Back again with another question. Our house hunting has thrown up an interesting solution to our dilemma of needing a big house / don't want to have to do much work (3 kids, full time jobs, overwhelmed as it is) / want it to look nice / can't afford to get a 'done' one.
An estate agent offered us to view a house that is currently being done up by developers (adding a side return extension and putting 2 bedrooms and an ensuite into the loft). I think it is reasonably priced - they bought about a year ago at auction for £645k, they want £1 mill for it. It is in a handy location. It's a bit smaller than I wanted and smallish garden but seems like the best compromise I've seen so far.
The top two floors are done to a shell, bathrooms not yet put in, ground floor not remodelled yet. They have said they'd be open to having our input - we'd exchange and then they would put our preferred finishes in, I guess we could pay more for nicer stuff, then complete once it is done. This sounds great.
The plans they have submitted have not been done by an architect and I don't think are the best use of space / design. Also they have deviated from them already. They were implying the remodel could be open to further changes. I'd be interested in changes to the layout of the second floor bathroom, and downstairs the kitchen, and an internal utility room / possible bathroom.
Would an architect consult on plans? Or an interiors expert? Would this be a cheap ish or easy job? I'm just a bit worried about fees of up to 20% of the build (so e.g. £60k) when the exterior / structural plans have already been submitted and planning approved. Am I after just a consultation or ideas that can be drawn up more easily? Or is that a false economy?
Has anyone done anything like this before? Thanks in advance.