Do i need an Architect?

libra01

Hi,

Im planning on re-designing my livingroom & kitchen.
Livingroom is massive, kitchen is very small. It would involve
removing and adding internal walls. I dont know if any are
load bearing.

Is this something that i would need an architect to design or is this
to small a job. Would an architect do up some designs for a fee?

Thank you

Builderfromhell

If you know exactly what you want then a competent builder should be able to advise on the feasibility of your proposal. Seek references.

sinnerboy

If you seek an architect who is
1.interested and
2.experienced

in domestic alterations you will get a hack of a lot more than deign and ideas . S/he he will
describe the works for pricing ( specification and drawings ) ,
help you select the best builder ,
check that the works proceed and
complete as contracted .

And help you hold the builder to account for defects for 6 / 12 months .

libra01

Thanks for the replys.

I have an idea and image of what i want, but i have no experience in designing rooms. So im sure that an architect would add a lot of value.
How would one charge for a small project like that. Would it be a fixed fee
or % of renovation costs. I was thinking that an architect would design the renovation and i pay him a fee for that, then give the specs to a builder and pay him to build it. Is that how it works or does the architect have to follow the process all the way through?

Thanks

DOCARCH

For a project of that size, an architect would either charge an hourly rate or a lump sum fee.

troyh

Yes this job is small but (experience has shown me) there would be plenty of (typically one-man practise) architects available to spec this work at the minute. Sinnerboy is right on the money when he says that you get a more rounded service by employing an architect, especially if you want to have a hands-off approach when dealing with the builder but of course you do need to pay for this service. If your budget is tight then maybe this money could be directed elsewhere. A good builder will provide specified drawings and schedules as well as proper costings and will undoubtedly stand over their work for the periods mentioned and more. I would expect a reputable builder to include the aformentioned services pretty much free of charge.

FesterBeatty

Removing potentially load bearing walls...even if theyre not load bearing they may well be acting as stabilising shear walls.....I wish more people realised that structural engineers stop buildings from falling down...

Mellor

It would depend entirely on the layout. And would be easy to check was it ok, its the first section of the building regs for a reason I suppose.
Besides, more often than not the wall is opened up with a lintel/RSJ/UB over head and the wall can still be load bearing if required.

troyh

Implicit in my statement that a "Good Builder" could do this work is that such a builder would emply a Engineer to spec any structural work involved. I am a Good Builder (and an Engineer) but always have a Structural Engineering Company spec my Structural Work. I consistently tell customers that unless such work is correctly spec'd (including production a certificate of proper completion) I just don't want the work.

libra01

thanks for the info folks. I will explore both avenues. I certainly want the job done properly. I wont be automatically choosing the cheapest option but i dont want to have any unesessary expenses

Cheers