Will an architect let us use their existing plans?

[BadPoet]

Next door have the same layout as us, and we want to do more or less the same work as they have - converting two bedrooms and large bathroom upstairs into three bedrooms.

They were very happy with both their architect and builders so we thought we would approach them too - as the plans basically already exist what can we expect? It would be great if we could save money that way.

Any experience or tips please and thank you!

I bought the plans that a previous potential buyer had commissioned.

they will be copyright and the architect will put a value on them.

Ah thanks - yes, completely expecting to pay for them but thought it might be more along the lines of a fixed fee for the plans (as you have said) and then variable fee for any modifications, plus (i am hoping) a substantial reduction in the amount of time needed to finalise them and put them through, which will also save money. But I am guessing!

Sounds perfectly reasonable, if a client's neighbour suggested that to me I would have no problem.

The drawings would need some slight amendments e.g. location and site plans, drainage, titles etc. but for anyone using CAD the process is quite straightforward. If the drawings were hand drawn, it's more expensive of course.

In that situation, we got the plans from the Planning department and had our surveyor flip them over... Ie their extension was on the left and ours was on the right...

Beware that the plans would have been subject to copyright...

If someone approached me in this way then I would certainly consider it for a reduced fee. As you say, the work is less (there will still be some work involved) and the copyright. Why not ask, they can only say no.

Thanks all, we will approach the architect and see what she says - I am really glad it is not a completely ridiculous request!