How do we get started on an extension?

[ILoveAFullFridge]

How do we know whether we need an architect? If we do, how do we choose one?

Is there a step before that?

Never done anything like this before!

Think about what you want first. And how much you want to spend. Look around at houses with extensions to see what works and what you like.
Read some magazines for ideas.
Contact local planning dept. to see if you would need planning permission.
Contact a few architects and ask what service they provided and costs. Ask if they have past projects you can see either in the flesh or photos.
Architects can be expensive so you do need to think carefully about it.
We didn't't use one. We knew exactly what we wanted and a neighbour dress up our plans for us.

We know what we want to do, but not whether it is possible, nor whether we've thought of everything. There are a couple of inspection hatches in the area where we want to build, and we don't know whether they affect what we can do.

Council Planning Dept sounds like a good place to start.

We haven't a clue how much it might cost, so can't decide on a budget until we have some idea of how much to take into account.

Find an architect is one way, or local press / yellow pages as not all architects are members of the RIBA.

As Rowlers has suggested, anyone can provide you with a drawing, and there are lots of people willing to do so.

However, if you want thoughtful, considered, inspired architecture, then please find a good architect.

Like me, many architects will provide a free initial consultation. I usually allow an hour to discuss the aspirations and resources of the potential client, produce a few initial sketches and run through the processes for obtaining statutory consents and realistic tender. Often, more time may be available should there be good coffee and cake on offer! :)

Thanks for that link Pendeen.

I'm pleasantly surprised at the amount of free time and effort an architect would be prepared to invest.

I agree Pendeen that too many extensions are chucked up with not enough thought given and a good architect will certainly help with all sorts of things you won't have thought of yourself.
We had spent years, literally considering our extension, DP had drawn up lots of variations of our ideas until we got it right.

And we did. He works with buildings and just gets it.

Good luck op! Exciting times for you ...

The planning portal is a good start, pretty much everything you need to know if you can find it! Our council offered a pre-planning advice service (free) and were happy to chat through our ideas and what would be permitted development or require permission.
It's worth knowing the permitted development rules have just been relaxed slightly to encourage building trade.

I wouldn't necessarily bother with an architect (sorry if that offends architects) as they will charge you so much more for something an architectural technician or planning service will do just as well.

Unless of course you are planning something ground breaking or unusual, when an architect comes into their own.

I find the Building Sherriff a good site for ideas on pricing jobs up.
www.buildingsheriff.com