The stages of getting an extension

leftism

Hi, can someone please tell me the stages I'd need to go through to get an extension on my house?

Do you go to the same company for everything or contact an architect first, get all drawings done, get permission, then start to get quotes from builders?

If that's the case, does it make sense to get the drawings done asap, even if I can't afford the work yet?

And how do you find an architect? 

Thanks! And sorry, I bet this has been asked a thousand times. I'm quite new to this particular MSE forum

snowcat75

There are rough guides to M2 costs, which will give prices for region and type of finish.
If its just permitted and a simple extension you wouldn't even need anyone to do the drawings, or you could just use a draughtsman over an architect which is much cheaper. 

If the extension is likely to be difficult to pass planning then a planning consultant is far better than an architect, who will only do you a set of drawings and will still get paid regardless of outcome of approval.

As for finding or choosing one that's difficult, but searching the LAs planning portal  and looking at there work is a good start.. or ask a good local builder who they use.

ruwise77

I'm in the same boat as you just looking into it but the advice I've had so far s expect to wait about a year for a good builder for a biggish job like an extension so if you reckon you'll be able to afford it in a year to 18 months then I'd start looking into it now. We had a builder round who lives on our street and has done several extensions on our street and they have given us an architects details to get some drawings done to mull over. They will only be able to give anything like an accurate quote when they have a very good idea of what you want. There are so many options as well to consider so I think it makes sense to sit down with an expert and let them know what you want to get out of it when it is complete. They might just come up with ideas you wouldn't have thought of as well.