Architect, Plan Drawer or "Designer"?

jkpd

As a building contractor it is fair to say that I have not only seen a few but also built a few extensions/houses etc , hence I am more then capable of designing extensions etc. Most people are after cost effective simple designs and a good contractor can draw plans to submit to planning/building regs etc.

System

I've done a lot of d&b stuff in the past and know plenty of capable contractors, I still wouldn't have one designing a house modelling and extension, but each to their own...
that reminds me, must call that plumber to fix my car

teneighty

Just a few more thoughts in response to some of the comments above. Not sniping at cyclonebri1 in particular just his quotes best illustrate my points so no offence intended.

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

Constraints of space and cost are exactly when you need a professional to use their years of experience and training to prepare a bespoke design to best meet the clients requirements and maximise the potential of the space. It is those professional touches that make the difference between a well designed extension that enhances the property and a bog standard box tacked on the back. We've all seen them, ugly uninspired lumps and think to yourself, if only they had done X.

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.

I have never encountered a builder who also draws plans but that is not to say that they do not exist. The thing that worries me is if you get "Fred" to draw the plans you are getting into a design and build arrangement which is far more complicated than a traditional building contract. For starters, how do you get alternative competitive quotes for the building work? How do you know "Fred" isn't ripping you off? Does Fred carry professional indemity insurance in case he makes a mistake on his plan? Does Fred have a professional institution that monitors his conduct and performance? Does Fred work with the local planning guides on a regular basis so he understands how to maximise the potential of the site or does he just play it safe and come up with a simple small extension because he knows the one he built last year was approved? As "Fred" is doing it on the cheap will he spend days or maybe even weeks working on the design and giving the client various preliminary design options to ensure the design develops with the clients full involvement, or does he just have a generic design that he bangs out quickly on his dining room table?

I'm sure there are some capable and competent "Freds" out there but I would suggest for most people a professional architectural designer is usually the best and overall the most cost effective option.

mr-bob_2

Thanks for everyones input. Much appreciated.

Whilst I agree RE: the extension being pretty simple and that a builder can advise on that (except for the actual plans for planning and building control) I was in particular after the options of the different layouts within the house including innovate use of space and everything coupled with the extension options ie. single storey at side and back vs double at side vs double at side and single at the back in the future (with the layout keeping that in mind) etc..

So an architect or architectural designer would probably be best.

And no, I'm not a footballer :P And it is simply an end terraced house, so it won't be anything massively drastic, so I would think a good architectural designer would probably be the best bet.

Thanks for the advice RE: the fixed fee and the other bits of advice.

cyclonebri1

teneighty wrote: »

J






I have never encountered a builder who also draws plans but that is not to say that they do not exist. The thing that worries me is if you get "Fred" to draw the plans you are getting into a design and build arrangement which is far more complicated than a traditional building contract.

No offence taken, we all have alternative views, but you are mis quoting what I said about "Fred".
I said he can suggest options, in as much as with a simple extension, if you have the right "Fred", he will have seen and done pretty much all of the possibilities before. I didn't suggest he drew the plans:eek:

Just maybe I have been fortunate, or there is less demand in my area for a fully qualified architect, but I have on file 3 local people, all of which I've used and they do a great job of design and planning applications None of them are architects, and none charge architects rates.

The other point is "Fred" is your best friend or your worst nightmare if you get your choice wrong.

He knows what after design issues he has dealt with in the past, eg, wall not suitable for hanging cabinets on, no storage space for brooms/mops etc due to continuous worktop coverage etc etc.

Again different view points and I wouldn't argue this on a trade/professional site, but MSE isn't such a site, it's here to serve 1 purpose only and from my point of view that is to get the job done to the standard you expect for the least amount of money, no compromises either way.

Strikey5

As an architectural designer/ technician running my own business I can safely say people like myself are more than qualified to do this type of work. We regularly do new build one off houses along with estates and extensions. The pi part is totally correct and you need to make sure whoever you choose has this in place. An architect is definite not required for in my opinion any residential development a good technician can do everything an architect can do.

smashingyour...

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

No offence taken, we all have alternative views, but you are mis quoting what I said about "Fred".
I said he can suggest options, in as much as with a simple extension, if you have the right "Fred", he will have seen and done pretty much all of the possibilities before. I didn't suggest he drew the plans:eek:

Just maybe I have been fortunate, or there is less demand in my area for a fully qualified architect, but I have on file 3 local people, all of which I've used and they do a great job of design and planning applications None of them are architects, and none charge architects rates.

The other point is "Fred" is your best friend or your worst nightmare if you get your choice wrong.

He knows what after design issues he has dealt with in the past, eg, wall not suitable for hanging cabinets on, no storage space for brooms/mops etc due to continuous worktop coverage etc etc.

Again different view points and I wouldn't argue this on a trade/professional site, but MSE isn't such a site, it's here to serve 1 purpose only and from my point of view that is to get the job done to the standard you expect for the least amount of money, no compromises either way.

What do your men charge?

I've recently employed an architect on a fixed fee at way less than the fees quoted here.

Dan-Dan

never mind Fred , what happened to Bob ?!

Mr_Ted

:(Having carried out installations and maintenance on Architect designed installations(not buildings though) I have to say I have seen some goddamn awful designs and proposals, and its always the contractor who usually has to sort the problems out caused by the Architects:o

Its also fair to say I think that there are Architects who are purely in it to make a reputation and put their stamp on the landscape, you know, you've seen them, the carbuncles on society as a certain person put it, and the ones that blot the landscape and horizon everywhere:o
These will usually try to impose their ideas rather than do what a client wants:(

Admittedly there will be those capable and responsible, but you will definitely pay for that:(

WITHOUT DOUBT, a GOOD builder CAN do the job, as it is he that actually carries out the works and has to be capable of reading designs to be able to do that, as well as rectify technical mistakes that often happen to come from the Architects supposed expert knowledge:)

I would far sooner use a capable builder than an egocentric educated idjit out to make a name for himself and his bank account;)

No offense to those that aren't:)