Structural engineer or Architect ?

rakesh5883

Given the plan below, what i basically want to do is get rid of the slop(y) rooftop , the objective being i want to extend Bedroom 3 into the the width of the stairs. This means, i have to do 2 things,

Break the existing wall in the right wall of Bedroom 3 ( when you see the plan)

And then raise the external wall of the house ( the right side in the facade of the house picture) to the height of the Bedroom 3

Whom do I need, a structural engineer or an architect ? Before I hire someone , I need some advice please ? and what cost am i looking at ? Any ideas on what I can do please ?

Plan

http://dezrezstorage.blob.core.windows.net/dezrez-image-cache/EONLSJJKOS/5/w500-r0.jpg

facade
http://dezrezstorage.blob.core.windows.net/dezrez-image-cache/EONLSJJKOS/1/w500-r0.jpg

Doozergirl

Both.

It needs planning permission as you're raising the eaves above the limit for permitted development. You could do the drawings yourself perhaps if you invest in a scale ruler. It's not exactly going to win any architectural prizes.

And you're punching through a structural wall, so will need calculations and building control approval. I presume this is for a wardrobe or an ensuite? You'll have to leave a portion of the original corner of the house in place for stability - so you won't just have a nice flush wall across the front to the new corner.

cyclonebri1

Doozergirl wrote: »

Both.

It needs planning permission as you're raising the eaves above the limit for permitted development. You could do the drawings yourself perhaps if you invest in a scale ruler. It's not exactly going to win any architectural prizes.

And you're punching through a structural wall, so will need calculations and building control approval. I presume this is for a wardrobe or an ensuite? You'll have to leave a portion of the original corner of the house in place for stability - so you won't just have a nice flush wall across the front to the new corner.

Both? sorry DZ but no.

Why use an architect? The poster knows what he wants, isn't seeking layout ideas so it's very simple.

The op needs a guy that does structural calcs, almost always ex local Gov.
Architects cost, so do plan drawers who do calcs, but they cost much less and all you are doing is allowing the Local council to decide if they are correct, you can't lose.

rakesh5883

Both of you , Thanks a lot for your help. I am very new to managing my own building works and hence these rookie questions. Thanks a tonne both.

Also can you please give me a hint on what costs I am looking at ? Like just a ballpark, please

Doozergirl

I seem to pay less for a structural engineer than others do. For a straightforward calc, about £150 but many people seem to pay an awful lot more.

I've already suggested drawing your own plan with a £3 scale rule (which cyclonebri appears to have missed), but a local architect, working alone, non VAT registered for something simple, maybe £600? The structural engineer may be able to do it as part of a package.

Building regs fees ballpark £300.
Planning application £150.

Both of those fees are set and will be available online on your local authority's website.

I'm not sure where your house is to assess the value added to the house, but on economies of scale, you're paying the same sorts of fees as you do for a great big extension. The building work will also be comparatively high as it's a complicated little build. Is that really the best place to get the space you need? Extending in all respects would be cheaper in all on the ground floor and under permitted development at the rear or side.

rakesh5883

Doozergirl wrote: »

I'm not sure where your house is to assess the value added to the house, but on economies of scale, you're paying the same sorts of fees as you do for a great big extension. The building work will also be comparatively high as it's a complicated little build. Is that really the best place to get the space you need? Extending in all respects would be cheaper in all on the ground floor and under permitted development at the rear or side.

This was the most crucial piece of advice - If i am gonna spend so much money just to get a 2m x 2m (approx) upper floor area, i think it is worthless !! The area is Orpington
Thanks alot for that point, looks like i have to assess carefully before I embark on this !

03022242

I as a "plan drawer" would charge around £400. I have done a few "remote" jobs where I have drawn up and submitted plans online

But yes an architect is a little overboard.. They have protection of title not protection of function