Loft Conversion - architect and engineer?

[frogetyfrog]

We are hoping to have a loft conversion and have found an architect that we like. However, I am a bit confused as to what is really required. We dont need planning permission as it is permitted development, but want to get Building Reg permission prior to doing work. The architect has suggested sketch drawings for costing purposes, detailed drawings for submitting to BRegs and then £500 for the structural engineer to do his bit. Has anybody done this recently and had plans drawn up to have work done by builders (not loft conversion companies)? What did you need?

anybody??

nobody then. Or am I just billy no mates!!

Well the builder can't give you accurate costs until you've got plans from the struc engineer that have been signed off by building regs.

These plans should be OK for a good builder to work from. Then you need to add alongside this all your specific requirements - for example, electrics - how many plug sockets - white or chrome...etc etc The more detailed you are with your spec then the nearer the builder will get to giving you an acurate quote. Think about plumbing too - and if the builders want to get their own guys and if so how you're going to pay them (will he or will you do this separately...in either case what is you contractual status with them?)

Make sure you've also got a good way of managing the project - is the architect going to work with you on that? Just that you need to be around to sign off work at crucial stages...so ensure a timescale plan is also drawn up to start with.

HTH.

We're two weeks in to our loft conversion. we had detailed plans drawn up which were submitted to for Building regs approval. Cost about £1000.00. Structural engineers calcs cost us £400.

Ahh. Thanks jeanjeannie and vonnyh. I had given up and gone away for a couple of days so sorry for slow response.

Sounds like we are in the right direction then. Will take what you say on board.