Architect managed or not for major renovations?

[wildstrawberryplace]

Just bought an oldish house to which I am planning the following works:

30m2 (min) kitchen extension with new kitchen
New side entrance and utility room
Extension to first floor (creating master bedroom and en suite)
Removal of box room to create staircase up to loft
2 bedrooms and a bathroom in the loft
Re-roofing in period clay tiles

The rest of the house needs new double glazing
It needs wiring, plastering and decorating, carpets and floor coverings
New radiators and related plumbing, UFH downstairs.

DH wants to go architect managed but I am beginning to balk at the additional costs involved. Back of a fag packet figures indicate it will cost more 25% than I had worked out.

Has anyone any views on this? We don't go in for a lot of DIY and I am not sure I am up to project managing but I know that if I source materials myself and use trades that come recommended, I could keep the costs down considerably.

I suppose I am wondering, is worth it? Does it really make it less stressful?

There is a cost to using and architect / pm but these costs can easily be exceeded if you do it yourself and make even one mistake. In your shoes I would be getting as good an architect as you could afford to do the plans and building warrant plus bill of quantities and hiring a good builder as main contractor (he supplies and co-originates all trades, and all building materials) and sourcing fixtures and fittings yourself. It's a cheaper way than using an architect but with the benefit of an experienced builder overseeing. Try the association of master builders for registered local companies if you don't have a recommendation to go on. A decent builder will be happy to put you in touch with former clients so you can check references etc. good luck! Sounds like a great project x

I have done three major renovations. First was with no architect, other two with. Based on my own experience I think that for what you are proposing - which appears to be a full gut of the house, and a two-storey extension - you would be mad to do it yourself unless you have done this sort of thing before. With the best will in the world, stuff comes up on site that could never be anticipated and when 50 decisions are required yesterday, the stress is beyond belief.

Yes, it costs - but they may be open to negotiation, and as Foxred10 said, you make a big mistake yourself and you can be out a significant amount of money. Plus I believe my own architect probably saved us money overall - he knew the best places to get things, and put pressure on the builder to do things I would not have even dreamed of asking him myself.

There are areas that can definitely be economized on in a build. This wouldn't be an area I personally would skimp on. Your choice I guess.

Thanks for this. Have decided to go architect managed as it could all get very messy if I was in charge!