Looking for home extension advice please

tentickles666

We have sent some emails out to architects i think this is where I'm meant to start? We are hoping to get a 2 storey extension next year, adding a reception room and bedroom. This isnt something either of us would be able to navigate or design without an architect I think.

The only that has replied has said there's a fee (app 1.5k) to draw up the plans which is expected and another fee around the same to sort all the planning permission. Is the second part potentially something we could do ourselves? Does anyone know any good resources to assist with this? Or would we just call the council when we have plans drawn up? 

If I'm out of my depth as always, please just tell me that too! Its a process ove never gone through before but one im more than happy to learn and do some hard work on! 

Thanks in  advance 

DevilDamo

Without knowing what exactly has been quoted for, it’s hard to give any advice. Everybody prices their work in different ways whereas specifically ‘Architects’ would normally base theirs on the RIBA Plan of Work.

tacpot12

I would suggest that when you start to get some replies, you ask to speak to some previous clients, to get an feel for how the firm was to work with. It might also give you ideas how to approach the building work and project management.

I think that an architect is probably necessary for a two storey extension, and that it will be worth paying them to obtain the necessary planning permission. Some firms of builds have the skills to take on the design work, but it is a risk. Just make sure who ever you employ has professional liability insurance for design work.

I would suggest you ask the firms if they can provide Project Management as well, or recommend any independent Project Managers who might manage the build for you. If you get a good Project Manager, the build will go much more smoothly. Do ensure you select a Project Manager with a good portfolio of successful projects.

Slinky

Make sure your architect is using CAD (computer drawings) rather than drawing by hand. We started off using an architect who charged us a fortune for 'as is' plans.  We decided we couldn't afford to him to come up with a design for us! Our mistake in not establishing in advance.

We decided not to proceed with him, the person we are using now looked at the original drawings said they were hand drawn, and any amendments to the drawings would be done manually. This all takes time, and time is money, particularly at architect's rates!

DevilDamo

Slinky said:

Make sure your architect is using CAD (computer drawings) rather than drawing by hand. We started off using an architect who charged us a fortune for 'as is' plans.  We decided we couldn't afford to him to come up with a design for us! Our mistake in not establishing in advance.

We decided not to proceed with him, the person we are using now looked at the original drawings said they were hand drawn, and any amendments to the drawings would be done manually. This all takes time, and time is money, particularly at architect's rates!

It would be a bit silly to not choose somebody because of their potential lack of knowledge and competence with AutoCAD. Bear in mind that is just one form of draughting software and it’s not just a choice of hand drawn vs AutoCAD.

I personally don’t think any computer draughting software will look as ‘good’ as hand drawings, especially for Planning purposes.

You’ll also have to remember that as there are fewer hand drawing individuals/companies around, they do have to compete with those using computer software in particular their prices.

weeg

You can CAD over the top of hand drawings! You just scan them in, make sure they are to scale and go from there. It's a bit of a PTA, but easier than a do-over.. Hand drawings mean changes are a bit slower, but they may be faster initially. Basically it's all a red herring. (As a an engineer, I hate getting hand drawings in - more work - and fees may reflect that)

Pick an architect whose work you like, and who reckon you can get along with. I'd absolutely pay them to deal with planning, because if there are issues, you'll be going back to them for changes anyway, and paying that way. Plus, it'll be much smoother. Don't underestimate the stress of doing an extension.