Qualifications to design house extension and renovation

Locornwall

Who is the most appropriately qualified person to design a house renovation and extension? Eg. CABE, RIBA, RICS?

babyblade41

You need an architect first to do the drawings to` submit the planning application if it's not covered under PD

Then the building regs need to be done along with. structural engineer who will do the calculations for the builder if walls are going to come down

Look at the planning portal in your area to see who is being used for something similar to yours

Locornwall

When you say architect, have to be RIBA member or can be an architectural designer? Eg someone who is a member of the chartered institute of builders and association of building engineers?

babyblade41

RIBA is the qualification I would look for, it really depends on what you want doing

Locornwall

Restructure internal walls, new electrics, plumbing, windows and extension.

babyblade41

Then look for an architect , they will do the drawings etc.. look for people who have done similar in the area and speak to their architect, it's quite easy to do especially if no PP is needed , you will probably need a SE but that will be sorted with the help of an architect and in the building regs ..

Locornwall

Thanks but I come back to my point. When you refer to an architect you mean one who is RIBA rather than the other institutions, or is that not something that’s too important?

babyblade41

I think you are thinking this too much, an architect will draw the plans for you, the builder will build it... I'd like to think you would worry more about who you get to build it rather than draw the picture in the first place .

If you can't look at other architects in the area and what they have designed , I'm not sure what else to suggest...There is caution and being ridiculous ..I'm sorry but your questions are a little OTT

SmashedAvacado

babyblade41 wrote: »

I think you are thinking this too much, an architect will draw the plans for you, the builder will build it... I'd like to think you would worry more about who you get to build it rather than draw the picture in the first place .

If you can't look at other architects in the area and what they have designed , I'm not sure what else to suggest...There is caution and being ridiculous ..I'm sorry but your questions are a little OTT

wholly disagree with this.

Its not overthinking it to be concerned about who designs the building, and their qualification to do so, because builders will only build what is on the plans. The best set up for an extension is to get an architect who will also take on the role of administering the construction contract (ie they will supervise the builders to ensure that they build according to the plans). They will typically charge between 10 and 20% of the cost of the works. But you will end up with not having to work out who is at fault. They will also have a view on builders (ie who to use).

Locornwall

That’s what I was thinking. I’m discovering there are plenty of cowboys in the building industry and the best way seems to be to employ people with the appropriate qualifications and chartered status.

Regarding having an architect oversee the build. Do you think it’s a problem to use an architect recommended by a builder and after having the plans done go back to that same builder? I take your recommendation about the overseeing by the architect, however doesn’t building control carry out what in some ways is s checks and balance?

markin

I think building control just say if its safe or not, And not if they are following the plans correctly