drawings and planning permission

naf123

Hi
I want to build a simple small extension (<20sqm) which requires planning permission- do I have to hire the services of an architect or is there an MSE way of doing things?
Thank you

452

Do them yourself if you have the ability and know how of what's required. That'll be the cheapest way, I gather you haven't the knowledge hence the post.

You'll only need basic drawings for planning but what's the builder going to build? Detailed drawings and specification could prevent future problems.

RelievedSheff

A decent architect will make the process of gaining planning and the build itself so much simpler.

Producing detailed drawings for the builder to construct from is not something that the average Joe can easily achieve nor is satisfying building regs etc. 

grumbler

RelievedSheff said:

A decent architect will make the process of gaining planning and the build itself so much simpler.

Yes, a decent one.

Unfortunately, without former experience you never know whether he is decent or not. If you are unlucky, you can end up with an over-kill over-specified project that you'll have to follow strictly.

Pretty often it's worth speaking to the prospective builder that can recommend a reasonable architect to deal with.

Doozergirl

grumbler said:

RelievedSheff said:

A decent architect will make the process of gaining planning and the build itself so much simpler.

Yes, a decent one.

Unfortunately, without former experience you never know whether he is decent or not. If you are unlucky, you can end up with an over-kill over-specified project that you'll have to follow strictly.

Pretty often it's worth speaking to the prospective builder that can recommend a reasonable architect to deal with.

Agree. 

No decent builder needs detailed drawings for something that small unless it's a grand design.  

DOH_a

A professional or somebody with experience should also be able to advise you on the structural implications, glazing requirements along with any potential Build Over applications. Depending on how and where the extension is to be built, there may also be rights under the Party Wall Act.