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Original poster

Is there an alternative to using an architect?

16 replies

Sallycinnamum · 14/05/2020 18:45

We want to add a 3m x 3m single story extension onto the back of our kitchen.

The kitchen units aren't being moved and the extra space will be a living area with sofa etc.

We had our loft done last year and paid £1200 to an architect who was recommended but ended up messing up our plans to such an extent we nearly had to have all the steels moved.

As our kitchen extension is very basic do we need an architect? I keep reading about architectural technicians being able to do the drawings but I seem to be going round and round in circles trying to figure out what would be for the best.

Can anyone help?

OP posts:
Wetcappuccino · 14/05/2020 18:53

Our builder has someone who does drawings for him, submits planning app etc. She used to work for planning.

CrumpetandSausage · 14/05/2020 19:04

You can use a drafter. We did for our extension. Seemed too simple to pay for an architect. He did the drawings. Then we had to get a structural engineer to review and confirm the loadings/steel supports.

BubblesBuddy · 14/05/2020 19:22

An architectural technician would probably be fine for a box. You need to think about how it will look when attached to the house and materials. Also are you taking a wall out?

Architects are better if you are reconfiguring your space. Not just adding a tiny room. 3 x 3 m is tiny. Is it worth the money? Couldn’t it be bigger?

Original poster
Sallycinnamum · 14/05/2020 19:27

No walls coming down.

Its being added onto our kitchen which is quite big so it'll just add some extra seating space so it's a largish kitchen diner.

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TorkTorkBam · 14/05/2020 19:32

Different cheaper architect or structural engineer willing to do drawings.

oohnicevase · 14/05/2020 19:42

We had a full garage conversion and extension and didn't use an architect , they are soo bloody expensive . I knew what I wanted and paid someone who works in designing new builds who can draw plans brilliantly do them for us . He was a few hundred pounds compared to the the £5-6000 I was quoted!!

Original poster
Sallycinnamum · 14/05/2020 20:29

The cheapest quote we've had is £700 which seems really pricey for what is a basic drawing.

DH has CAD software but the drawings have to be up to standard for building control so we'll have to get a proper drawing done and the builder obviously needs it too.

I'll have a Google tomorrow and see it theres anyone local.

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BuildingThings · 14/05/2020 21:21

When comparing quotes you also need to look at the full scale of services/list of works that the architect is quoting for.

£700 - is this for the whole planning package (plans, sections, elevations, context analysis, survey, as existing drawings) including the design and access statement? What about detailed construction drawings?

It's not as simple as just drawing up a square plan in CAD, you also need to figure out the drainage/services, foundations, windows, heights, materials, connections between new and old building fabric etc. All of these things need to be thought through three dimensionally and properly resolved/designed.

There is something to be said for an Architect designed house. The money you choose to spend on an architect will in turn add value to your house and quality of life.

oohnicevase · 15/05/2020 07:22

For us we weren't sure if we would get planning and I didn't want to essentially throw away £6000 if we didn't so getting someone to draw the plans was fab . He did all the checks as he knew what he was doing . We also had to pay a structural engineer who he organised but it wasn't a difficult build and I don't think an architect would have brought anything to th table . If I were re designing a house I knew I would get planning for I would pay the money . Of course they have a lot of training and that's why they charge so much so I'm sure in that scenario are worth it .

BubblesBuddy · 15/05/2020 11:55

I like the idea that £1200 is expensive. £700
Is a steal for a progressional!

OliviaBenson · 15/05/2020 11:57

£700 is not pricey at all! There are lots of regs and requirements to meet.

DonLewis · 15/05/2020 12:01

We used a draughtsman. He drew what we wanted, with all the technical bits and got us through planning.

It was a bit cheaper than using an architect, but the main selling point for me was that he didn't insist on some grand designs, million quid per square metre guggenheim esque building. Which 2 architects did!

BuildingThings · 15/05/2020 12:06

My hunch is that the £700 quote is for very limited services.
Have you looked at any of their built projects? If you have, would you be happy with the quality of their design?
Also, you can ask for a time frame is it 4, 6 or 12 weeks to produce planning drawings. How many design iterations would you get? Can you make changes?
Please ask if they have references and professional indemnity insurance in place.

Glendora · 15/05/2020 16:45

Many structural engineers will do the drawings, etc, for a basic extension

BubblesBuddy · 15/05/2020 18:52

My DH wouldn’t.

Original poster
Sallycinnamum · 15/05/2020 20:57

Thanks all. Lots of things to think about and despite it being a basic extension I want to get it right.

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