Questions & answers
Answers to the questions we hear most
Fees, timelines, documents, the Parish Council, NHT estimates and printing, all in one place. If your question isn’t here, message us and we’ll answer it.
Getting started
Starting a project
Do you offer a full design service?
Yes. CAMS is involved from start to finish: consultation, design, working drawings, approval support and construction.
What do I need to start drafting?
Your land surveyor’s identification report and a completed request form.
Can I bring my own sketch or idea?
Yes, please do. A sketch, photos of homes you like or a rough layout all help your draftsman understand what you want and shorten the design phase.
Is there a fee for the site visit?
A site visit fee may apply. If it does, it is credited back toward the cost of your drawings.
How much does a house plan cost?
It is priced by the floor area of the plan. Try the Design Planner for an estimate of your design fee.
Drawings & approvals
Drawings and the Parish Council
How long do drawings take?
The design phase depends on how many changes you make, and a sketch of your own speeds it up. Working drawings take about two weeks after you approve the design, depending on the size of the project.
How many changes can I make?
Two rounds of revisions are included in the design phase. Changes requested once working drawings have started cost at least 30% of the drawing fee, so it pays to get the design right first.
How do payments work?
A non-refundable 30% deposit is due when you approve your design, and drafting of your working drawings begins. The remaining 70% is due within 14 days of your drawings being completed.
Can you submit my plans to the Parish Council?
Yes, if you ask us to at the start. A submission fee applies, based on your parish. Either way, we take a copy of your drawings for a pre-approval check first.
What do I need to submit a plan?
A valid national ID, TRN, proof of ownership, the surveyor’s identification report, a tax certificate, the approval fee, and 3 to 6 copies of the drawings.
Estimates & BOQs
Estimates, BOQs and NHT
Do I need approved drawings for an estimate?
We measure every quantity from drawings, so we need them, but they don’t have to be approved yet. If you don’t have drawings, our drafting team can prepare them first.
Is your BOQ accepted by NHT?
Yes. We prepare NHT BOQs, and our estimates are prepared for NHT, bank and insurance purposes.
How long does an estimate take?
About two weeks after we receive your drawings, depending on the volume of work.
Can I use the BOQ to compare contractors?
Yes. Give every contractor the same quantities to price, and you can compare their quotes line by line.
Printing
Printing your drawings
How many copies does the Parish Council need?
Usually 3 to 6 copies of the drawings, depending on the Parish Council. We can tell you what your council asks for.
Can you print drawings CAMS didn’t prepare?
Yes. Send your files and tell us the size, colour and number of copies.
What file should I send?
A PDF at the right paper size prints best. If you only have another format, send it and we’ll check it.
How do I get my prints?
Collect them from our office in Burnt Ground, Santa Cruz. Please book before visiting.
Ready when you are
Still have a question?
Message us on WhatsApp, call 876-347-8977, or send a request and we’ll get back to you.