Extension help please

[jimblejambles]

We would like a kitchen extension and maybe a 2 storey extension.
I have no idea where to start. Do I ring an architect or a builder first? Or do I go to the local planning office?

Hi, we got the drawingings done first then applied for permission once that was granted we contacted builders etc.

drawings

I'd get drawings done first. A local architect should be familiar with what the local council finds acceptable and advise you on that. The ywill then be able to help you through the application process, and you can use the drawings to get quotes from the builders.
If your house is similar to others in your area you could have a look at others which have been extended - you should be able to see the plans at the council office or on their website. This might help give you some names for architects too.

Thank you. It's all a bit daunting

We are just about to start the process, which sounds similar to yours. We asked a neighbour who had recently had an extension if she would recommend her architect/ builder then contacted him. He is doing the drawings this week and is managin all the planning applications for us. We are hoping that the builders he recommends will be available to do the work.
I believe that most people get two sets of drawings- one for planning and one for the builders to work to. dh did rough sketches to show the architect, which was useful as they often have their own ideas on how it should be done. I'd recommend having a list of 'must-haves' and some issues that you would be willing to negotiate on (e.g. we really want a walk through dressing area upstairs but were happy to negotiate on the placings of doors between kitchen/ dining room)

Contact an architect first, who will probably give you a free consultation and discuss your ideas. Once you've chosen an architect, she/he will be able to recommend builders.

We've just started the process, met several architects and chose one on combination of gut feeling (immediately discounted older guy who seemed to vacuum energy out of the air - he was draining just to sit and talk initial ideas with!) and competitive quotes - these varied more than I expected.

Fortunately the guy we liked best wasn't the most expensive

He came round and measured our current house and discussed what we were looking to add, seeing him again tomorrow to see his initial drawings.

I used metropix to draw out a rough picture of what I thought we wanted which he said was really helpful - looking forward to seeing how he's tweaked them.

If you're on FB search operation extension and see how we get on!

We met 2 architects (recommended) and liked one of them well enough not to see anyone else. He was fairly expensive but in retrospect, he's earned his weight in gold especially since we used his shortlist of builders and actually picked the one who built his house a few years ago. We have been counting ourselves lucky ever since and singing their praises to all and sundry. Do your research - make sure you pick a builder with a good local reputation so ask around. I googled my shortlisted architects too and selected the most busy one i.e who seemed to have loads of planning applications submitted locally.

www.architectinthehouse.org.uk/

Have a look at this scheme - we used it just to get an idea of what we'd be able to do and the likely cost before we started the ball rolling of getting plans drawn up. You register with the scheme and they link you to a local architect who will visit you at home (it says for an hour but he spent 2.5hrs with us) - he'll give you an idea of what you can do, what might be tricky with your local council etc and go through the process with you. In return, you have to make a donation to Shelter (£40 minimum).

If you want to take it further you can, but there is no obligation to. It was a really good starting point for us.

Mandy, that sounds like a great scheme.