions. This is how we structure them, what we will ask of you at each stage, and how we will keep you informed along the way.

Project team in high-visibility clothing walking across a large construction site

Phase 01

Discovery

Understand the client's needs, goals, site, and budget.

  1. 01

    Initial enquiry

    You get in touch through the enquiry form, by email or by phone. We read your details, ask any immediate questions, and suggest a time for a first conversation.

    Your role
    Share what you can about the project: the site, what you want to build, and any timing or budget expectations.
    What you will hear from us
    A reply from a member of the team confirming next steps and arranging the discovery meeting.
  2. 02

    Discovery meeting

    A conversation, in person or online, about how you want to use the building, what matters most to you, and the practical limits of budget and time.

    Your role
    Talk us through your priorities, your must-haves and your concerns. Bring any drawings, photographs or references you have.
    What you will hear from us
    A short written summary of what we heard, so you can correct anything we have misunderstood.
  3. 03

    Site assessment and requirements

    We visit the site to understand access, levels, orientation, existing structures and services. We also confirm what approvals and documents the project will need.

    Your role
    Provide access to the site and any documents you hold, such as title details, surveys or previous approvals.
    What you will hear from us
    A list of findings, open questions and any further surveys or investigations that are recommended.

Phase 02

Design and Planning

Develop the design, scope, and preliminary project plan.

  1. 04

    Design development

    Design options are developed from sketches into drawings. Cost is reviewed alongside design so decisions are made with the budget in view.

    Your role
    Review options, give feedback, and make decisions on layout, materials and priorities at agreed review points.
    What you will hear from us
    Scheduled design reviews with drawings and visuals, plus a record of the decisions made at each review.

Phase 03

Costing and Agreement

Establish the agreed scope, budget, responsibilities, and schedule.

  1. 05

    Scope definition and costing

    The scope of work is written down clearly and priced. Where there are options or unknowns, they are listed separately so you can see their effect on cost.

    Your role
    Confirm the scope, choose between options, and raise any questions about what is included or excluded.
    What you will hear from us
    A written proposal with a breakdown of costs, assumptions and exclusions, and a meeting to walk through it.
  2. 06

    Agreement and project preparation

    We agree the contract, the payment schedule and the programme. Approvals, procurement of long-lead items and site set-up are then organised.

    Your role
    Review and sign the agreement, confirm the payment schedule, and nominate who will make decisions during construction.
    What you will hear from us
    A project start pack with the programme, key contacts, the reporting rhythm and how changes will be handled.

Phase 04

Construction

Coordinate site activities, workmanship, progress, and quality checks.

  1. 07

    Construction and progress updates

    Work proceeds on site in planned stages. The site team manages labour, materials, subcontractors and safety, and keeps records of progress.

    Your role
    Attend milestone walkthroughs, respond to decision requests in good time, and approve any changes in writing.
    What you will hear from us
    Regular progress updates with photographs, plus a record of any changes with their cost and time implications.
  2. 08

    Inspections and quality checks

    Work is checked at key stages, such as before concrete is poured or walls are closed up, alongside any statutory inspections the project requires.

    Your role
    Join inspections where you would like to, and raise anything you notice on site with your project lead.
    What you will hear from us
    Inspection notes and photographs, with any items that need attention and when they will be addressed.

Phase 05

Handover

Complete final inspections, address outstanding items, and hand over the project documentation.

  1. 09

    Handover

    A final inspection is carried out together, outstanding items are listed and completed, and the building is handed over with its documentation.

    Your role
    Walk the building with us, agree the list of outstanding items, and confirm completion when they are done.
    What you will hear from us
    A handover pack including relevant drawings, warranties from suppliers where provided, and maintenance guidance.

A note on timelines and costs

Every project is different. How long each stage takes depends on the size and complexity of the building, the site, approvals, the availability of materials, the weather and how quickly decisions can be made.

For that reason we do not quote fixed timelines or costs before we understand your project. Once the scope is defined, you will receive a programme and a costed proposal specific to your project, with the assumptions behind them written down.

Start a conversation

Ready to take the first step?

The first step is a conversation. Share a few details about your project and we will be in touch to arrange a discovery meeting.