Builder or architect?

[Arohaitis]

our house has fundamental flaws, no storage (and I mean none our Hoover can go in a wardrobe or just sit out on the floor) all linen is in out wardrobe etc.
We have a nice view but can only see it from the porch, the porch is in fact mainly a prefab with plastic for a roof which is in full sun so not going to last much longer,
we have no third bedroom just a room which you have to walk through to get to the next one but if we make a corridor then we have no windows and a cry cold dark north facing small room
We could go up or down (house built on a slope) or out or all three but money is very limited so maybe we should move

So who do we ask for a preliminary discussion a builr or an architect? I don't want to waste their time but I think knowing what we can do and getting some idea of cost will help us work out what
Thanks

Builder first then architect, but inevitably cost will go up after builder requotes on architect plans

Architect. They have the specialised knowledge to provide advice and suggestions on how to make the most out of the space you've described. Builders often have a one size fits all approach.

I would go architect first, usually they provide 2/3 design options after doing an initial free consultation. In fact, the initial conversation with the architect may give you more ideas on what is possible. They also have a generally good idea of what would fit in your budget based on building costs in the area.

A good local builder might be able to recommend a decent architect/architectural technician. That's how we managed it.

Thanks

You might also ask an estate agent what the house would fetch afterwards so you can decide if the disruption, effort and expense are worth it.

I take a simplistic view that I prefer a house that was designed and built as size X to a smaller one with bits added.

Go for the cheap option, post a floor plan on here and see what people come up with!