BHD Limited — Quantity Surveying, Cost Consultancy, Project Controls & Architectural Design
BHD Limited believes every contractor and SME deserves the same commercial discipline that protects billion-pound infrastructure programmes. Based in Wolverhampton and Telford, we serve clients across Shropshire, Staffordshire, and the wider West Midlands. Founded by Nick Garvey MCIOB, MCaSA, FQSi — a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Building, Member of the Controls and Skills Authority and Fellow of Quantity Surveyors International — we provide quantity surveying, cost consultancy, project controls, NEC and JCT contract training, and architectural design and planning services. Read our frequently asked questions or get in touch for a free cost health-check.
We administer contracts under the NEC and JCT forms, and prepare every drawing and application in line with the UK Planning Portal and current UK Government planning permission guidance.
Quantity Surveying & Cost Consultancy
We give contractors and SMEs a firm grip on cost without the overhead of a full-time QS. Our services include:
Cost Estimating & Bid Support
Tender take-offs, pricing, qualifications and commercial review — so you bid with confidence and the risk sits where it should.
Cost Reporting
Committed, spent and forecast-to-complete reporting, scaled to the size of the job — turning surprises into decisions while there is still time to act.
Valuations, Payment Applications & Final Accounts
Applications and valuations prepared and certified on time, variations priced when memories are fresh, and final accounts that assemble themselves from figures already agreed.
Contract Administration (NEC & JCT)
Instructions recorded, notices served within their time limits, early warnings and compensation events managed properly, and records kept as the job progresses — the paper trail that protects your cash flow and your position if a dispute arises.
Project Controls
Project controls is the discipline of tracking cost and programme together so problems are caught early rather than discovered at the end. We set up and run right-sized project controls for SME contracts — baseline budgets and programmes, change control, forecasting and honest reporting — enough control to protect the margin without drowning a small job in process.
NEC & JCT Contract Training
Plain-English contract training for site and commercial teams: early warnings, compensation events, notices, valuations, extensions of time and final accounts — delivered around real project scenarios so the lessons stick.
Architectural Design & Planning Services
Alongside our commercial services, we offer architectural design and planning for residential and commercial clients throughout Wolverhampton, Telford, Shropshire, Staffordshire, and the West Midlands.
Architectural Design
From initial feasibility and concept through to full planning-ready CAD drawings — single-storey and two-storey extensions, internal reconfigurations, and garden rooms, with floor plans and elevations produced in CAD.
Planning Consultancy
Pre-application advice, householder and full planning applications, Design and Access Statements, permitted development advice and Lawful Development Certificate applications.
Loft Conversions
Dormer, hip-to-gable and Velux loft conversions, with all drawings required for both planning applications and building regulations approval.
House Extensions
Single-storey and two-storey house extensions. Many single-storey rear extensions fall within permitted development rights — we always recommend a Lawful Development Certificate for legal protection.
Commercial Design
Architectural design for commercial extensions, alterations, office fit-outs and retail developments across the West Midlands.
Change of Use Applications
Drawings and supporting documents for change of use applications — office to residential, retail to restaurant, house to HMO and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas do you cover?
We are based in Wolverhampton and Telford, serving clients across Shropshire, Staffordshire, and the wider West Midlands.
Do you offer quantity surveying and cost consultancy services?
Yes. Alongside our architectural design work, BHD Limited provides quantity surveying, cost consultancy and project controls services for contractors and SMEs — including cost estimating, cost reporting, contract administration, NEC contract advice, valuations, final accounts, and bid support.
What is project controls and do I need it on a small contract?
Project controls is the discipline of tracking cost and programme together so problems are caught early rather than discovered at the end. Not every job needs a full project controls function — we scale reporting to the size of the job and will tell you honestly whether it's warranted.
Do I need planning permission for a house extension?
It depends on the size and position of the extension. Many single-storey rear extensions fall under permitted development rights. Two-storey extensions, side extensions near boundaries, and properties in conservation areas usually require planning permission. You can check the latest rules on the Planning Portal extensions guide.
What is a Lawful Development Certificate?
A formal document from your local planning authority confirming your proposed works are lawful and do not require planning permission — useful legal protection and valuable when selling.
How long does it take to receive my drawings?
Typically 5 to 10 working days from receipt of a complete survey submission and deposit payment.
Are amendments to drawings included?
Yes, one round of amendments is included with every project at no extra cost.
What qualifications does your team have?
BHD Limited is led by Nick Garvey, Director and Founder, MCIOB, MCaSA, FQSi — a Chartered Construction Manager, Member of the Controls and Skills Authority and Fellow of Quantity Surveyors International, with over 25 years' commercial and cost management experience on construction and infrastructure projects.
Blog
Insights on construction costs, contracts, project controls and planning.
- Five Things That Blow a Construction Budget on Small Contracts — the common causes of cost overrun on SME-scale jobs and how a QS catches them early.
- NEC or JCT: Which Contract Should You Use, and Why You Need Someone to Administer It — choosing between NEC and JCT, and why proper administration protects your cash flow.
- NEC Contracts Explained for Contractors — early warnings, compensation events, and what to do when a job changes shape.
- Why Cost Reporting Matters Even on a Six-Week Job — how a simple cost report saves arguments at final account stage.
- Why You Should Get a Lawful Development Certificate Before Starting Your Extension — legal protection, mortgage lenders, and why architectural plans are essential.
- Planning Application Drawing & Document Checklist — the complete list of drawings and documents needed for a domestic planning application.
- UK Planning Application Timeframes — how long householder and full planning applications take from submission to decision.
- Permitted Development Rights Explained — what you can build without planning permission.
- Guide to Loft Conversions — dormer, hip-to-gable, and Velux loft conversions.
- Tips for Successful HMO Conversions — planning permissions, licensing, and professional expertise.
Get in touch to discuss your project — whether that's a cost and commercial health-check on a live contract, project controls support, or a set of drawings for planning. We offer free initial advice.
Email: info@bhd-limited.co.uk
Phone: 0333 4049333
Address: 4-5 Victoria Square, I11, Wolverhampton, WV1 1LD