Architectural drawings and how it works

[ancha]

Hi,
I’m planning to do some major structural changes to our house and need some advice on architect's fees and how they work, as two architects I’ve been in touch with so far have given me completely different figures and advices on how to proceed.
Could you please clarify that for me?
I just need someone to put my ideas on the paper so I can actually see what it will look like and produce the drawing so my builder can put it all together.
Thanks for your time,
Anya

 

[jeds]

An architect would be over the top (and expensive) for what you want. Search out a local building surveyor (one that is experienced in drawing work) or an architectural technician. Depending on what you want doing you might have to have some structural calculations done as well but the surveyor will advise you on that. As a guide I would normally charge between £300 and £600 depending on the scope of works.

 

[^woody^]

What happens is .. someone comes around and you tell them what you want to do.

They should then be able to tell you if its feasible, and what permissions you need (planning permission and/or building regulations) and what other work and fees may be involved apart from the design fee (structural engineer work, Party Wall Act etc)

And they should also give a general indication of cost ... of the work and of all the other fees. So you know a budget for all the work

Then if you want to proceed, they should take measurements and notes and go away and prepare and outline design

You then discuss the outline design with the designer, and agree it or instruct changes. At this stage, the designer should be able to give fairly accurate cost estimates for any other specialist work or statutory fees

Once the design is approved by you, it gets sent off for approval by the council as necessary, and you use the drawings to get your quotes.

If you have a specific budget, or want a specific design, then tell the designer this and get him to design to this criteria.

 

[ancha]

Thank you for you comments!
So just checking: £775 for sketch( witch bytheway I haven't seen yet) and an application form to council for permitted development is it too steep of a charge of a designer?

Jeds, you mentioned surveyor - the servey we have done when bought this house, can we use that, or is it something completely different?
Thanks again,
Anya

 

[jeds]

An application for permitted development is what's known as a certificate of lawfulness. This should only be necesary if there is some doubt about whether your proposed extension falls under PD rules or not - is there some doubt? What is it you are applying for?

Otherwise a designer who knows what he is doing should be able to advise you if it is permitted or not. If it is permitted then no application is necessary. After all that is the very reason permitted development exists - so that you do not have to apply for permission for straighforward extensions.

I am suggesting you approach a surveyor (one experienced in design and drawing work) for advice and a quote. Or alternatively an architectural technician. Look in the book and phone around for quotes. It will be a lot cheaper than what you have been quoted. Nearly £800 for sketch and PD application is far too much.

 

[ancha]

Thanks John, it's very helpful.

we want to put an orangery at the back of the house and also an extention on the top of the garage but because it is in green belt this guy suggested to apply for PD for orangery and only then for planning for the extention so the council won't refuse it - does that make sence? however it seems he's done a runner.....with the money obviously...
thanks for your help