Architect advice for potential house purchase?

[badkitty]

We have seen a house which we are seriously considering putting an offer in on, it was built in 1980 and hasn't been decorated since so needs a lot of cosmetic work, which is fine, but also we would want to extend and reconfigure the layout. Me and DH have had various ideas about what we might be able to do but not great at envisaging it or working out what is feasible re extending. I know a lot of architects seem to do free consultations these days but would they be willing to look at a house with you that you hadn't even bought to discuss what might be feasible? Im quite worried about buying it without having spoken to anyone with experience, and then discovering that none of our ideas would work!

Also how best to find an architect? I don't know anyone who has used one to get recommendations from. We are in Surrey.

Bumping as would also like advice about finding an architect (in Surrey too). Has anyone experience of Architect your Home? Their website looks good but they charge an arm and a leg for an initial session which perhaps others do for free? Are they worth it or does anyone have any recommendations please?

'Architect your Home' has many advantages however bear in mind that they are a franchise and as such restrict the choice of available architects to their list.

The RIBA provide access to their members list here

As far as free advice goes, yes many architects will offer some sort of free initial consultation.

For myself, I usually allow an hour or so at the client's home (if it's a domestic project) to discuss their aspirations and explore options; perhaps a bit longer if there is nice wine coffee and cake on offer!

As an alternative (and not wishing to do fellow architects out of a potential commission) other occupations do provide drawing services such as architectural technicians / technologists, surveyors and even some builders include design within their services but for a considered and inspired design you really need an architect.

Good luck!

Do you know a builder? They would be able to give you a fair idea of what is possible and how much its likely to cost.

Hi Badkitty, as it happens, I am not only a mum but also an architect! I can give you a hand with your project. I run a small architects practice with my husband in West Liss, we are both members of the RIBA and specialise in residential refurbishments, extensions, renovations, etc. We do not charge for an initial consultation and secondly, we can also go with you to have a look at this house that you are looking at buying and give you our professional opinion on what could be achieved free of charge.
If you would like to get in touch with me, please find our contact details on www.foreroseniorarchitects.co.uk (I'm not sure if you are allowed to give contact details over this MumsTalk).
Looking forward to talking to you.

Hi Badkitty, I think most small practices will offer a free initial consultation, if you have no recommendations then you could refer to the RIBA as Pendeen has suggested. Alternatively if someone can recommend a good builder they will often recommend an architect that they have worked with well before - this can often make for an easier project as you know the design team and build team will usually 'get on'!

See if your builder can recommend someone - thats how we did it - it was a local architect so he also knew about what planning restrictions we might face ( we had no permitted development thing on the house)