Architects-do you know a good one/any advice?

BelfastMish

Hi guys

I'm looking to do some structural work on my house (remove a supporting wall/replace a roof plus more if I can find the money!) and I wondered how I go about working with an architect. Can I get a free consultation to talk about ideas or will I have to pay them for their time - will probably have to use them to draw up plans at some stage but just wondering about initial consultations?

Plus anyone used a good architect - east Belfast area would be good.

Thanks for any help - all advice gratefully received!

Nomad25

A subject dear [and sore] to me. We brought a recommended one in 3/4 years ago. He didn't listen to what we were looking for and came up with a totally unsuitable and impractible layout. God knows what was going on in his head! We still had to pay for his 'creative' ideas and time - cost us a grand, even though it was cr*p and we couldn't use any of his suggestions. It still smarts, what a waste of hard-earned money. What a fool I was.

I am sure there are some good ones out there, just get your terms of engagement [i.e. cost] sorted at the outset and make sure the brief is very clear before you start. Good luck.

CL

If you have your own ideas and want someone to do the technical work without pushing any "creative" ideas on you, and also want a very reasonable price, pm me and I'll give you the details of the architect we used last year. Far cheaper than anyone else we talked to.

luckys_mum

Hi. I worked in an architects office for 7 years and my only advice to you is to decide what you want first and then stick to your own ideas. They will try to steer you in any direction but the one that you want. An Architect is there to put your ideas down on paper for you. You have to be firm with them from the start.

FIZILIZI

For that sort of work, you would need to get in contact with Building Control at your local Council. You will have to apply for Building Control. They give free consultations/advice on the work and might be able to give you a list of architects. You might also need to contact the Planning Office.