Confused about architect/surveyor's job

Pandilex

Hello,

Looking to get an extension built on my house I contacted an architect who came around to have a look, said he didn't see any particular issue with building an extension, took a couple of photos. I asked him how much it might cost me, and he said he would contact someone to find out.

He e-mailed a surveyor who sent me an e-mail saying it'd probably cost around £40k but for a fee he would come around and discuss requirements and what is possible, and for a larger fee would "Prepare budget estimate/cost plan for proposed works (quantified schedule of works)"

I'm wondering what the architect does then if the surveyor does this, what the difference is, and which of the two I should be using (or both?).

I know pretty much nothing about building, extensions, or anything! Any ideas?

missile

Strange. I would expect a "good" architect to provide a turnkey service and employ a surveyor or engineer if and when required.

My concern would be, this architect is inexperienced / clueless and will shirk his responsibilities should something go wrong.

I would suggest you look for a.n.other architect.

System

quantity surveyors are cost experts, they provide cost plans and budget advice for projects - architects design and specify the construction, get statutory permissions, oversee construction, administer the contract etc

I would disagree wholeheartedly with the above comment too - a quantity surveyor is the cost expert, refer to them for costs, an architect will be able to give ball park figures on construction but is not an expert... Other Consultants should be employed directly by you and not by the architect, although they will be coordinated by the architect and the architect may tender their services on your behalf...

Pandilex

This guy comes in highly recommended and I've seen his other work, so I know I'm in good hands. I guess I was confused by the surveyor's comment about coming up with the costs etc. but now I re-read it it looks like the architect would draw up the plans and then the surveyor would cost it up. Perfect. Thanks.

teneighty

Pandilex wrote: »

This guy comes in highly recommended and I've seen his other work, so I know I'm in good hands. I guess I was confused by the surveyor's comment about coming up with the costs etc. but now I re-read it it looks like the architect would draw up the plans and then the surveyor would cost it up. Perfect. Thanks.

Seriously you don't need to employ a quantity surveyor to prepare a budget estimate/cost plan and quantified schedule of works for a little £40k extension...save your money.

If the architect is any good they will produce a detailed set of construction drawings which are perfectly adequate for you to get builders quotes for a small domestic extension.

If you were building a new school or a hospital or something like that I could see the point of a QS.

The fact that the architect has even suggested a QS for this job would start alarm bells ringing with me.

chappers

Can't really see how both a QS and architect can both now squeeze a fee out of a £40k extension without disproportionately affecting the cost

Pandilex

Thanks, makes sense. I don't think he did that, I think it's because I asked him for an estimated cost and he asked his surveyor mate who basically said "around 40k but if you want an exact figure these are my prices".

So I reckon I'll get all the stuff from the architect and approach a builder. Cheers folks.