This is fair for a single storey extension and partial loft conversion?

PiggyBankShaker

I want to say thanks to everyone for their input on this thread. Thanks to @FaceHead for the suggestion of a using a professional estimator - we should be getting the estimate back today. Thanks to @Doozergirl for the suggestion of the alternative layout. The builder has estimated that this will save £7,000. @Section62 thanks for advice and suggestions on the 'risky' aspects.

If we decide to amend the plans, how should we best ask the architect? I think as far as he is concerned he sees this as the finished, agreed design. We haven't paid him yet - should I do so asap to secure his good will, or should I hold off to have some leverage to make the alterations, or pay a partial amount on work completed to date? The context for this is that he's been incredibly slow all the way through, we've had to chase him every step of the way and he's verbally said things that he simply hasn't delivered.

Also, we still have only had the one builder express any interest. I've approached 8 in total I think and one said they are too busy to take on domestic projects and the others have simply not responded.  

All in all, I've gone from being enthusiastic and excited about this project to worn down by it. 

edinburgher

@PiggyBankShaker - I know it won't make you feel any better, but it is an absolute nightmare getting quotes at the minute. We have contacted 15 firms and have received one insanely high quote that we could buy a small house for, one reasonable but total finger in the air quote from a great firm (who can't fit us in until 2023), one quote from a firm we think might be dodgy and two quotes booked for next year! So a 1/5 hit rate for us at present (which I know is an improvement on your numbers)

Hope you get some more bites.