OK, we want to extend, now what?!

[llareggub]

We have established with the very helpful council that we do not need planning permission to extend our kitchen and convert our garage. Now what? Do we need an architect? All we want is an extended kitchen, I can't see that an architect would be particularly interested.

Who would we get to do the drawings? DH is fairly confident that he could do them. Would this be adequate for a builder? Any tips gratefully received.

Thanks, o wise mumsnetters!

There's more to drawings than just putting a pencil to a page. Architects know the relevant guidelines and any recent changes regarding building regulations eg height of new sockets and switches and width of doorways etc. They know how to draw so that your builder understands your requirements. They don't just show the walls, but drainage, water in and out, any gradient differences of the level of your land, the new roof and how it attaches to your existing property. The plans will give details regarding wall thickness, rafters, insulation etc.
We built our own home 13 years ago and extended it 5 years ago. Get an architect - it will save you money in the long run. You may also need someone to check the progress of the conversion with regard to building control - to ensure it is being built properly and within your plans.

Thanks, this is the kind of thing I needed to hear. Will try and find an architect.

Our builder checks with building control and organises site visits so they can sign off the various stages of the build.

I second the need for an architect...but I found it really helped to have a very clear idea of what I wanted before he came...he didn't really offer any ideas, but was good at drawing the proper plans and getting them submitted.

A builder would def. need proper drawings.

If you have a reasonable idea of how the design would work, you could use a surveyor or architectural technologist but if you are undecided on the layout, I would use an architect every time.

Have a look at www.house-extension.co.uk

They have a Discussion Forum section which is good - the 'Your Experiences' threads document people's experiences during their build, most seem happy to share advice and answer questions.

Can't help with the answer to your questions btw as I haven't done it myself, but am currently thinking about it so reading with interest

We're having an extension built later this year and we used a surveyor rather than an architect. We spoke to a few architects and a couple of surveyors and for a simple extension they do near enough the same thing (but architect is about ten times the price!). We've been really happy with the service from the surveyor, although building work hasn't started yet so hopefully I'll still think that when the building starts!

Also get loads of quotes from builders - recommended ones if possible. We got about twelve builders to come and look, about eight of them actually got back to us with quotes, and only one of them was reasonably priced.

Get an Architect involved. As divedaisy just said, its not about just putting pencil to paper, getting an architects advice means you can plan the project for cost, quality and time. you will be able to see exactly what you are getting on a piece of paper. More importantly, you can send the Architects detailed drawings to a few different contactors to get competitive quotes. The drawings will have sufficient detail on them to allow you to agree a fixed price with a contactor - thats the main benefit. Check out the undernoted, they are based in Glasgow but do work all over the UK. Good Value aswell
www.atwlimited.com

Architechs4Homes, I wasn't aware you'd 'started' this MN chat. That honour belongs to Llareggub, a MN regular. If you want to advertise your services on a free chat forum, I suggest you get in touch with MN admin, who will do the necessary and let you know the charge.

Otherwise, butt out. You're hardly a disinterested party here!