Architect, Plan Drawer or "Designer"?

mr-bob_2

Hi all,

Hopefully someone can help. I am considering making an extension to my house in the future so I'd like to get an idea of what is possible.

A double storey extension to the side of the property would be best due to it's space that isn't really used (well.. we have an asbestos garage we are going to remove).

I'd like some ideas of what is possible however, and in particular about what options we'd then have with the layout of the house internally with such an extension.

As well as a brief idea of the costs of the such options and the alternatives availible.

So, it'd be a pre-plan stage, I guess - but of course with planning permission etc.. in mind.

Who would I be best to get in to do this type of work, ie. would an architect assistant just be as good during this stage? Or perhaps we need a "designer" of some sort?

Also - how much would you think something like this would cost? I know it is a sort of "how long is a piece of string" question depending on how many ideas/mockups we want, but any rough guidelines?

Thanks in advance.

System

in this case I would recommend an architect as you are looking for ideas on the design and re-modelling of the whole house - you might get an architectural designer (i.e. unqualified architect) that could do it, but I wouldn't want a technician/ex la officer(aka plan drawer) to be actually designing anything - the only thing you can do really is get them around to see what they think, most will offer a free initial consultation and then give you a fee proposal after that, ask to see previous work etc and don't get pressured into appointing anyone you don't feel comfortable/happy with...
it's almost impossible to guess the costs, you'll have to get people over to see what they think about, much easier to estimate costs once you've seen the scale of the job

teneighty

As a bit of balance, for a residential extension I would say 9 times out of ten, use an architectural designer rather than a full blown registered architect.

They are usually cheaper and in my experience have a much better grasp of the technical construction detailing and I have seen some very innovative and impressive designs from non-architects. (no offence fluffy)

What I would stress though is make sure whoever you use that they are professionally qualified, have good professional indemnity insurance for at least £250k, get recommendations and get a fixed fee quote not % of build cost or hourly rate.

Once you have a shortlist of 2 or 3 firms most do a free initial site consultation so you can ask them questions, get ideas from them and see examples of previous work.

For a relatively simple two storey extension upto planning I would expect £1500 to £2000.

Good Luck

snooks104

Shelter have teamed up with local architects for "Architect in the House" - an architect will come to see you for a consulation and you can donate £45 to Shelter

(no link at all, I used it for an internal design project and was very happy)

I can't post the link but remove the spaces from below or just google it

www. architect in the house (dot)org (dot) uk

cyclonebri1

teneighty wrote: »

As a bit of balance, for a residential extension I would say 9 times out of ten, use an architectural designer rather than a full blown registered architect.

They are usually cheaper and in my experience have a much better grasp of the technical construction detailing and I have seen some very innovative and impressive designs from non-architects. (no offence fluffy)

What I would stress though is make sure whoever you use that they are professionally qualified, have good professional indemnity insurance for at least £250k, get recommendations and get a fixed fee quote not % of build cost or hourly rate.

Once you have a shortlist of 2 or 3 firms most do a free initial site consultation so you can ask them questions, get ideas from them and see examples of previous work.

For a relatively simple two storey extension upto planning I would expect £1500 to £2000.

Good Luck

I too have to side with the above post, for most simple extensions/additions, you do not need an architect.

But nice to see an archi actually say that as an architect, "they have to say employ an architect", thats been my grouse here for a while. Most know that you don't have to employ 1, it's an area where money can easily be saved.

Lets drag this back to basics.

You want a simple 2 storey extension.
I assume it's only a couple of rooms each level?

You really must know yourselves what you want and expect to achieve within those constraints.

Most designs are predetermined by space/cost and desire, you can do most of that yourself.

Even a builder will be able to offer the range of options available.

PS,
I'm assuming you are not a professional footballer or similar with very deep pockets;);)

fluffymuffy

Always best to get a few quotes. When things are a bit slack on the footballer-mansion scene I can become quite competitive for an extension.

System

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

Lets drag this back to basics.

You want a simple 2 storey extension.
I assume it's only a couple of rooms each level?

You really must know yourselves what you want and expect to achieve within those constraints.

Most designs are predetermined by space/cost and desire, you can do most of that yourself.

Even a builder will be able to offer the range of options available.

the op has said they want to get

mr-bob wrote: »

some ideas of what is possible however, and in particular about what options we'd then have with the layout of the house internally with such an extension.

As well as a brief idea of the costs of the such options and the alternatives availible.

and

mr-bob wrote: »

ideas/mockups

Thanks in advance.

and you're recommending a builder?!?


can't remember the last time I saw a builder advise on the possibilities for an extension and produce some mockups!

the op is clearly looking for ideas on the extension and re-modelling their house, which requires someone knowledgeable in design - in my opinion it's much better to explore all the options before you get a builder in to bash on, it's all about the value in the design, the long term benefits of a properly designed extension and remodelling should out weigh the short term costs of appointing a properly trained and certified person

cyclonebri1

It's a house, it's a simple extension, there are so few possibilities that Fred the builder can do it even if you suggest he can't.

Self preservation always rears it's head, when a profession is challenged, that I accept, ;)

Save money, and in this case, avoid architects, that's the purpose of this site.

System

haha, are you a builder per chance then?!
so few options to a two storey extension, seriously?!
moneysaving is the name of the site, cheaper design in this instance isn't necessarily saving money over the whole build is it?

jkpd

What makes you think a builder can't advise customers on layouts of extensions ?? maybe you could explain !!

System

if i was looking for someone to offer up ideas and designs for remodelling my house and designing an extension, which would require planning, building regs etc the builder would definitely not be my first choice of professional, just like I wouldn't ask a plumber to knock up my timber frame or ask a joiner to wire up the lighting, all these people are probably capable of doing it but design is the only area you'd employ someone to design it because they would have seen a few extensions before.... ridiculous imo