Do I really need an Architect

[jeds]

The answer really depends on many factors. Overall, architects can be useful where there is some architectural input - i.e. some design - but you are planning a square box extension and you definitely don't need an architect for that. It also depends if you are employing a builder. If so I would strongly advise against just getting a builder to wing it under a building notice. All the reports I've ever done for courts when jobs have gone sh1tfaced have been where people get builders to build stuff in that way. In your case you are self-building and this depends on the experience of the self-builder. I have produced drawings for several very good builders, on their own personal projects, who would be more than capable doing it themselves, but they prefer to have drawings to work to. And apart from anything else, having good drawings to work to helps thinking ahead and working out materials and logistics to the point that you probably save what they cost in the first place. Much of my work comes through builders who are called to look at jobs - sometimes quite simple jobs - but the clients have no design. They won't touch it. As one builder told me a while back, the days of working on the fly are long gone.

Grand designs; get an architect. For square boxes; find a good chartered surveyor or a technician. PS. the prices you were quoted are about right.

 

[catlad]

Chirpy if you think you have the ability to think! and plan ahead, then go for it..

 

[Nakajo]

Architects are RIBA registered. Not everyone who draws plans are Architects.

Plans are not just lines on paper to make pretty pictures. There is a concept called design, and that means that the lines that join up on paper also join up in real life when the thing is built, and things fit where they are meant to be.

Architects are ARB registered.

 

[chirpychippy]

Thank you for help with my question, I have weighed up the immediate need for this extension and the current cost of living crisis and the fact I am self employed and have decided to put it on hold to see how things pan out. That said, to keep Britain Building we don't need people like me, oh the Irony.

 

[spottycat]

Chirpychippy,

HI. You are not obliged to employ an architect for planning or indeed Building Regulation plans. I built my own Two storey extension and did all the design, plans and BCO drawings myself. Here is a link to the page about doing the planning drawings There are details of each step on my blog if you're interested https://diyhomeextension.co.uk/cad-house-extension/ but I blogged every single step (including planning refusal!) so you can read as much or as little as you like. I hope something in there is useful. Good luck