Architect or not

Uncle_moe

Hi,

adding a small 20sqm extension to our kitchen. Nothing ground breaking so I'm not sure if it merits getting an architect or not. The only reason I even considered one was to decide if we would go for a flat or pitched roof. Once we decide on this is there any advantage to having an architect draw up plans?
Brother in law just had a similar job done, no architect involved and turned out grand.

Might be a very silly question but just not sure it's worth the price tag to get someone to draw up plans

Stanford

If you have a good knowledge of building yourself you could get an Architectural Technician to draw up the plans

Uncle_moe

to be honest, I don't have great knowledge but just wondering if a builder knows exactly what you want and you draw up plans (fairly rough ones to be honest) are you still better off to get an architect even for a small job? Just wondering about stuff like how big the skylights should be etc. or any of that stuff.

Doop

Its depends really, if you don't have the construction knowledge you cant really specify a whole lot, the builder will build what he wants the way he wants (albeit to an agreed layout/ roof construction).

Threads on here with people panicked to see block on flat, or hollow block construction. Truth is there is no independent party in the Builder-Client relationship.

Do you know anyone who could keep an eye on it for you/ agree a bill of quantities etc? QS, BS?

Uncle_moe

I do know a QS alright but starting to get the feeling that an architect might help to alleviate any issues that could arise. I assume some of the cost is not just for drawings but also to make sure the building is done exactly to plans.

bullpost

In a similar situation . Went with architect . They don't come cheap but we've had so much shoddy work done in past we decided to bite the bullet on this one.

Uncle_moe

Fair point, kind of leaning that way now. I know someone in my neighbourhood who has just had an extension done and has recommended the builder. Work looks good to me, a few snags that haven't been finished but nothing too major so I think we'd be set with a pretty decent builder but might feel safer having an architect anyway.

Penn

Uncle_moe wrote: »

Fair point, kind of leaning that way now. I know someone in my neighbourhood who has just had an extension done and has recommended the builder. Work looks good to me, a few snags that haven't been finished but nothing too major so I think we'd be set with a pretty decent builder but might feel safer having an architect anyway.

If you feel like there might be structural work required (eg. if you're creating a large ope in the existing back wall or removing an internal wall, both of which could require structural steel), you could hire an engineer with experience of residential projects who could also help give a spec for the project and oversee construction (you'll require someone to sign-off at the end to say the works were done in accordance with Building Regulations and Planning Permission (even though they'll be saying that it doesn't require planning permission)).

Could be cheaper than an architect and you might need an engineer depending on the design anyway.

Uncle_moe

Penn wrote: »

If you feel like there might be structural work required (eg. if you're creating a large ope in the existing back wall or removing an internal wall, both of which could require structural steel), you could hire an engineer with experience of residential projects who could also help give a spec for the project and oversee construction (you'll require someone to sign-off at the end to say the works were done in accordance with Building Regulations and Planning Permission (even though they'll be saying that it doesn't require planning permission)).

Could be cheaper than an architect and you might need an engineer depending on the design anyway.

Yes there will be structural work and potentially moving a load bearing beam so an engineer could be the way to go. Thanks for that.

Calahonda52

Uncle_moe wrote: »

Yes there will be structural work and potentially moving a load bearing beam so an engineer could be the way to go. Thanks for that.

You WILL need an engineer sign off for such work, separately from the main work

GaGa21

Would you need an engineer to sign off on the removal of partition walls?

Gumbo

GaGa21 wrote: »

Would you need an engineer to sign off on the removal of partition walls?

If non load bearing then no.
But someone has to make that call that they are non mod bearing or been used to cross tie / brace the whole structure of the house.

Metric Tensor

And by rights the only person that can make that call is an engineer!

Vertical load is easy to determine - bracing or lateral load is not so easy.

Carrickbeg

As Roy Keane says 'fail to prepare, prepare to fail' . Spend the money now cos in five years time you'll have forgotten it but if you make a balls of the extension you have to look at it for manys the year.