what is the person that does this please?

[Spamchops]

Hello all, could someone please tell me if I need an architect or someone (hopefully a cheaper someone) else?
We are looking at buying a house that is a bit of a wreck, it needs pretty much everything doing. I'd like to alter the downstairs as there is a small utility and a bathroom there which are not needed as there is a bathroom upstairs. I'd like a bigger kitchen and a utility there instead, but not being imaginative, I could do with someone to tell me the best way to do the layout. Obviously, I know I need a builder and I suppose someone from the council to ok it, but is it just an architect that does this? Thanks

 

[tony1851]

You'd be better off with a good local architectural technician rather than an Architect with a capital 'A'; registered architects are generally expensive for this type of job.
Have a look through planning applications on your local councils' website and see if any names of local plan-drawers come up repeatedly.

 

[Spamchops]

Thank you. I'd post pics but it looks complicated....

 

[^woody^]

Building surveyor.

Architectural technicians tend to be crap at refurb and project work, they only know how to draw extensions.

 

[tony1851]

Building surveyor.

Architectural technicians tend to be crap at refurb and project work, they only know how to draw extensions.

Oh, come on............

 

[^woody^]

True story bro.

 

[John D v2.0]

Proper architect you're looking at 5%+ of the project cost, that's because they've studied a lot of theory and done a lot of practice, a bit like solicitors or doctors.
Technicians could be someone who knows how to use the software only or they could have a great deal of experience and imagination, so ask a lot of questions

 

[tony1851]

To train as an architect takes around 7 years, during which period they spend some time working in an office. They can be subject to all sorts of projects, varying in size and type.
The problem with 'simple' domestic works (which are not often done in established offices) is that these are mostly dictated by local Planning policy guidelines, and Building Regs, and it takes time and experience to familiarize oneself with these. I've come across many plans by registered architects for domestic work, which would never get approval from the local council.
Those techs. who stick to just domestic work ususally become skilled at knowing what will or won't be approved.

 

[Notch7]

its one of those jobs that falls between trades.

A good builder with a flair for design could do it and will understand the issues around services etc
But a builder wont do drawings.

A good architectural technician, or decent experienced plan drawer could do it

if you want wall knocking out and the options are complex, you will need a SE, but he wont be too keen drawing you a pretty kitchen

you could contact a local kitchen design studio and ask them for the kitchen and utility - but it depends whether you get a salesman or somebody with trade experience.

whatever you do, never ever go to checkatrade type online resources.....you might get a real muppet
much better off popping into your local trade merchant and asking them for a few names.
If you see an extension being built around the corner where you live -pop in and ask for a name.

 

[JP_]

Do you have the house plans from the estate agent - are they on Rightmove? I find copying the plan into MS Paint and then moving walls around is the best way. How I designed my renovation and extension before moving.

 

[John D v2.0]

The problem with 'simple' domestic works (which are not often done in established offices) is that these are mostly dictated by local Planning policy guidelines, and Building Regs, and it takes time and experience to familiarize oneself with these.

Great information, my only point of difference would be to say they are mostly"limited" rather than "dictated" by planning and building regs.
The minimum standards is certainly dictated but you can go above and beyond in a lot of ways, believe me we saw a lot of bad extensions when we were looking to buy houses that would sail through planning because the external appearance had nothing major wrong.

 

[Spamchops]

Sadly the advert does not have floorplans, or in fact even pics of the inside, we took our own. I suppose because the place is in such a state. There is someone living in it, but I'm not sure how as their boiler has blown up. It certainly needs attention, the lintel over the stairs is so low that you would have to be under five foot to clear it... thank you all. I think a really good decent builder would be the place to start then, IF we buy it......!!!!!!

 

[Leofric]

Architectural technicians tend to be crap at refurb and project work, they only know how to draw extensions.

So all architectural technicians are the same are they Presume this is a wind up, but to say ' they only know how to draw extensions ' is just stupid. Architectural technicians can have experience working on various types of buildings.

 

[Leofric]

True story bro.

Is that your experience of one trainee office junior who did some plans

 

[Leofric]

I think a really good decent builder would be the place to start then

Thought you wanted somebody to draw plans