Thoughts on my architects plans
Craig Morris
6 years ago
Hi, got two plans here (added the original floorplan for clarity) for reshaping the rear of my house.
What’s your thoughts on both of these? Which works best?
We can see pro’s and cons to both options.
Thoughts / improvements welcome.
Thanks
Craig
What’s your thoughts on both of these? Which works best?
We can see pro’s and cons to both options.
Thoughts / improvements welcome.
Thanks
Craig
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Comments (9)
Craig Morris
6 years agoRelated Discussions
Bungalow plans, ideas needed for my architect
Comments (121)I have built-in closets under the eaves of an American Bungalow style house in three bedrooms. They measure about 6'x 4', and my son even has a bed in one that is slightly larger, but the ceiling height is between about 2 1/2 and just barely 5 feet, so they aren't as efficient as they can be. In the master, I moved the rod to the back wall (it used to be only the depth of a hanger from the door) and down to a height to hang shirts and jackets, a little over 3' up, and this freed up the two existing short rods on the sides that are set about 4 plus feet up from the floor--long enough for most dresses, skirts and suits and such. This sort of U shaped arrangement works pretty well and the corners are for boxed out of season clothes and a short revolving (sort of a wire Lazy Susan) shoe rack....See MoreHow would an architect react to our plans?
Comments (5)I would most certainly advocate hiring the services of an architect. Most of the reasons why are already available in [an old houzz.co.uk thread[(https://www.houzz.co.uk/discussions/extension-plans-use-a-pro-or-diy-dsvw-vd~1142863) which asked a slightly different question. Just click on the link. I was about to type it all out when I noticed the link on the right of this thread!...See More£1500 for a new steel that architect and structural eng missed on plan
Comments (18)Hullo Masklin, it does sound like a tricky situation, and I'm sorry to hear about these additional costs. Building work is always expensive to begin with, and additional and unexpected costs are never welcome. In respect of whether there is scope to obtain costs for this from your architect and structural engineer, this will most likely come down to the original appointment, their scope of involvement in the project, and whether they where direct appointments with you - or whether the SE was appointed through the architect. If the architect and SE were appointed to undertake planning and building regulations drawings with no exploratory or invasive works (ie stripping back existing structure in the house to assess structure before the project was tendered) then there will have been a number of reasonable assumptions on their part, which will only have been assessed when a main contractor started. The conversion of the attic would have added some additional loading to the property, but certainly less than adding a whole additional storey. There is every chance that additional bedroom space at this level would have less weight implication than someone stuffing their attic full with storage. SE's are notoriously cautious, so their assumption for the attic should have taken into account any additional loading, and if an existing (previously completed) opening needs to be reinforced, it might suggest that the existing opening was not designed appropriately to begin with. The flaws in existing structural design would generally fall into 'unforeseen' items, which is generally where contingency funds are intended for use. However, as others have suggested, if you are unhappy you can always pursue this further through the ARB, or RIBA (if your architect is a member of these bodies) or through the body that the structural engineer belongs too - but it is always worthwhile starting a discussion with the architect and SE and asking them to clarify how this happened. They will no doubt want to try and address this and have the opportunity to resolve this with you direct. Check your appointments with them, and what they were briefed (and paid) to undertake on your behalf. It might also be worthwhile trying to source any information you can about the original works and structural beam that got installed. Hopefully there will be a positive outcome from it all. Good luck! K :)...See MoreDo I need to pay an architect to draw floor plans?
Comments (1)Lots of people can produce floor plans themselves. But if you are going to get the architect to do work for you they may well be preparing plans anyway. If you want to explore lots of options before you speak to the architect you could use this forum and you can get free apps for your phone to produce a floor plan yourself. You could also recruit a concept planner who will help you explore multiple layout options at a lower price point than an architect. For planning purposes you will later need accurate plans and may well recruit an architectural technician....See MoreEllie
6 years agotamp75
6 years ago
Gabby Wong
6 years agoGabby Wong
6 years ago
J
6 years agoJonathan
6 years agoReally sorry- I am not keen on the kitchen in either option. In option one I think the hob is not ideal next to the breakfast bar and the oven has no
Nearby set down space so is dangerous. I prefer option 2 but feel that the kitchen is in a less desirable part of the house and if feels smaller and therefore a step down from what you have now.
If it were mine I would keep the dining room as a separate room but use it as a TV room or study.
I would swap the kitchen and dining areas so the kitchen has more wall space and doesn’t have to be used as a cut through. I would make the breakfast room a shade larger with a bay window, have some low seating and some storage on the opposite wall. I would use this as a drinks room- during the day this could be lovely for breakfast coffee, when entertaining you could use this area for drinks.
Fran H
6 years ago
Ellie