Did you use an Architect for your extension?

[Modestandatinybitsexy]

We're in the very initial stages of planning our extension, we think we know what we want and would like to get plans drawn up and get rolling with planning permission. I've started calling round architects to see if we can book in consultations to see who we like.

One guy who's been highly recommended by a few local people turned out to be more of a technical drawer & structural engineer. We're not against this and he certainly works out cheaper but I get the feeling I'd be missing out on some creative expertise that an architect could offer. On the other hand I'm not sure creative expertise is work paying an extra 10-15k for!

This is the first time we've done anything of this scale, we'd obviously like to get it right as it's bound to be close to 150k and hopefully our forever home. Can you please tell me why you chose an architect and what they added beyond drawing up your plans?

I was coming on to say we had used an architect - but actually he was more of technical drawer and structural engineer.

The structural calcs were what the builders really wanted. And honestly, the creative side was more practical things that we wanted i.e. more light, more velux etc. It was a standard 3 m extension - I doubt it would have got an architects creative juices flowing.

We used an architect with our extension, but think a much smaller practice as our costs for them were way lower than that. They had set prices, so design and planning drawings were one price, then if you wanted building reg drawings it was another price.
I think overall it was probably worth it. However we were pretty set with what we wanted/needed and we did not stretch any contemporary design legs at all. We pushed no boats, buttons or anything out really, we figured very early on that that way madness and money lies! We have no concrete box, walls of glass, or indoor forests. However, we went for a low pitched zinc roof on one part rather than a flat roof, so we aren’t completely idenikit to the all the other extensions! We had a set amount of money and could not afford late design changes or new suppliers for things etc. So kept it simple.
I have a feeling that it’s the builders that really run the show - they are the ones that will look at your design and tut and shake their head and ask if you are sure.
I don’t think the architect really knew about the price of things either, so the quotes to get the job done were a shock! And not sure ours always read a tape measure correctly either, so at some point you wonder what you are paying for!
I think good to get your drawings done by someone other than your builder though as it feels like a lot of them take on very similar styles of work and they don’t like to stretch themselves too much either!
Good luck!

We did mainly so we had a buffer between us and the builder if anything went wrong. He was effing useless and I ended up project managing the whole thing, fortunately I had an engineering background as there could have been a very costly mistake if I hadn't been able to read technical drawings. So I would say yes but pick wisely!

We are using an architect and I wish we’d gone with an architectural engineer. We are not through the process yet, but I expected more creativity. It may depend on the architect you use though.

We just looked at all the local planning applications for extensions, chose the one we liked best, gave the plans to the surveyor who 'flipped' them to suit our house and made amendments for our application.

I didn't use an architect - so not what you're asking, but still. I designed the extension myself and my builder also had some input. He has a design and build service anyway so the drawings were done by his chap to my design.
Because of the layout/space available/budget there weren't too many options for being 'grand designs' creative - a boxy shaped house with a space at one side to build in limits your options a bit. We increased the space by about half as much again, anyway, we are very happy with what we got as the whole house was refurbed as well.

We did use an architect and he was great. Didn't cost anything like what you've been quoted though!

I wish the previous owner of my current house had used one, because I’m sure they would have advised him not to do what he did.

There efforts resulted in a smaller than necessary kitchen, semi-divided by a wall, with no outside access to the garden (through the house only) and awkwardly positioned room space to the side of the kitchen which just doesn’t get used.

A complete shit-show, tbh, which we didn’t appreciate until we started living in/with it. If I had the cash, or could stand the pain of remortgaging, I’d tear the whole side down and have it rebuilt where it should have gone.

Can’t remember if it was an architect or not but as part of the building regs and as part of the “builders bundle “ if you will, our builder employed a chap who drew up the technical plans.
I considered it a vital element of the whole process.
Did not cost an extra £10k!! As I recall it was £2-300 pounds and well worth it.
Dotting the I”s and crossing the T’s for future selling plans.

We used an architect because we have an unusual house with lots of peculiar angles. We'd spent 10 years wondering how we could add on an extra bedroom and coming to a complete blank. The architect worked out something really clever. She also added in lots of interesting details. She cost about £12k but in the grand scale of a total house renovation, it was worth it.

We didnt use an architect, like Brownlongearedbat, our options were limited as were our funds. Our extension was within our permitted development rights so no planning application. I drew the plans (on excel) which were submitted for building regs approval. Rather scarily the builder referred to them!

The extension was everything I had hoped for it. At some point we may make other changes such as adding roof lights and/or bifold doors. My feel is that having not overspent on the extension we can make further changes without feeling we have wasted money.

Thank you everyone this has been so helpful.

Much like @Neolara we've lived here for 5 years knowing we wanted to add a kitchen diner, utility, downstairs loo, upstairs bedroom and en suite but we weren't sure how best to configure it all, we think we've finally cracked what could work best for us.

It's reassuring to hear so many of you used a technician and I think that's probably the route we'll go, especially as he's local and come recommended.

We did use an architect, but paid nothing like the figures you are talking! I think we paid c£1200 for the plans, the architect sorted all the planning permission and building regs too, and engaged the structural engineer who we paid c£500 for the structural plans. Our architect was recommended by friends who had previously used him.

No, I did it between us and the builder. He had some good ideas for us, brought his experience.

@overthethamesfromyou

We just looked at all the local planning applications for extensions, chose the one we liked best, gave the plans to the surveyor who 'flipped' them to suit our house and made amendments for our application.

Thanks for this brilliant idea! We’re at the start of the process and seeing the architect next week, so I’m off to look at plans!

We did a big job about 5 years ago, mainly loft and bathrooms, the architect was worth it in my view. Came up with a new way of putting the new staircase, it made all the difference spacewise.
Also, he helped choose the builder, check all the costings, and make regular inspections. They finished on Dec 24, as they said they would, after just 4 months. Worth it to have everything on track.
But warning - just at the end there are multiple interior details that only you can decide on - my indecision nearly derailed it all!

Thank you @TamingtheShrew can I ask what % of the build their cost was? Out of the 5 I've rung only one has been clear about a 14% charge!

I think i remember that the architect charge was about 9k compared to the coverall cost coming in just over 155k, so def not 14%, but it was done on hours and not as a percentage of the project.
two tips -
1- put any changes in writing
2 - where there are household details that only you know about - in my case doing laundry, just insist on what you know you want, e.g. our male architect was not so clued up when i said i wanted a drying room where the toilet used to be... its proved invaluable ( actually only a kind of large cupboard with window, 'room' is a bit grand!)

We used an architect and I'm very glad we did. We had a 3m extension, but also wanted to make the most use of the space we had to create a laundry area and put in a downstairs loo. Her advice and designs were invaluable.

She also project managed the whole thing and made sure that all the necessary permissions and inspections were sorted as appropriate. She helped choose things like the colour of the kitchen units, and the worktop - and worked around budgetary issues to ensure we got what we wanted, without compromising things.

It was really good to know that we had someone we could talk to about any of our concerns, and to be reassured that the builders also had someone they could work with - they had worked together successfully before.

It cost just shy of £8K but was worth every penny.

Ours will be about 4.5% (plus the structural engineer) with a RIBA chartered practice in London. I would ask for a fixed fee rather than % of build if you can.

We're just planning an extension now and have used an architect. No where need the costs you're looking at. We don't like the 'standard' way of extending houses round us so we wanted someone to come up with ideas we'd never think of. And that is what they've done, so pretty pleased we've chosen to use one.

I used a technical drawer for plans and an interior designer for room layout and the rest. It worked out really well !

We did, and really shouldn't have bothered.

@OatyLatte @BIWI @bettybyebye Can I ask who you used? thanks :)

We used an independent, who lived locally to us. Not sure how much work she does beyond local stuff, to be honest.