Do I need an architect?

neneromanova

If you post this question on Houzz, you will get some great ideas. There's actual architects on there who do some great designs

http://www.houzz.co.uk/discussions

PeteW

Thanks all - I'm thoroughly convinced that I need a professional!

I guess my next question is whether I need an architect or would an architectural technician (as suggested by kia-ade above) suffice? I'm assuming the latter would be cheaper?

neneromanova

I had a little play. I hope you dont mind.

PasturesNew

Good use of space can be a movable feast.

My house could be redesigned in one way - a way that doesn't fit in with my lifestyle at all. I'd be living in a cheaper version of "an ideal family home, bringing the outside in". I don't have a family, I want the outside to stay exactly where it is: outside.

Yes, an architect can show you other designs, but the next problem is whether the design fits you, or fits some shiny happy family lifestyle off the telly

The "new design" is pants though, imho. You'll end up with a dozen teeny tiny boxes..... I won't suggest anything different/new as it just all gets confusing doesn't it.

EssexExile

The biggest problem with architects is to get them on your wavelength. We had a couple in when we extended over a double garage, they got all excited about the fact that they could get two bedrooms, a bathroom & an ensuite in the space. We told them we only wanted one bedroom but they then went on about resale value. We don't intend to move so that's irrelevant. I did it myself.

On the other hand, at our previous house we got a bloke in from building control of a neighbouring council to do the drawings for a ground floor extension & he came up with some great design ideas.

PeteW

neneromanova wrote: »

I had a little play. I hope you dont mind.

Don't mind at all, and appreciate it, but without understanding our needs and situation, I'm not sure there's much point. For instance I don't think we'd get planning for this due to it being a semi and the 45° rule, nor do I think we could afford a double story extension. Plus it's still a bedroom short and lovely as a 650sqft kitchen would be, it might not be the best use of space!

Silver-Surfer_2

PeteW wrote: »

Don't mind at all, and appreciate it, but without understanding our needs and situation, I'm not sure there's much point. For instance I don't think we'd get planning for this due to it being a semi and the 45° rule, nor do I think we could afford a double story extension. Plus it's still a bedroom short and lovely as a 650sqft kitchen would be, it might not be the best use of space!

What exactly are your needs?

Dependant on where you are a few hundred quid spent on an architect may save a fortune in the long run. Dong are you propose may make the house difficult to sell in the future.

PeteW

Silver-Surfer wrote: »

What exactly are your needs?

Good question. Think the main things we'd like are...

• 2+ extra bedrooms
• 2+ extra bathrooms
• Larger, non-L-shaped living room
• Larger kitchen
• Utility room
• Cloakroom
• More space in general
• More open into the garden
• More light and airy living room/kitchen

And the main constraints would be:

• Tapered space down the left
• Semi-detached house to the right
• Budget of ~£100k all-in (including new boiler, kitchen appliances etc)
• Planning permission!