Building an extension, what is the process with architects?

[Klang180]

Hello and sorry to post this on an ostensibly DIY forum but I woudl like a bit of guidance and people on here seem to be very knowledgeable.

We recently moved into a house and are looking to improve it with an extension/kitchen renovation. Below is the very rough plan with the following:
red - remove
Black - new brick walls
Yellow - bifold doors
Blue - stud walls

It is obviously incredibly rough and will require some good drawings and further thought.

As this is our first time doing anything like this we wanted to check on procedure for this sort of things prior to calling architects so we aren't taken for a (complete) ride.

Do architects typically do a home visit to provide a quote (like a trades-person) or do they have fees to even come and have a look? Is this a set fee or flexible depending on the work? Finally, what would be a reasonable amount to charge for drawings of this nature?

We are in the South West if that helps matters?

Thanks for your time.

 

[Murdochcat]

you will definitely need a SE and involve your local BCO

As for the charges - best you call around your local guys and see what they say based on your sketch

 

[^woody^]

There are lots of threads on this. I used to post a few many years ago, but it got repetitive. Do a search 10 years or so back.

You need a competent designer, not necessarily an Architect. They should interpret your requirements into what you can have in context of the site contains, statutory permissions and your budget.

The designer deals with all other professions and agencies.

Yes they come out and quote. Make sure the quote includes everything they will do and they advise you of any likely other costs.

Don't bother thinking of the design and walls etc. That's the designers job. You just think about what you want.

 

[stevie888]

Totally agree with Woody: many architects (they have to be RIBA menbers to call themselves architects though many ignore this) think they know what you want and don't listen to what you tell them.

If you can find a technician who does his own engineering: this looks a very straightforward job and is the sort of thing I've been doing for the last 20 years (retired: don't ask).

I always quoted a fixed price for all the work including any resubmission for planning and work to get BRA. I have known architects charge extra for sorting out their own cock-ups!!

 

[Klang180]

There are lots of threads on this. I used to post a few many years ago, but it got repetitive. Do a search 10 years or so back.

You need a competent designer, not necessarily an Architect. They should interpret your requirements into what you can have in context of the site contains, statutory permissions and your budget.

The designer deals with all other professions and agencies.

Yes they come out and quote. Make sure the quote includes everything they will do and they advise you of any likely other costs.

Don't bother thinking of the design and walls etc. That's the designers job. You just think about what you want.

Thanks Woody, sage advice as always (I have seen your contributions on many other posts).

I like the idea of a designer but wonder what exactly to search for i.e. what exact term would you use to find someone who isn't an architect but is a competent 'designer'?

You're right about the search though so apologies for not doing a better job of this, will do a more thorough deep dive now.

 

[Klang180]

Totally agree with Woody: many architects (they have to be RIBA menbers to call themselves architects though many ignore this) think they know what you want and don't listen to what you tell them.

If you can find a technician who does his own engineering: this looks a very straightforward job and is the sort of thing I've been doing for the last 20 years (retired: don't ask).

I always quoted a fixed price for all the work including any resubmission for planning and work to get BRA. I have known architects charge extra for sorting out their own cock-ups!!

Thanks, I won't ask but you are the exact type of person I am looking for so may I just ask if you were advertising what would you call yourself so that I know what to search for?

 

[^woody^]

Thanks Woody, sage advice as always (I have seen your contributions on many other posts).

I like the idea of a designer but wonder what exactly to search for i.e. what exact term would you use to find someone who isn't an architect but is a competent 'designer'?

You're right about the search though so apologies for not doing a better job of this, will do a more thorough deep dive now.

Anyone can draw up plans, so they are the designer.
Yes, most people refer to them as the "Architect", but they may be an architectural technician, structural engineer, building surveyor, building control inspector or planner moonlighting, or a competent builder. There are good and bad in all these.

There is often no need for the flair or fancy vision of an Architect, as extensions are relatively standard and restrictive. However, the designer needs to have common sense and an understanding of what is possible or practical as well as what is permissable - and not just what is easy to draw.

Many designers have no concern and even no clue about what a builder needs to know or how a builder thinks. If nice plans meeting all regulations are not properly specified or detailed, you end up paying more for all the builder's guessing and extra work.

As always it's more to do with what to ask, and details of what services and costs will be involved. Always compare like for like, as quotes and what is included may differ.

 

[stevie888]

Thanks, I won't ask but you are the exact type of person I am looking for so may I just ask if you were advertising what would you call yourself so that I know what to search for?

I usually decribed myself as an architectural technician but after a couple of years most of my work was coming from referals.

This was sometimes embarrassing as on more than a few occassions when I asked the client who had recommended me I'd get a name I'd never heard of and it would be a builder who'd been impressed with the drawings but hadn't had to contact me as there'd been no queries. (Part of my standard package was free phone advise for the dureation)

One option is to check your LA's website to see who is submitting stuff: you can view their work on line.

Go for full plans submission so when you agree the price with your builder all constuction details are approved so no arguments. Finally my prefernce is always LA for building control rather than private who are ofter dearer and generally do less inspecting which is not what you want even if your builder might prefer it. (Sits back to await argument)