I like your plan, I would put an external door on the utility instead. and ideally get the boiler in there if you can. (boiler there more important than door- if its a choice) block up external door to office (not needed) put a cloak room under stairs and use the doorway space - access cloak room from under stairs. Just need to know where your external soil pipe is to confirm. i can recommend an architectural technician. (although you could probably sketch it yourself) he also does B.regs / project management as well, if required re the construction, over hand block build the party wall side. brick and block the rest, you will need a steel over the bifold if wider than 3.6m. cheaper option is to have larger french doors with fixed glazing either side, (then you may not need the steel.) you will need one for the internal partition. so delivering two easy as one i may be able to supply the easi joists and 18mm osb for the roof (bit of a small job) get your services (lights) up in there easily . 5m easy to span try and get a warm roof if poss. (insulation on top and then ur choice of roof covering) check heights when designing and submitting plans) cold roofs are a pain. good luck , happy to help Chris

Any thoughts from those who have used an architect? :)

Hi Clara, you will definitely need planning permission to do any building work be it minor alterations or major renovations. Depending on the position and conditions of the site and the structural changes you plan on making you might need a structural engineers approval on the plans. However this is wholly depending on the extent of the structural changes so I will need a little more information. As for the planning stages, your builder will need a plan from which to quote and build so you could have him on stand by so that he knows to allow for your work in his diary while the plans are being drawn up. If you use a qualified interior designer they can also draw plans to a certain size and most architects also do interior design as a add on to their service so it is completely up to you and your preferences, you could make use of one or both. Your project stages would be as follows: 1- Meeting with designer / architect to discuss your needs, the builder can be present here. 2- They will present you with a concept design based on this meeting 3- Once the concept has been approved they will prepare a set of plans for planning permission and construction. 4- Plans submission for approval and issue to the builder for costing as well as the engineer if needed. 5- Upon approval of the plans site work can commence and the designer / architect will do periodic site visits to ensure all work gets carried out to plan. (This service is normally optional so you could choose to manage the building work yourself) 6- Prior to final hand over the designer will come in and prepare a snag list to eliminate any minor mistakes (If you manage the building work yourself this won't be done by the architect or designer) 7- Completion and move in. As confusing as the whole process is, I hope I've shed some light on your questions. If you need any further advice - check out the BetterSpace site (betterspace.co) - we'd love to assist you further with your project.

As for me, the most important thing is the civil engineer. He needs to make all calculations for technical changes, taking into account the likely load and the use of specific materials. He may also suggest making changes that can make the project cheaper or more expensive. Honestly, I always thought that it would be easier to look for such a specialist through the architect's office, even if you already have a finished design project. I know that these companies only hire employees with a good resume like this example - https://resumewritinglab.com/construction-resume-writing-service.html There are no random people without experience. And it also gives you additional guarantees on the quality of the work performed.