Questions to ask an Architect Help Please

todayisagreatday · 21 May 2018 at 2:29PM

We have two architects visiting our house this week to discuss the remodelling of our bungalow. We have some ideas, pictures, some likes and dislikes, though it is a bit vague... We are hoping out of the two we will be able to choose one depending on discussions and how we feel afterwards (we contacted four but two never responded)!

Aside from talking to them and we are hoping we will like one better than the other, what other questions should we be asking that may help influence who we pick. So far we have thought about things like:

- Experience, if they have worked on anything similar and if we can visit any of their work (although we have seen some pics and case studies).

- Charges, fees and what at what stage?

- Inclusions and exclusions to their service.

Is there anything else I'm missing?

Thank you

Robin9 · 21 May 2018 at 2:40PM

How far do you want them to take the project?

Design
Planning Consents
Invite tenders
Supervise the build

I would expect the architect to listen, through some ideas into the pot - at then end of the day you want a good working relationship

VfM4meplse · 21 May 2018 at 2:42PM

I think much of this initial conversation with them will be situational. When you have had both, you'll get a much better feel for which you prefer and be able to ask specific questions about the plan, logistics and prices.

And always talk to previous customers, pics alone are not enough.

todayisagreatday · 21 May 2018 at 2:52PM

Yes definitely we will talk to other customers. I think it will just be the design and perhaps planning consents though I'm unsure.

It will be interesting to see how they compare on initial discussions.

One is a RICS Chartered Building Surveyor and the other is a Chartered Architectural Technologist (CIAT). The two RIBA architects are yet to come back to us.

teneighty · 22 May 2018 at 8:48AM

I would check their record with the local Planning authorities and ask about their knowledge and experience of local Planning policies.

I looked at an application near me recently to put a new first floor on a bungalow. Nice plans done by a registered architect from a neighbouring authority area. Trouble is the architect had clearly never read the local Planning policies and the scheme did not have a cat in hells chance of approval. The client must have wasted a couple of thousand pounds on totally useless plans. In a different location I'm sure they would have been approved but local knowledge can be invaluable.

todayisagreatday · 27 May 2018 at 12:10PM

Ok to update, two visits by professionals both in the county we live in.

Technical Architect CIAT:

Very much focused on Passivehaus technology and improving energy efficiency, all about ASHP, sewerage treatment plants (septic tank needs relocating/new one) and improving the energy efficiency, which is fine but less time was spent on actually discussing the extension and remodeling of the property. She also gave us incorrect information, telling us building a double garage with office/hobby space in replacement of the existing half falling down one wouldn't need planning permission, just 'get a builder' as it fell under permitted development rules (incorrect information due to closeness to boundary, foothpath and height). Also gave incorrect information about septic tank location, e.g. 15 metre ideal (granted I realise they can't know everything)! Lots of mention about additional surveys erc for foundations etc. Didn't give any real insight into the actual remodel or design as such and it seemed the main budget was on ASHP, sewegae treatment plants and air recycling something or other....!

RICS Chartered Building Surveyor specialising in PlanningPlanning, Architectural Design and Party Wall Matters:

Much better, seemed knowledgeable on planning what we could and couldn't do under permitted development, but what we would need permission for and how this could be viewed etc. Gave some indication of ideas, sketches and had good knowledge (understandably) about structural side of things, foundations, roof etc and he would take this into account with design - probably be really useful to have this knowledge. Our gut feeling is we would perhaps need to really consider more layout and design, like internally etc and we feel a little more confident with what we want, but he would make sure structurally and building wise it wasn't all fancy drawings for something that wouldn't work! He is not on the ARB website though, but has projects we can visit and seemed knowledge about planning etc.

We have a couple of RIBA architects booked and in the interim we are awaiting for breakdown of prices from the two above (though we have wrote off the first one already to be honest).

Questions to ask an Architect Help Please

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