Hi, Architects provide a range of services which are designed to guide you through the whole building process. What you described, window schedule and small power plans are technical drawings produced at a specific stage of the project. It's entirely up to you for what scope of services you will hire your architect. If you choose to manage the whole project yourself you may end up overlooking some things or run over time and budget - it really pays to do things in order and plan properly before starting any works. My website has some useful reading material for renovators, it explains the design and build process and how an architect can get involved (http://www.architecture-shop.co.uk). Hope this helps! Magda

since the 2015 release CDM does apply to domestic projects but the client's responsibilities transfer to the contractor. loads of info on the web.

hi Ksk, I think it all depends on how you want your job managed. Not all builders are the same. The majority are fair and honest, but there are always the ones who are good at managing a client to get more money through additional works and pricing this work at unreasonable prices. A project manager can cut through this and may save you money in guiding you through the process of choosing finishes and suggesting things that may minimise costs on building. It is always surprising to me that people pay for advise on their gym exercise routine and yet leave themselves to run a complex process such as construction. it is the hidden stuff that is important and when the builder has left you then have to live with the consequences. I would always recommend the money spent on a professional personal to represent and manage your interests on site. That way you can be left with proper reporting and managed cost increases rather than a builder confronting you with claims for additional work that is not priced properly. A PM will make sure you pay only for work completed to date and avoid the front loading of a job that often leaves homeowners high and dry with an unfinished project and an absent builder. best Rowland

Thank you for your responses, all. I'm in the West Midlands. The work that remains to be done is mostly non-structural and decorative. Replacing door linings, skirting and architrave, installing a kitchen and bathroom, painting and decorating. I realise that might not seem like much for a PM to get their teeth into but was hoping it would be enough. The house is a 4-bedroom detached. The reason for resorting to a PM is because of the terrible experiences we've had with trades. I'm not great with confrontations so having a PM that works for us and is happy to insist on the quality of finish we're aiming for would really help. The last time I called someone out on their shoddy workmanship, they squared up to me in my own hallway (and I thought I was being tactful). I can give Facebook a try. Finding the right people seems to be the biggest challenge.