Planning a big extension- how many architects should you speak to?

[FlamingGallah]

We are hopefully doing a large 2 storey extension later this year. We've spoken to one architect (architectural technologist I think?) free of charge so far, and he's summarised our wish list nicely but that's it unless we instruct him and pay.

I'm really worried about picking the right person- I know you should get 3 builders quotes when it gets to that stage, but should you also speak to several architects? And do we need an architect rather than a technologist?

Any hints and tips about planning a big extension would be much appreciated!

Thanks very much Mary- we need ideas to transform the look of our house too as the extension is at the front. The fees quoted for drawing up initial plans by the technologist are £1700- is this about right?

Gah we are at this stage too

So far we have had 3 architects a fourth arriving on friday afternoon,. 3 regular builders and 2 kitchen designers.

I'm no closer to making a decision now than I was a year ago !

Oh blimey! Nice to know I'm not alone though. How on earth do you decide between the architects, when they won't give you any design ideas until they're instructed??

An architectural technician is fine and much cheaper, architects tend to charge 7-12% of the proposed alive of the property after the work has been done, architectural technicians will tend to cap around the 7% mark.

If you liked what the first technician showed you and you thought you could et along with them I'd say go for them.

Proposed value, not alive-sorry-drying nails and thumbs got flustered!

Yes, I worry about maintaining good flow around the house.

I wish I could hire Sarah Beeny!