Architect or builder first?

[Calliwalli]

We want to completely change the layout of the back of our house.

This involves removing 2 load bearing walls so I know this isn't going to be a cheap job.

I just don't not know where to start. Do I need to find a builder, architect or structural engineer first?

architect, structural engineer then builder.

the builder will need to work off the drawings and will need the structural calcs to get quotes for steels etc

architects will often have structural engineers they can recommend.

alternatively, if you know what design you want you can pay someone to do basic drawings, sort the calcs and deal with planning. you can then give everything to the builder

Thank you! I know exactly what I want. Just need someone to draw it really and do the calcs. Who would I ask for that?

Are you wanting to extend too ?! Or just internal alts ?!

There are two options. One with a small extension. One just internal. Do I need someone different for each? I'm so confused and I've not even started yet 😩

If you know what you want it would be much cheaper to hire a technical drawer instead of an architect.

This is a good thread for advice too

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/property/1930856-Builder-or-architect-or-planner-or-what

A concept planner could be what you need for the non extending option - with a SE to do the calculations.

I've done quite a lot of renovations and always get ourbuikder round first. He gives me a very rough ball park figure and then we decide whether we want to buy the house or not based on that.

Then architect to do plans, meet with builder and architect to discuss abs agree plans. Then structural engineer. Everything back to byilkder to do full quote and either start job or meets again with architect/builder to tweak plans again