Extension virgin - what do I need to ask

[LieInRequired]

Totally stupid questions coming up!
DH and I have decided we want to extend our house. We have an idea of what we want (part 2 storey, part single and some interior remodelling). We have never done anything like this before.
We have been given contact details for a couple of architects that friends have used, so I am intending to send them each an email.

What should I ask them?
I guess I should briefly describe what we want to do and ask them if they would be interested in quoting for this work. But is there anything else I should ask up front?

We're doing the same thing and have spoken to 2 recommend architects so far.

Ask what their costs are for survey, designs, specification drawings for planning/builders.

Both broke these down.

Also, see how detailed the drawings will be (light positions and finishes so you can get accurate builder quotes or a higher level design and agree bits with builder).

Ask yourself the most you could possibly spend. Tell the architects and builders your budget is half of that. You will still end up spending more than the first number, but at least you might not have to sell a kidney / child As an extension (ahem) slut, this has been my main learning. The building always costs more than you anticipate, plus it can be very hard to stick to budget in the final details - like worktops for example - which really add up. Then there's the need to furnish the new areas!

Also worth going on somewhere like Houzz to find some pictures that are like what you imagine, and draw a rough plan of what you want - the clearer you are on your must haves / nice to haves, the better they can help you.

It is worth paying for decent design especially if you are altering internal space. If you just want a box stuck on the end it’s not worth paying for an architect.

You need to think about how the extension will look with the existing house and what you want it to look like. So do you want it to match existing or be totally different? Do you want existing windows to be copied and what about bricks and decorative features? Think about use of space inside and also consider landscaping costs around the extension. How will you use the garden? This can be quite expensive as can matching existing bricks and finishes.

We have never found it worthwhile cutting costs. You also have to decide who is project managing when the building work is underway. You also need to be aware of any extra costs for design of beams and foundations. It always costs more than you think but it’s worth it in the end.

Thank you all for these useful comments. I think we will make a start on this in the new year.

We know our maximum budget so I will knock some of this when I contact anyone. We have lots of ideas about what we want but I suspect we will have to make many compromises.

You wouldn't commission a painting unseen, without knowing the artist's work and style. Don't buy a building that way either. Look at the work the practice does. There are worlds of difference between one architect and another. If you want a modernist extension, commissioning someone who specialises in elegant period work is a bad idea. Some practices are very staid and boring and just churn out rendered brick boxes, others are brilliant and exciting and will suggest materials you've never even heard of!

The more detail you can give them in terms of the brief, the better. What space do you need? What do you need to house and store?

Ask for a builder to give an intermediate quote once you have a draft design. I think it's probably a very good idea, as a PP has suggested, to suggest a budget that is around half of what you actually intend to spend.

Waves to Whisky

I would also sit down with a cup of tea & read the Extension 2017 threads here on this board, I think there are 3 of them!

Loads of advice about planning, nightmare builders and great photos of progress & beautiful kitchens at the end!

Good luck!