Extension planning: Architect vs. Design & Build company?

avuncular

I'm planning a single storey extension - have a firm idea of layout, and planning permission is required.

Is it worth starting out with an (independent) architect - costing roughly 10% of total budget, or or does it make more sense to deal with a "design and build" company who have start-to-finish involvement in the project including drawings, planning app, etc?

My thoughts are:

• Costs *might* be lower doing it all through a single company
• Normally sensible to have single point of ownership; no complaining about building off someone else's plans
• However, D&B might prioritise their needs (ease of build, max profit) over what's best for me
• More choice of builders if I don't need a D&B one

Also to add, the architect I'm speaking to does not offer project management services, but not sure that's really necessary.

The extension we're looking to do is very common in our area; it's not Grand Designs.

Very interested to hear anyone's thoughts and advice.

Thanks!

arbrighton

Unless you are looking to do something different to the norm stick with one firm.

We engaged an architect for our extension but that was to try and get it to fit with the existing period property and I have to admit, caused no end of headaches through the build (not the designing architect but a different one to 'project manage')

Hoploz

The only experience I have of a design and build firm is a quote I had for reconfiguring my already-converted loft.

It entailed adding a second staircase and installing a small dormer where there is currently a velux. They quoted me £35,000!!!

We decided not to do the staircase but had a couple of builders to quote for the dormer which they suggested would be £7-11k. Architect approx maybe £1k.