How we work
This is how building with BRIQ works
Building with BRIQ follows clear steps and clear agreements: a complete quotation within about a month, works usually starting 2 to 4 months after the contract is signed, and weekly site meetings during execution. What happens beforehand depends on where you stand today: with a complete file, with an architect but no complete file yet, or still without an architect.
Where do you stand today? Choose below.
Execution of a complete file
BRIQ ensures that your architect's design is realised with care, down to the last detail. A complete file consists of construction drawings, structural plans, an EPB energy performance study, a descriptive bill of quantities and, where applicable, specifications. The permit does not need to be in yet.
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01
response within 3 working days
Introduction
A conversation at our office in Mechelen or on site about your plans, wishes and budget.
You get Honest advice on whether BRIQ is the right partner.
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02
Site visit
We look at the existing situation on site.
You get A realistic assessment of the execution.
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03
Critical review
We review plans and bill of quantities, ask critical questions and point out possible gaps in the file.
You get Fewer surprises during the works.
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04
±1 month
Quotation
We price the bill of quantities completely and in detail. The quotation is free of charge. We hand it over at our office to you and your architect, so that we can go through it together.
You get A complete, detailed quotation, with explanation.
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05
Contract
A clear construction contract with an overall schedule that we draw up together with you and your architect.
You get Certainty about price, schedule and agreements.
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06
usually starts after 2 to 4 months
Execution
One dedicated project manager, a weekly site meeting with you and your architect, and a permanent team of specialists.
You get Every week you know where your project stands.
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07
Handover and aftercare
Provisional handover together with your architect, final handover one year later.
You get A complete as-built file, and a contractor who stays within reach.
Design team formula
Your architect is drawing, but the file is not finished yet. In the design team formula we join the table during the design stage: we test every step against budget and technical feasibility, so that design and execution fit together. The great advantage is timing: our specialists know the plans and the schedule from the very beginning. No time is lost on a tendering phase, and everyone is ready to build as soon as the plans are finished or the permit is in. And in the end, the design team formula is no more expensive.
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01
response within 3 working days
Introduction
A conversation at our office in Mechelen or on site about your plans, wishes and budget.
You get Honest advice on whether BRIQ is the right partner.
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02
Site visit
We map the existing situation of the building and the land.
You get A first assessment of possibilities and risks.
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03
Collaboration commitment
After the first meeting you sign a collaboration commitment with a fixed fee, tailored to the size of your project. If execution goes ahead with BRIQ, that amount is deducted in full from the construction contract.
You get A permanent partner at the table from the design stage.
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04
Design in a design team
Your architect draws; we contribute with budget estimates at every design step, advice on technical feasibility, materials and building services, possible savings and a first rough schedule.
You get A design that can be built within your budget.
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05
File and permit
Your architect completes the full file, including the bill of quantities, and submits the permit application.
You get A file that works in execution.
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06
±1 month
Quotation
We price the bill of quantities completely and in detail, and go through the quotation with you and your architect at our office.
You get A complete, detailed quotation.
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07
Contract
A clear construction contract with an overall schedule that we draw up together with you and your architect.
You get Certainty about price, schedule and agreements.
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08
usually starts after 2 to 4 months
Execution
One dedicated project manager, a weekly site meeting with you and your architect, and a permanent team of specialists.
You get Every week you know where your project stands.
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09
Handover and aftercare
Provisional handover together with your architect, final handover one year later.
You get A complete as-built file, and a contractor who stays within reach.
Design and execution
You want to build or renovate, but you do not have an architect yet. At the introduction we look at who is best placed to draw your project: our in-house architect or one of our partner architects. That depends on the type of assignment, the size of the project, the timing, availability and location. Our in-house architect works independently: you sign the design contract directly with her, and another BRIQ project manager oversees the site. Is it an interior renovation without a permit? We will gladly make a proposal for that too.
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01
response within 3 working days
Introduction
A conversation about your plans, wishes and budget. Together we decide which architect will draw your project.
You get An architect who suits your project.
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02
Design contract
You sign a design contract directly with the architect. The design is settled separately with the architect.
You get Clear agreements about the design.
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03
Site visit
Together with the architect we map the existing situation of the building and the land.
You get A first assessment of possibilities and risks.
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04
6 to 12 months on average
Design and complete file
The architect draws the design and delivers a complete file: construction drawings, permit application, descriptive bill of quantities and, where applicable, specifications. Where necessary you sign separate contracts with an engineering firm for the EPB and structural studies.
You get A complete and buildable file.
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05
±3 months in optimal conditions
Permit
The architect submits the permit application and follows it up.
You get A permit for your project.
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06
±1 month
Quotation for execution
We price the bill of quantities completely and in detail, and go through the quotation with you and your architect at our office.
You get A complete, detailed quotation.
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07
Contract
A clear construction contract with an overall schedule that we draw up together with you and your architect.
You get Certainty about price, schedule and agreements.
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08
usually starts after 2 to 4 months
Execution
One dedicated project manager, a weekly site meeting with you and your architect, and a permanent team of specialists.
You get Every week you know where your project stands.
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09
Handover and aftercare
Provisional handover together with your architect, final handover one year later.
You get A complete as-built file, and a contractor who stays within reach.
What you can expect from us
- One dedicated project manager, from quotation to handover.
- Every week at the table with you and your architect.
- A complete quotation within about a month.
- A free quotation, which we go through with you and your architect at our office.
- Works usually starting 2 to 4 months after the contract is signed.
- No surprises: every change is priced in advance, including its effect on the schedule, and only carried out after your approval.
- You pay per completed construction phase, never in advance.
- Ten-year liability insured and demonstrated before the first stone is laid.
- Built according to the standards of Buildwise (formerly BBRI).
- A tidy site, even if you continue to live there.
- On handover, a complete as-built file: photos of every pipe, every technical data sheet, every certificate.
- Within reach after handover, on top of the statutory guarantees.
What we expect from you
A good project is a collaboration. That is why we are also clear about what we need from you.
A realistic budget
In proportion to your ambition. We help you determine it, starting in the first meeting.
Decisions on time
You receive a selection calendar in advance with all decision moments for materials, colours and appliances, so that the schedule stays on track.
One line to the site
Questions and changes go through your project manager, not directly to the tradespeople. That way everything stays aligned.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a total renovation take?
That depends strongly on the project: a total renovation at BRIQ takes from a few weeks to a year and a half. With the contract we draw up a schedule tailored to your project, which we follow up every week.
Is the quotation free?
Yes. We hand over the quotation at our office to you and your architect, so that we can go through it together and you get an immediate explanation of every item.
How long does a new build take?
A new build at BRIQ takes fifteen months on average (a year and three months), including interior joinery and painting.
How is the price determined?
You receive a complete, detailed quotation based on the bill of quantities. Changes during the works are always priced in advance, with their effect on the schedule, and only carried out after your approval.
Do I need my own architect?
No. If you do not have an architect yet, we look at the introduction at who will draw your project: our in-house architect, who works independently, or one of our partner architects. You sign the design contract directly with the architect.
How does payment work?
You pay in instalments linked to completed construction phases. So you never pay in advance for work that has not yet been done.
What happens after handover?
After the provisional handover you receive a complete as-built file. The final handover follows one year later. We remain within reach after that too, on top of the statutory guarantees such as the ten-year liability.
Ready to make your plans concrete?
We would be glad to welcome you at our office in Mechelen or to visit the place where you want to build. Without obligation, and with honest advice on whether BRIQ is the right partner.