Loft Architect drawings.

[Screech20]

Hey guys.

I’ve been thinking about our loft for some time and have decided that I want to apply for planning permission this year, so that I know what I can and can’t do before we make too many future plans.

I plan on doing a lot of the work myself, but getting pros in for the more complex tasks.

I have arranged for an architect to come over for a look and chat next week, but I’m not sure exactly what I need ask him and what checks (if any) I should do before using him.

So far I know I need:

Drawings for planning
Structural calcs for BC and beam orders.
Party wall notice(?) is that a job I can do myself?

What sort of accreditation, if any, should he be a part of?


Sorry if these are basic or silly questions, first big project for us!


Cheers

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Have a look-see here, my posts, amongst others may be helpful https://www.diynot.com/diy/threads/questions-about-a-loft-conversion.418758/#post-3250539

 

[Ian H]

I did exactly the same as you (still am actually). I chose a local guy that was a member of the CIOB and was on the Councils website as a 'partner'.

He came round, seemed a nice guy, said it would be easy to achieve what we wanted which was a loft conversion, roof extension and dormer.

Turned out to be an idiot, was totally useless and appeared clueless on even basic rules like the 50cu/mtr limit and local planning policy. After 18 months he managed to get us permission for a loft conversion with no windows.

It's almost done now but no thanks at all to him. He was Frank James Smith from James Campbell Associates in Rochdale so it's unlikely you would use the same guy.

I'd go with a personal recommendation.

 

[Footsoldier888]

Your architect doesn't have to have an official qualification, as odd as that sounds. However Imdemnity insurance is a good idea.

Unless your situation is unusual, most people use a reputable loft conversion company who will offer a design service for regs and planning. It is really important to use a good company though if you do go down this route because the regulations are quite exacting.

Are you certain you do need planning?

An architect or AT might be the right choice for you but alternately a loft conversion firm could be a good choice too.

 

[tony1851]

Personally I'd be wary of loft conversion 'specialists' - they're often expensive and won't necessarily give you what you want; you are tied to what they want to give you, and they can easily pull the wool over your eyes as to what is and isn't possible.
Use a local designer - preferably a technician rather than an architect because for some reason techies are usually far more clued up on Planning policy and Building Regs than many RIBAs. You would need an SE to do the numbers for any main beams, but the plans come first.
BTW, you would probably not need planning permission - just Building Regs.

 

[Doggit]

And you check his previous designs and jobs he's done. There's nothing wrong with knocking on someones door, and asking them how the job went, was the AT (I think they're better too) did, was he clued up etc. You'll also get a few ideas about the builders that did the work as well.