Architects... conflicting opinion

[Jacko74]

Had 2 architects round to quote for loft drawings for B.C.

No1 Says I DO need means of escape window. No2 says DONT. The stairway is the escape route.

No1 Says I DO need party walls soundproofed. No2 says I DONT.

No1 Says may be able to buy "off the shelf" stairs. No2 says they will have to be bespoke.

Who's right/wrong?? seems bizarre they dont agree on these things??.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

You generally don’t need a fire escape window nowadays unless there is no protected means of escape all the way to the front door ie you have an open plan arrangement on the ground floor (even then the escape window would be at first floor level). The party wall will require insulating for heat loss and this normally satisfies building control.

Technically the stairs will be bespoke unless the exact floor–ceiling height required and exact configuration happens to match a standard stair that a manufacturer produces as standard (not very likely). A made to measure stair with some winders for a lofty is normally about £550 or thereabouts.

Why are you employing an Architect anyway, employ a Technician and get the job done for less.

 

[Jacko74]

1 asked £400 for the drawings + £160 for the calcs........

The other asked for £600 all-in.

Didn't think these were bad prices compared to some I've seen?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Fair prices indeed!

/thanks, your welcome.