When do I involve an architect?
susanos17
6 years ago
Featured Answer
Comments (19)
acew1234
6 years ago
Jonathan
6 years agoRelated Discussions
Do you involve your children in decorating decisions?
Comments (4)We love kids’ creativity! One of our customers told us a story about how she designed her new Totem Mill with her son who loved it so much that he used it as a part of his…space ship project. ;) We like to think that design sees no limit in age. Tylko app allows for a fun and engaging way to customize furniture - without a fear of coming up with a piece which is not functional or attractive (or impossible to built!). You can also easily visualise the final product in a space where it is supposed to be placed. We know that getting the kids (and other family members) involved into the process of designing your new interior or a piece of furniture might be a challenge - but it can also be playful and enjoyable and lead to a final result loved by everyone! Designing our Totem Mill in the app: Or the Hub Table:...See MoreBungalow design ideas
Comments (7)Hi Natalie Pretorius, Congratulations on your new home! An exiting project for you. It may help if you posted a few pictures of the property as it is now please. Joe is correct above that there is lots you could do with the property. I would try keeping all the bedrooms together with the bathroom and creating an open plan kitchen/living/diner the other end of the property - depending on your preferences of course. That would include a small extension. If you went into the roof and could fit a master suite up there then I would look at opening up the kitchen and dining space into one space to maximise the room and open the whole thing up to the garden (front or back depending on location). Have you spoken to anyone/had anyone out to see what is possible in the space? This is where you need to start. Once you know what you can do - what walls can be moved, what extensions are possible, then I would recommend you chat to a designers or concept planner to think through your ideas and get the absolute best from your space. These are two community threads that you may find useful at this stage. https://www.houzz.co.uk/discussions/first-house-renovation-where-to-start-dsvw-vd~4610487 https://www.houzz.co.uk/discussions/when-do-i-involve-an-architect-dsvw-vd~4604072 I hope it helps. It's exiting but I know it can be quite a daunting time. All the best, Gina...See MoreHelp with layout - kitchen/diner/living room
Comments (13)Hi Chloe, What a lovely space and great shaped room to work with! Having been through something very similar in the last 6 months and very nearly made a few big mistakes (but thankfully didn't!) there's a few things I'd probably mention. I love having your seating area by the doors, we have done something similar and it's a lovely space to sit in and look out. Are you having a TV in there and have you thought about where it might go if you are? I totally agree with Jonathan, probably not enough worktop if you have both your sink and hob on the island. Our island is 2.4m in length (1.2m wide) and there's just enough space to cook and then plate up next to the hob for 8 plates so long as you're tidy! :) We've gone from Gas to induction hob and I do miss being able to take hot things out of the oven and put them directly onto the hob (it's not recommended, although lots of people say it's fine... I haven't quite been brave enough yet!!) Tall units are fab and our double larder cupboard we use to store all pots, pans and glassware- I still can't believe how much you can get in it! We also put it in a position whereby it's accessible from both where I cook and also the 'social' side of the island so friends / hubby can lay the table etc, without having to get right by me cooking. We've ended up with a separate space for the toaster and microwave out of the main work area of the kitchen and I love it as people can make toast and snacks without getting in my way if I'm cooking! Don't go for base unit cupboards if you can help it- drawers are so much better! We only ended up with one in our pantry and I am going to have internal drawers fitted as it's a right pain to see what's at the back! Have you considered banquette seating around one side of the dining table as an alternative? It's super flexible seating if you've got little ones and because one side is up against a wall it gives not only quite a cosy feeling but extra floor space for moving around it. My other bit of advice would be have a think about your lighting super early in the design and get all your electrics sorted- I'd never realised before this project what a huge difference lighting and layered lighting can make to a room that is multi- functional! Have you got someone helping you with the design of the room (layout and aesthetics) or are you going it alone? :) Hope it helps! Best wishes, Claire...See MoreDo I really need an architect?
Comments (4)Hi Lola, We're sorry to hear you've had a bad experience with your current architects. It definitely shouldn't be the case that you've been waiting this long for your drawings. However, despite your bad experience, we would caution against sacking off architects all together. Most architects will help you along the way to gaining planning permission, a feat that is no small task. For example, our architects will prepare all the necessary information and drawings required for your project and submit your application to your local council, and amend and resubmit if necessary. This lowers your risk of unwanted delays. Hiring an architect would result in a more logical and stylish final product. They take the client’s requirements into account when creating a structural drawing of the possible extension, and can revise these drawings in the case of client queries. This results in a perfect final design, and a more efficient use of space with a creative edge - and consequently, a higher resale value on the property, which cancels out the initial architectural costs. Not to mention, a renovation that the client is delighted and excited by. What many don’t realise is that hiring an architect, in the long term, is a great way to save your much needed cash. Most contractors do not have the relevant skill sets, which results in a muddled design. The job of an architect is both to unlock hidden space, and to avoid contractor blunders - this results in you getting the best possible build for you budget. Not only this, but architects are able to create a long term plan that is designed to fit your budget, so that scary costs are not racking up out of the blue. Timing wise, we would say it's unlikely for your build will be completed by September, if that's your goal. Even if your renovation is within your Permitted Development Rights, you will still be waiting 8 weeks for the council to OK your build, and even after that, you’ll be hiring structural engineers, perhaps sorting out party wall matters, and putting your project up for tender. We would advise to try and take pressure off, and extend your timing expectations. However, our team could produce designs within two weeks, which would shorten your time scale. I hope this helps Lola, good luck with your extension and please let us know if we can help!...See Moresusanos17
6 years agoJonathan
6 years ago
PROCreate Perfect
6 years agosusanos17
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoThank you, Gina. I think this is where I'm struggling a bit. I *think* I need an architect, but I also know I'll definitely need creative input to pull my ideas together. I don't want to get an architect in, get building work done and then get a designer involved, only to find that I've got all my sockets in the wrong place, etc. Perhaps it would help if I shared the floor plans as Jonathan suggested. I'm not sure if this is the right forum for that, but here goes anyway. I'm downsizing to this house. Must haves are living room, kitchen/diner, two bedrooms, two bathrooms (either or both shower rooms. In an ideal world, one ensuite but fine if it's not possible), downstairs toilet (could be the 2nd bath/shower room). I'll need storage for books, bikes, sports kit, etc. That last bit is critical. Oh, and wardrobe space. In short, as much storage as possible. I'd love to turn the space above the garage into a roof terrace, but suspect I'll struggle to get planning permission as the house is in a conservation area. Lastly, I'm planning to knock through from the garage to the kitchen to increase living space.
So, do I really need an architect? All suggestions and ideas helpful, please!
PROOnePlan
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoJonathan
6 years ago
Claire Nicholson
6 years agosusanos17
6 years agolast modified: 6 years ago
PROPWJ Architects Ltd
6 years ago- PRO
Create Perfect
6 years agolast modified: 6 years ago Jonathan
6 years agoEven the smallest open spaces can feel like an oasis- perhaps it will be possible to put some seating near the garage as you approach the entrance as this will be one of the sunniest parts of the garden. To take advantage of the space you have it may be worth putting in some great glazing to connect the house to the garden (subject to planning)
I would break down the budget like this:
Building work £7k
Professional advice £2/3k
Garden landscaping £8k
Glazing £8k
Kitchen, inc appliances and worktop £16k
Bathrooms £5 + 5 + 2k
Flooring - £5k
Decorator £4K
Lighting £4
Window treatments £5k
Contingency £3/4K
Of course nothing is set in stone but this helps check you have set aside enough for the work.... for instance if you have your heart set on a £12k AGA clearly the kitchen budget will be insufficient.
Lastly don't forget that lots of designers can help with procurement helping by passing on discounts from suppliers.
Claire Nicholson
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agosusanos17
6 years agosusanos17
6 years ago
Michelle S