Nimbus

The wife want's to extend the kitchen. I've never had any work done of this kind before. What's the process? Do we need to get an architect to draw up plans first, the get the builder to quote, then planning permission (if necessary)?

Personally, I think the costs are going to be too expensive for the amount of extra room we will get, but I guess an archirect should be able to offer alterntives and ideas on how to make the most of an extention..

Cheers

richiewong

Just got anrchirect to draw plans up for my extension. He sorted out all the submissions for planning and just been passed.

Need to sort out a builder but think I'll wait until new year as the planning permission last for several years.

Nimbus

How much does the average architect charge?

MattW

We had an extension, used a local builder who came round, gave a rough guide as to price and recommended an architect which they use.

Guy came round, drew up plans, cost about £400 including gaining permission from original house builder. Didn't need planning as was within %age floor space increase, but got confirmation from council.

Builder then formally quoted and away we went.

Nimbus

Thanks. Sounds pretty straight forward then...

Cheers

Vegescoob

One word of warning. There is a difference between an architect and an architectural technician.
A technician can be fine for an extension and is usually cheaper than an architect.
Just make sure, if you're paying for an architect, you're getting a qualified one, a member of RIBA.

LG John

The first thing you should do is to be clear in your head how large an extension you want. Sketch it with measurements yourself and then pop down to your local planning department. Have a copy of your sketch with measurements and a covering letter and ask them if its needs planning permission. If they say no provide them with the copy letter you have and ask them to respond in writing thankyou-please.

Next pop over to building control and ask them if you will need a building warrant and what the implications/costs are?

Now, you go and get an architectural technician who will help you to design and will draw up the final product and submit your building warrant and if required you planning application as well as give you drawings that you can use to guide builders, etc.

Then you build it

richardg

that's the most cost-effective approach...
plus if there is a planning history for your house (other than the first application) and a similar application was refused, check the refusal notice for the reason. the officer may be kind enough to discuss potential ways around the reasons for refusal in a manner the lpa would be happy with. MAKE SURE YOU WRITE NOTES THOUGH - people forget or misunderstand what has been said in response to their questions and can take it personally when the process doesn't go their way.

ps discuss the principle with your neighbours when you have a sketch to talk to them about and you've spoken to the planners. this may highlight any issues they would raise as objections when you submit your application and could potentially save you a lot of time and hassle

Nimbus

Thanks for the advice chaps, perticulalry with regard to the difference between an Architect and architectural technician.

Not sure if neighbours will be a problem since it won't be visible from either of their houses. Although we have a roung Idea what we want I was hoping an Architect would be able to provide additional idea of what we can do.

I'll look into it and follow your advice.

Cheers