Creating Ensuite - do we need an architect?

[fatasapancake]

We have two large double bedrooms next to each other. We want to take a chunk of one bedroom to make an en- suite for the other one. The doorway for bedroom 2 is slightly odd and although we want a good ensuite for the first bedroom, we still want the second bedroom to be pleasantly useable. Would an architect be likely to suggest something better than we could come up with? If so, any idea of the likely costs? We are in the South West if that makes a difference.

I have tried to attach a very bad drawing. The potential ensuite is in purple. The doorway is in the bottom left corner of bedroom 2.

Thanks

You don’t need an architect but yes, they’re likely to suggest a decent solution. Alternatively, you could draw it all to scale, account for wall thickness, room needed for whatever you want in the ensuite, plumbing etc. When it’s drawn to scale, you could see if bedroom 2 still works: can be properly furnished. Unfortunately, cutting the corner out is likely to look odd so it would help to get a bit more creative with it.

You will need someone who is able to draw accurate plans for a builder to follow if you are using one. You may also need building control sign off.

Where are your services (water, waste)? If the bedrooms aren’t close to them you could have a problem.

Waste will go out the side of the house (will need a trench dug to join existing drainage) and water will come from the bathroom which is at the front of bedroom one.(The doors of bed one and two are next to each other and the main bathroom runs along the rest of the wall with the doors in)

We are considering removing the chimney breast in bedroom 2 to make it a better size overall but it sounds like an architect might be able to make the whole thing work better.

What sort of ballpark figure would we be looking at for the cost of an architect?

How about a curved wall for the ensuite? That's the kind of idea an architect might have.

Our architect (Scotland) charges £70 an hour.

@Miauu yeah thats about average time rate charge, some others charge more but good to know my rates are less than that. : )