Value for money

8 years ago

Hello,

I'm in consultation with a reputable architect I actually discovered via this website and he seems really good, switched on and approachable. He's now sent me a proposal for our two story side and one story back extension to our detached house. It's considerable more just get to planning than the local workaday architect I approached also. But due to us being in a conservation zone, the local (North north London) was extremely pessimistic about our plans and felt he was a bit prickly too.

The estimate for the work by the Houzz guy is around £150k before VAT and fees so we're looking at around £200k in total, £23k for him, which sounds like the expected 11-13% I've heard architects take home. But what I don't want to happen is outlay £9k for concept/design only to get refused at planning because of ye olde conservation conservatism. And to be honest these figures are all mighty rich for us right now anyhow, but might be ok in a year or so when we remortgage.

What should I be watching out for at this stage?

Many thanks all.

E

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PRO

Amber Jeavons Ltd

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Welcome Elliot,

In terms of costs re the architect... Can you look at other ways of keeping costs down? Do you need anyone else involved.. Someone who can advise on finishes and design re what's happening inside the build, procure, interiors etc. Ways to save etc.. .. Perhaps you also look for a builder and submit for tender if you choose not to have the architect for the whole job if they don't have builders.. You need a break down of materials and costs... You need to consider what you want, things like sockets etc and placement re wiring etc... little things but can add up.. to list just a few things to decide on and mull over.. Also you should ideally be looking at a few options re the design or any re- configs for budget considerations.. .. : ))

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Comments (6)

PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Hello Elliot,

The thing to be mindful of here... are twofold..

1 You have to come up with a plan that not only gives you what you're looking for in terms of any extension or works.. but also what is considered acceptable under the conservation laws.. Is the home listed? Is this radically different to what is in the surrounding areas.. Will it be deemed as excessive.. Radical or out of step.. Planning aside..

2 Do you encroach in anyway onto neighbours with this build.. This can be a really sticky situation to get into and will not bode well if people start to object.. What I would do is look at any works that have been carried out in the neighbourhood.. Look at what might have been agreed previously but not actioned if you have those details from purchase for example..

Speak now to the conservation office(r) to assess the lie of the land as it were- and make friends with the neighbours and make them aware of your plans...

Also look at the ratio of build comparable to the square footage of any land.. ie your garden or where you intend to build.. If it's not permitted development then planning permission is necessary but hopefully you can iron out any objectionable's now rather than later.. The Houzz guy as you refer to him will probably already have said all this and more.. : ))
Elliot Cowan
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for this response. Really helpful to clarify what I think our ambitions have going for them despite being in a CZ and despite the local architect's pessimism. Based in your things to look out for I think we stand a good chance of getting things through, I'm just in two minds about it being necessary to go for the price you architect to achieve it.
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PRO
Bell Architects - Creative sustainable
8 years ago
Hi there

The fees are high!

And yes I agree that it is very important to be sure that what you are asking for in the planning application, will actually be achieved.. Are they able to run a pre-consultation with the planner to get a comment on initial sketch proposals?

They should be able to...

There is no such thing as a 'workaday' architect - if you want to make sure that someone is an architect, use the formal register at www.arb.org.uk If the name is not here, they are NOT an architect...

Hope this helps
E D
3 years ago
Ah, there you are, Anna!

Im so glad you’re very satisfied!

🥱😂
hedgehog99
2 years ago
Steve you’re on the wrong forum

Value for money

Amber Jeavons Ltd

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Amber Jeavons Ltd

Elliot Cowan
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Value for money

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Amber Jeavons Ltd

Elliot CowanOriginal Author

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Elliot Cowan
Original Author