Anyone used an architect

[kbaby]

Hi,

We currently live in a extended bungalow but were running out of upstairs bedroom space. We've looked to move but our downstairs is bigger than any of the houses we've viewed for twice the mortgage. Therefore I think we've decided to stay put and extend further into the loft and remodel downstairs. I want to do it properly and get an architect.

Has anyone used one? When I look on their websites they all seem a bit posh. No one seems to have normal houses in their portfolio.
Thanks

We are using one for our extension.

I printed a list off the Internet ( something like yell.com) and went through it looking at websites. Those who do domestic and not commercial should say.

Also RIBA can send you some names if you contact them ( google them)

I've used three. Worth it, definitely.

What part of the UK are you in?

Don't be put off by the websites. Architecture is a competitive business, they need to make themselves look good. But not many people are doing big building work at the mo so you're in a strong position.

Oh, and ask them how much it would be for them to do all the project management. If it's within your budget then consider it because it should bypass all the 'cowboy builder' crap.

god i would like to use an architect

Thanks everyone. I imagined it wouldn't be worth their time doing a small residential project.

I'm in south wales

very definitely worth their time! not a lot else on for most of them.

Sorry - can't help with Welsh recommendations.

To give you an idea of cost, we paid about £600 for the drawings for a 40 sq m extension with a re-jig of the rooms in the original property. This included submitting the plans to the planning dept and sorting out the paperwork. Well worth it if, like most people, you don't understand about drainage, thickness of walls, building regs etc.

my SIL works for an architects firm in Newport, she's very talented. Can't remember the firm's name though...

JDW I think actually.

We found our architect in the local paper in the end. He didn't have a website & did all his drawings by hand but he did a great job for us & was much cheaper because he didn't have so many overheads. I also looked in yellow pages and just called up about 6. I explained our dilemma (want to extend but not sure what exactly). It was surprisingly easy to choose who based on price & who actually made sense.

Couldn't you add a full second floor instead of extending into loft? Daft question I admit, but wondering if making a bungalow into 2 storey house is a possibility?

Use RIBA who will put you in touch with architects who are in the market for the type and size of project. It is SO worth it.

Use a small local practice, one man bands, keeps costs down. Try to get a fixed cost that suits.

I deal with a lot of architects around Newport plenty of small adds in yellow pages.

Recommendations are best - I asked around at the DC's school. I have since recommended our architect to about 10 people. I should be on commission.

He charged 10 percent which included all the project management. Unless you are an expert, for a big job, its worth getting them to project manage it.

Thanks everyone, I was wary because I couldn't get local recommendations, in the end I've gone for the company which sounds as if theyre on the same wave length. She came here tonight and said they will out some ideas together and then we decide how much of The work we want them to do ie drawings plans to full management.

I wish we could just add a full second storey but due to foundations and planning we would never get permission to change to a normal house IyswIm

I hope it pays off and she comes up with some good ideas