House remodel

Lourob10

I’m looking to remodel a house I'm purchasing and have been quoted £1500 for a measured building survey, £2400 to go through the concept design (RIBA stage 2) and £2400 to go through the developed design (RIBA stage 3). To pay over £6000 to see if the project is viable is making me nervous and I wonder whether the planning costs will end up spiralling given this is just an initial design. I know architect prices will vary but is this typical?  The budget altogether is around £50k for the remodel itself. Later we will add some extra for external improvements. The architect works in a small practice in the north. If anyone has been through this process and could offer any advice, I'd be really grateful.Thanks

Ramouth

Architects hourly rates generally fall between £60 and £100 per hour.  Using The £100 figure to make the maths easier, that is 15 hrs (2 working days) for the survey (assume this includes site measure + drawing up time), 24 hrs for concept design (3 working days) , and 24 hrs (3 working days) to take it to stage 3.  This doesn’t seem like a huge amount of time at all - in reality the hourly rate may be a fair bit lower for domestic work but you get the idea.

You might be able to get the work done more cheaply By going to an ‘architectural designer’ (usually an architect who hasn’t completed their training) or an architectural technologist (search CIAT).

Sistergold

Went through a similar process a few months ago. Got quotes for over 10 people some were architects and some were surveyors I think. Had one or two who made a grand proposal like the one you mentioned there. I think honestly speaking you can get it done cheaper. I just wanted an extension done I already knew what I wanted. The grand proposal for me was coming at around £12k for the particular architect. My problem is despite this high charge it does not even mean they will be able to meet your needs and style. 

So my advice is to get as many quotes as you can and if possible ask for recommendations? I paid around £4000 but this was for survey, planning application and doing building regulations stuff. 

So do you have an idea what you want? 

Thrugelmir

Is £50k enough budget to achieve what you want? 

Lourob10

Thanks.  My main concern is the architect will design some lovely plans that won't be feasible within the budget and we'll have paid thousands for pretty pictures.  £50k would be to knock down two walls (part of the original outside wall and one with chimney breast) and create approx 10 x 6m kitchen/living space.  This would leave a smaller sitting room that just needs cosmetic updates.  There's no extension needed. I'd like to make the most of the view over the garden with some sliding/bifold doors, but I think that can squeeze into the budget. Perhaps a structural engineer would be the best way to go?

davilown

Lourob10 said:

Thanks.  My main concern is the architect will design some lovely plans that won't be feasible within the budget and we'll have paid thousands for pretty pictures.  £50k would be to knock down two walls (part of the original outside wall and one with chimney breast) and create approx 10 x 6m kitchen/living space.  This would leave a smaller sitting room that just needs cosmetic updates.  There's no extension needed. I'd like to make the most of the view over the garden with some sliding/bifold doors, but I think that can squeeze into the budget. Perhaps a structural engineer would be the best way to go?

That's a lot of money just to knock a few walls out and put in a new kitchen.  Can you not design it yourself?  Don't forget you'll need building control as well - probably £700