Architects / Engineer's service

Builderfromhell

I have been reading and contributing to this board for about 6 months and have learnt and continue to learn a greta deal.
What has become aparent to me, is that self builders (of any type) are asking technical questions here about such items as insulation, heating system, condensation, types of winodws etc. Many of the new threads bring up subjects already covered but they typically touch on the ones I've mentioned above.
My point is, if people employ an Architect or Engineer to design their house shouldn't they get advice on these matters from them. I design buildings (and build them) and am constantly being asked advice on the above matters and more besides.
It seems to me that people are not getting a good service if they do not get detailed construction drawings (eaves, window cills etc.) and a detailed specification (incl. heating, insulation).
What seems to then happen is people post queries here when builder is already on site or it's a little late for other reasons.
It seems to me that it's worth paying for a complete consulatancy from an Architect or Engineer. Could/should save money overall.

snellers

I agree with your post above (I am in the process of utilising an architect for complete design and specification...etc) - however.....I guess we are all a lot more cynical these days - I personally check out forums and ask advice to double check what I am being told and also to clarify info....The amount of people who have posted stating stuff like 'my percolation tester says nothing can be done' ...etc...etc...only to be told here on boards that there are potential solutions really reinforces my personal reasons for asking questions.
There seems to be an ever wide range of products available for all types of construction on the market and boards seems to be a real hive of knowledge....gives me confidence and understanding in the build process and eliminates the jargon......makes me more confident parting with hard earned money!

Mellor

Builderfromhell wrote: »

My point is, if people employ an Architect or Engineer to design their house shouldn't they get advice on these matters from them.


What seems to then happen is people post queries here when builder is already on site or it's a little late for other reasons.
It seems to me that it's worth paying for a complete consulatancy from an Architect or Engineer. Could/should save money overall.

I agree that they should look for this service. But the problem is that (and this isn't aimed at anyone) some people involve the architect or whoever to "design" the house for planning. These drawings generally are less comprehensive that construction drawings, which follow.

Ideally, both planning and construction are the same package designed together. But this will obviously distribute cost evenly over the job, and increase planning costs. Even though the total cost for a job done right is the same, this intial extra isn't popular.

Even if planning and construction are separate (which is common and fine), people like to go for the "deal" that is the "best" price for a planning package. Which isn't always the best planning package. I've seen and heard prices thrown about for the cost of PP for a house, and I knew from the price alone that the service was sub-standard.

archtech

if people employ an Architect or Engineer to design their house shouldn't they get advice on these matters from them.

They should but unfortunately there are people who still expect to can get their house designed for less than the cost of their American style fridge and aren't prepared to pay for the follow thought service.

It seems to me that people are not getting a good service if they do not get detailed construction drawings (eaves, window cills etc.) and a detailed specification (incl. heating, insulation)

You pay for what you get. Preparing detailed drawings and specifications takes time, time which costs money and has to be paid for by someone...

There's no requirement to have construction details prepared either. If there was a building control approval system similar to the UK , people would have to get detailed drawings (and pay for them)

I suppose some of the problem too is that there are builders and tradesmen, who are happy to build off non detail drawings.


Another issue too is there are people with no technical qualifications/experience preparing planning application drawings and aren't in a position to prepare detailed construction drawings. Remember up until recently anyone could call themselves an architect.

metalscrubber

I agree with you Mellor, but I don't either . .

I am in the middle of the planning process here - 4th application lodged on monday - and employing the services of an Architect thro' out.

Planning and Construction design should be the one and same thing BUT the planning process means the design of the house has had to change a number of times so there really is no point working all the construction details until we know what house we are going to build.

As it happens my Architect has made it plain he has no interest in involvement in the build process so I have decided not to use him to create my construction drawings as I believe the professional creating the construction drawings / package should be the same individual helping manage the build - So need someone in 2 months minus 4 days and counting.

And thats why I hang out here - When we sit down with Architect / Engineer I know what I want from them, knowing what I want in the house.

As an aside, anyone in the Meath area who could fit my needs, PM me

Metal,

Mellor

metalscrubber wrote: »

I agree with you Mellor, but I don't either . .

I am in the middle of the planning process here - 4th application lodged on monday - and employing the services of an Architect thro' out.

Planning and Construction design should be the one and same thing BUT the planning process means the design of the house has had to change a number of times so there really is no point working all the construction details until we know what house we are going to build.

As it happens my Architect has made it plain he has no interest in involvement in the build process so I have decided not to use him to create my construction drawings as I believe the professional creating the construction drawings / package should be the same individual helping manage the build - So need someone in 2 months minus 4 days and counting.

And thats why I hang out here - When we sit down with Architect / Engineer I know what I want from them, knowing what I want in the house.

As an aside, anyone in the Meath area who could fit my needs, PM me

Metal,

construction details in a house are fairly standard, thats not what I was refering to.
I was refering to getting exact heights, exact sizes, orientation, materials etc. Details can come after. During planning the house will change, but it is best to design the best house and take it to planning, rather than get planning and then try and detail the best house to that model.

Anywaym thats the minor issue, the money saving is the major one

archtech

Planning and Construction design should be the one and same thing BUT the planning process means the design of the house has had to change a number of times so there really is no point working all the construction details until we know what house we are going to build.

Few would disagree with you. no point getting ahead with yourself, and outlaying additional money at a stage when things could radically change, with the way planning in Ireland can be.

As it happens my Architect has made it plain he has no interest in involvement in the build process so I have decided not to use him to create my construction drawings as I believe the professional creating the construction drawings / package should be the same individual helping manage the build -

There are architect's like that, who don't follow projects on to site, which is fair enough. We get a lot of work from one such architect. Getting whoever is going to look after the project to prepared the construction drawing definitely makes sense, at least s/he should be able to deal with any problems which may arise on site and design them out before you get to site. However sometimes some of the original design concept can be lost in the detailing of the project by the second professional... (a choice of material can have a huge effect on the final project from what was originally planned). Sometimes things can work out better too. There's no right or wrong way of doing it, (other than of course engaging some professional to prepare the construction details and monitor the project on your behalf)