Extension newbie- architect vs architectural technician and a million other questions

[FourOnTheHill]

Hello wise property/ diy mners.

We are looking into getting our conservatory / existing extension converted into a proper kitchen extension. We are 90% sure the footings we have are adequate though we will get this checked out, and so we hopefully already have a base and a party wall. We have spoken to two architects, one a family friend, and one is the local architect who does a lot of the plans for domestic extensions round here. I’ve also spoken to a local architectural technician who would be much cheaper, and who could draw up plans for us and submit to the council.

Local architect’s main selling pitch seemed to be that he would cover every stage as needed and the whole thing would be under his insurance. It was implied that builders won’t take jobs on if they aren’t covered by an architects insurance. Is this true? If I got plans drawn up by a friend (qualified registered architect doing it on a moonlighting basis) what would the situation be regarding insurance?

Anything else we should consider when choosing someone to draw up plans? We know more or less exactly what we want in terms of layout and build so imagination and artistic flair isn’t really required. We are clueless about legal stuff and how the process all works however.

Thanks!

There is no reason why you shouldn't project manage the thing yourself - you can totally do this.

There are a number of options. A good builder will project manage him- or herself, with you acting as backstop. What you will need to do - and this is no different, really, to all other clients - is to know your own mind down to the tiniest details. You need to know down to the detail of where every socket goes and how all the switching will work, and all of the fixtures and fittings. If you are a detail person who obsesses over very slight differences in light fittings or hinges for doors - and this is very different from choosing major things like wall and floor finishes - then you will get better results by being involved to that extent than you will from just shoving in what a builder thinks is best. It's like anything else in life - you get out what you are prepared to put in.

whiskeyowl thanks that’s v helpful.

archipops apologies I do now realise I sounded rude and I hadn’t meant to. I appreciate the very helpful advice you’ve given on this thread.

I have another two architects coming over in the next few weeks so let’s see what emerges.

I can’t see who write what I’m the previous page but thanks to whoever wrote the window seat as an alternative to bifolds idea, I had wanted French doors not bifolds so will look at heather we can get a window seat in. I loooove window seats.

Very much appreciate all of your comments do keep them coming!

Argh phone typos. You get my drift...

Archipops I think you misunderstand me. I’m not talking about kickbacks but architects’ fee as a % of build value based on RIBA contract/stages. They aren’t unprofessional and have actually been pretty good but their fee is high. They were fully involved in tender along with a QS and I had no reason to question their judgment. But particularly if I were doing the job again I would look at a locally respected design & built outfit.