Architect fees

[Montifer]

We are planning a single storey extension to 3 bed semi to create kitchen / diner and also to link a detached garage to kitchen to create a utility room.

Have received quote from architect for Stage 1 (survey and design proposal) of £1000 (+VAT) and Stage 2 (detailed design drawings / spec and building reg submission etc) of £1150 (+VAT)

Fees exclude planning application / structural engineer fees etc.

Would appreciate views on how this sounds in terms of quote for what we considered a reasonable small single storey project (I think it seems quite high but have no experience in this area)

We'll probably seek another quote and also wondered if it is worth speaking directly to builder for ideas and opinions.
We thought probably wouldn't need a local authority planning application as is single storey and not increasing the footprint of the original house by >50% (need to check local authority policy though).

We are in north west England if that's relevant.

TIA

We are paying a similar price for an almost identical sounding spec. in rural West midlands.I think it is a lot of money - but this was the cheapest of 3 quotes!.

These prices are fine - you would pay much less if you could find someone to do your drawings as a homer though. There's a lot of work involved in producing these drawings btw.

Thanks, that's really helpful to get some perspective.

Forgive my ignorance MollysChambers, what's a homer?

In contrast to the others.... that sounds quite high to me!
We are having a 2-storey side and rear extension and have paid £750 plus vat for initial survey and design (including submitting for planning permission). Adding the detail to the drawings will be another £250 plus vat.
And this is SE London/Kent border.
Really happy with him so far!

Homer - pay someone to do it cash in hand rather than through a company. Might be a Scottish term!

We are paying a similar sum for a similar sounding extension plus quite extensive internal remodelling. We are in the SE, just outside London.

We are having to apply for planning permission as the extension exceeds the dimensions for permitted development rights.

Do check the Planning Portal as this applies to England and all boroughs though interpretation may vary.

Permitted developement is no longer based on the increased size of the footprint of the house. It is (parphrasing here) that additions and outbuildings cannot occupy more than half the land surrounding the original house.

I really wasn't sure if we needed an architect but am now so glad that we did. I think if your extension is straightforward then it might be worth looking at the fees charged by an Architectural Technician or even a Chartered Surveyor who does architectural services.

Another thing you could do is search your borough's planning applications.

Put your postcode into the search box and then you can see applications and also submitted plans.

The details of the agent/person doing the plans will be on the plans. You may see some that you like and can easily get their details.

I did this though used someone else in the end. It was also to good to have a look at what other people were doing/did.

Thanks for the info, have had a look at the Planning Portal, found local applications but haven't managed to view the plans yet, will try again later.

Arranged for a builder to come next week and discuss our plans and see what his views are, apparently he can refer us to an architect friend of his which will be useful to get a comparable quote.