Require an architect
Hi
Ive just bought a cottage in Devon that requires extensive renovation. Ive been going round in circles thinking of floorplans and what may/may not be possible. Ive been put off hiring an architect/designer because I assume (hopefully wrongly!) that theyre expensive. So Ive now come to the conclusion that it will be worth it to hire an architect so they can help lay the house out and make best use of space.
Ive never hired an architect. Are there any questions I should ask when scouting for an architect? (such as 'have you designed a cottage before' etc...)
What do you think the cost would be to have an architect come out and look around the place and come up with some ideas? Once I have some plans I can they arrange electrics/plumbing put in and instruct the builders accordingly.
Thanks
(15) kommentarer
PROCreate Perfect
6 år sidenSounds like you’re about to embark on a fun adventure J!
The floor-plans are one of the most important stages so definitely
worth spending the time to get right. There is very little chance for going back
later, and often only at great cost, once you get started.A layout package with a designer helps client’s analysis the space. After taking
an in depth brief upfront, with my layout package, I come up with a layout that is tailored to
your exact requirements and property needs (actually 3 for you to consider)
with pro’s and con’s.Price really depends on who you use. Concept planners like us and
OnePlan (above), would be cheaper than an Architect who isn’t always needed.
Once you then have a layout plan sorted you may either need an architect or technician
depending on the scope of work required to get that layout. In some case neither
would be needed.I would always ask as much as you can when it comes to *interviewing*
specialists for jobs like this. The more information you have the better chance
you and your designer/architect would be on the same page – which is vital for
them to be able to get ‘your’ ideas and needs across in a layout or design.Being an interior designer rather than just concept planner, means that with my service, you can then also
decide to have me stay on and help implement your design or work with your advising
on contractors and trades as required.. but this service varies with different
pro’s.I hope that helps and I wish you all the best for your exciting
project. GinaJ Tufty thanked Create Perfect
PROB2 Architecture Ltd
6 år sidenJ Tufty
Sometimes using the old phrase of 'horse for courses' can be attached as a label to projects such as yours. When entrusting your new home to a creative person to assist you with formulating your living requirements in your house it comes down to finding the right person.
Depending on what you want to do internally and externally will depend on if an architect/interior designer or designer is required. If you are planning to extend or extensively alter your house then an architect might be best.
I would try to get someone local who will initially come out and have a chat about what your plans are. Its a big venture so getting someone you are happy with and trust is going to be important. We always like to visit the site and talk to our potential clients before we start a project as sometimes personalities click or not.
Yes ask their fees and stages of payments, what they have worked on before and any examples, what other consultants or fees to the local authority are required and timetable of when things can be done by. What initial ideas they have on your wish list and what sort of ballpark price that might cost.
Hope that helps and good luck with it, enjoy the process as it can be very exciting creating your unique home.
J Tufty thanked B2 Architecture Ltd
PRONorton Ellis Architects
6 år sidenUsing an Architect is an excellent idea, they can help you to make the most of your cottage and may have suggestions that you have not thought of yet to add value and wow factor to your new home.
They will also be able to advise on Planning issues such as listed building/ conservation area consent and Building Regulation matters.
Most Architects will do an initial visit for free and then give you a fee proposal based on your requirements. You can check the RIBA or ARB websites for registered Architects in your area.
The RIBA have an on line guide to working with Architects which you may find helpful.
Renovating a property will probably be one of the major financial commitments you will make after the purchase price, so it is worth getting independant advice from a professional consultant.
Good luck with your project
J Tufty thanked Norton Ellis Architects
PROBetterSpace: The Floor Plan Experts
6 år sidenHi there, feeling put-off by seeking professional help is very common, yet it is really important that you get expert advice when creating the blueprint for your property. That's exactly why we started our company - to provide clear and affordable online architectural services. We've helped many homeowners make informed decisions before renovating. Take a look at our site and I'll be happy to answer any questions! Good luck!
UdiJ Tufty thanked BetterSpace: The Floor Plan Experts
PROCK Architectural Leeds
6 år sidenHi, and congratulations on the purchase of your cottage,
As stated above you don't necessarily need an architect. You could use an architectural design company like ourselves. We are not qualified architects, however we still have the knowledge and a broad range of skills to create quality designs to receive approval from Planning and Building Regulations. An architectural designer will be a lot cheaper then an architect.
If you would like to see examples of our work then please take alook at our website to get an idea of what a company like ours could produce.
http://www.ckarchitecturalleeds.co.uk/
If you have any questions then please get in touch and we will be ale to offer some free advice.
J Tufty thanked CK Architectural Leeds
J Tufty
Forfatter6 år sidenInteresting, I didnt know architectural designers/technicians existed. Maybe Id be better off using one instead of an architect. Its only a humble 4 bed cottage.
PROOpus Bathrooms
6 år sidenWe personally work with and can recommend @Vorbild, their website is:
Speak to Michael Schienke, brilliant bunch of people over there that we have had the pleasure of working with. They are more than happy to support, provide guidance and advice as well as take on full projects. If you ask for Michael, and mention Opus Bathrooms sent you if you decide to call, he will be more than happy to help!
J Tufty thanked Opus BathroomsJ Tufty
Forfatter6 år sidenThanks for all the comments and suggestions. I cant help but think it would be worth getting a local architectural designer so they can come out and get a feel for themselves the current situation. Is my thinking wrong with that? (this is the first time Ive done this so I dont know).
PROOnePlan
6 år sidenYes - someone on site can be a great place to start !
If you do a local search on Houzz it should bring up some local peeps for you ! Have fun !!- PRO
Opus Bathrooms
6 år siden@JTufty definitely recommend someone who could visit and see you on site so that they get a feel of the place. Typically, from our experience, most architects would get involved / should get involved on that level. If they don't then definitely its a sign to think twice!
J Tufty
Forfatter6 år sidenThanks for all suggestions/comments guys. Very useful. Can I just ask what the average hourly rate an architect charges and the average hourly rate an architectural technician charges? (in the South West)
Rose Williams
6 år sidenMy architect price the whole job, not hourly ... although I have one, I'm very unclear as what theyre supposed to do!
One architect quoted £650 per job (one being loft, one being garage) plus fees etc but tbh I dont think that was to go as far as figuring building regs etc
acew1234
6 år sidenI was really excited about finding an architect to work with us on our cottage renovation/extension...I found 3 via local ones via online searches, I just didn't gel with any of them. I decided against them all!
You work with them for a long sometimes fairly stressful time so not only do you need to like what they do but you also need to get on with them! I asked then asked previous clients and found my gut reactions were correct...I should have got recommendations first.
I eventually found a renovation I loved so contacted the owner and found a great architects who was highly recommended.
We actually ended up demolishing and are just starting a new build so we have worked with the same architect for 2 years now!
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