Which professional to consult first?

Sue D

2 years ago

I'm buying a house and there are a number of pieces of work I'd like to do on it.

In no particular order, the things I'm considering are:

* redecorate some of the rooms - some are more urgent than others

* general work in some of the rooms eg removing built-in cupboard/installing mantelpiece & fireplace

* possible repositioning of staircase to loft

* potential new kitchen using part of existing conservatory extension

* possible timber cladding and rendering of external walls.

I've got some ideas about all these, but what would you recommend - should I ask an interior designer first? Should I consult with someone who undertakes kitchen design/installation work?

Should I consult an architect? Or a builder?

I've potentially got a reasonably large amount of money to spend (possibly £75-£100k) but of course want to use this most efficiently.

I'm due to move in in early July, so I'd quite like to be in touch with a few professionals to make some consultation appointments for then.

Any words of advice much appreciated - what did you do, and in hindsight do you wish you'd tackled this in a different way?

Featured Answer

rinked

2 years ago

A structural inspection is very common in the Netherlands when you buy a house, to inspect the general state of the house and possible defects. He/she can tell you which walls are loadbearing, how realistic your ideas are, etc.

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Comments (15)

arc3d
2 years ago
If you know exactly what you want then you just need a builder to carry it out for you.

If you are unsure of the interior design but are happy with the layout then you need and interior designer and builder.

If you want rooms moved around, walls removed, extension etc then you need an architect to start off with then interior designer and finally a builder.
Sue D thanked arc3d
Charlie Cavill
2 years ago
Hi Sue,

Congrats on your new house! It sounds like you have big plans for the place, and so it's understandable that you aren't sure of the best place to start.

My advice would be to secure your architect or interior designer first, and then when you are happy with their suggestions and have approved the plans, get in touch with the builders so that you know exactly what to ask them for. Nowadays, many interior designers will also be able to design kitchens for you too, so you may not need to pay a separate kitchen designer.

Some architecture & interior design companies offer project management services to help with the process from start to finish, including liaising with tradesmen, preparing tender documents, lighting & electrical plans, to ensure you get the best quote from various different construction firms, and that everyone you work with is on the same page.

I hope this helps a little!

Best wishes,

Charlie Cavill - Interior & Architectural Designer at Studio Cavill
Sue D thanked Charlie Cavill
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Hi Jenny, We went through a very similar process 6 months ago (and are still mid renovation) so can share our experience with you if it helps. We went around and around in terms of what and who you need and in what order, including architect, structural engineer and Interior designer and found it very difficult to work out what we needed. With some help we got there in the end and have learnt quite a bit in the process about the different options and also costs!!! There are probably a couple of questions that are key before anyone can really share any helpful advice ... Do you need planning permission for any of the renovations you want to do? Do any of the alterations you want to make include structural walls? (If you don't know that's fine and also helps determine who you need to consult) Do you want creative input / design advice on actual layout or do you already know what you want to do? (Again if you don't know then that also helps determine who you need to consult) Once people know a bit of the above I'm sure we can help :)
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Sue D
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you - I had a good Home Buyers survey done, and I've a builder contact who will be able to tell me if a couple of my ideas might be workable/what issues I need to consider - but I think I may need an architect to think 'out of the box' for me and take me beyond the obvious.

I keep thinking "I'd like to do this - but would it be better to do that first?"

Maybe an overview would be worthwhile.
Daisy England
2 years ago
A builder is who you need. Messy work first including the staircase and then the finishing touch work such as painting last
Sue D thanked Daisy England
Sue D
Original Author
2 years ago
You're right about the redecoration last - I can put up with the Hufflepuff bedroom for a bit ;-) , and the wallpaper I dislike in the hall - I think considering the structural things/flow may come first. Anxious not to do anything twice.
PRO
OnePlan
2 years ago
I would usually suggest Structural Engineer as a first call - they can tell which walls can be altered and if any can’t . Then depending on scope either an Architect, if altering and adding to the footprint. Or a concept planner could be next ( that’s the bit I know about most ! Click on my name to see why !) then when your designs/drawings are all done you can get quotes from builders …. But be warned EVERYONE is incredibly busy just now ! So don’t expect to be able to do anything straight away !
Sue D thanked OnePlan
Sue D
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you, I'm resigned that I won't be able to miraculously transform everything, but it's good to be reminded....

Thanks for mentioning Concept Planner. This isn't a category listed on Houzz, unless I've missed seeing it? I'll certainly have a look at what you do - want to consult the right people, which is the whole reason for this question, really.
Sue D
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks to all for your comments. After I've given it more thought, I think the Structural Engineer suggestion - or at least, some really good professionally measured drawings - will be very useful. The floor plans provided by the Estate Agent are particularly awful, and I've nearly driven myself mad trying to work out how the loft stairs work.

If I'm going to discuss possibilities with architects/builders etc, (or, indeed, the excellent contributors here!) it will be very helpful to have my own drawings.

Then everything else can fall into place.
PRO
Design By Kurys
2 years ago
Hi Sue, I too would recommend an architect in the first instance. (They can look at the bones of the building and give you a broader picture and advise whether you will need a structural engineer). Interior design goes hand in hand with the architect, knocking these heads together will overall provide a super design that will be both practical and also enhance how you will live in your home. Sometimes the architect or designer can highlight potential hurdles or clever design ideas that the other one perhaps hasn't thought of. Combined, they make a great team. I provide a one off fee service for looking at architect's plans. Local designers will probably offer the same.
Sue D thanked Design By Kurys
PRO
OLArchitects
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Hi Sue, Congradulations on your new home. I believe that you can make a good place if you involve specialists.

When we start a project for an existing house we recommend to do a construction audit of the building. That will help you to know what changes you can do with your house. For example, you decide to update facades and you will be sure that you can use any materials. The same situation with a new stairs, windows etc.

As for the project. We usually offer these steps:

1. Zoning and planning. On this stage you will see how all the rooms will be located;

2. Concept idea for a new interior design and facades (if applicable). We prepare 3D photorealistic visualizations;

3. Preparetion of project documentation and choosing of the materials in accordance with the concept;

4. Preparetion of the detailed construction documentation that will help your builders to make real the idea of your new home.

You can see some of our projects on this page (we are a Russian team): https://www.houzz.co.uk/pro/olarchitects-project/olarchitects

Please, contact me if you have any questions.
Sue D thanked OLArchitects
Sue D
Original Author
2 years ago
To update all the people who kindly replied - I am due to move in tomorrow, and have arranged two appointments in July with architects, to review my new property (one in person, and one via video call), explain what I'm thinking, and get their views.

It's clear that I will need to have some further structural explorations (interestingly the vendors are able to put me in touch with the local builder who actually built - and lived in - the property, which might help) before we can decide what's actually possible.

I will be posting here asking for any additional thoughts on more cosmetic external alterations, as it would be great to get as many views as possible.

Thanks to everyone here who reads and replies - much appreciated!
arc3d
2 years ago
Amazing to be able to speak to the original builder and resident!
PRO
Kingfisher Designs
2 years ago
To extend, you'd need an architect, but if you're just rearranging internal spaces an interior designer who offers space planning would work. The stair might need an architect as it could be a major move.
Sue D
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks for this - yes, I would like to re-do the kitchen and extend into the ex-conservatory/now roofed with tiles extension, but I think this may not be a simple matter.

So in addition to a relocation of a staircase possibility it's increasingly looking like consulting an architect to start off with is the way to go.

Which professional to consult first?

rinked

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arc3d

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