Do I Need an Architect? Here’s Why You Might

Posted by The Landsite on 12th February 2021 -

With continued chaos caused by Covid-19 holding the nation firm in its grasp and WFH (Working From Home) still being the preferred option for thousands of employees, it could be time to start that renovation project you’ve been thinking about for so long.

Of course, undertaking any kind of major work on your property requires a great deal of thought and consideration.

And one of the key questions you’ll almost certainly be asking yourself is ‘Do I need an architect’?

While architects are often considered an expense too far for those renovating their homes, in the long term using one can actually increase the value of your home.

Do I need an architect to design my house?

While renovations and property builds don’t legally require an architect, using one can have a hugely positive impact on both building quality and cost.

Architects are experts at making the most of the space you have in your property, as well as adding square footage in a way that benefits you and adds value.

Using an architect can also add a layer of protection and professionalism to your renovation project or build – after all, architects undergo years of training backed by industry regulation.

What an architect can do for you

If you’re extending, renovating or converting your property, you could consider using an architect.

Many see architects simply as designers, but the truth is they offer far more than that.

A good architect should: 

Take time to understand your needs and what you require from your property

Your architect should spend time with you, and your family, at your property to fully understand how you use it, how it could work better for you and what your reasons are for making big changes.

Generate ideas for your property that work for you

Once your architect has a full understanding of your needs, they should be able to produce design ideas and solutions that work for you and add value to your property.

Prepare drawings to submit to planners

One of the most time-consuming and complex areas of any large property project is planning permission.

Of course, depending on the work you are considering having done, you may not need planning permission and many projects can be completed under permitted development rights.

Your architect should be able to advise on all areas of the planning process and produce accurate drawings to outline the work required to town planners.

Liaise with local authority planning departments on your behalf

If you do need planning permission, your architect should be able to deal with local authority planning departments on your behalf – giving you the best chance of achieving planning permission quickly as well as dotting all the I’s and crossing all the T’s.  

In addition to this The Landsite can also provide a number of reputable planners throughout the UK.  For example, Pure Town Planning based in Bournemouth can provide you with advice with anything from alterations on a listed building, building a granny flat or possibly the addition of a swimming pool to your home.  

Prepare technical drawings for building regulations

Meeting building regulations is equally as important as obtaining planning permission and your architect should be able to produce accurate drawings to show building control inspectors.  Have a look at the technical imagery examples by Meraki Architecture Ltd to understand the level of technical drawings you should expect to receive. 

Advise on contractors

While you may have considered or explored using a specific builder or contractor to carry out the work on your property, often an architect will be able to recommend a particular builder.

Recommendation still counts for a lot in the property industry, so if your architect can’t suggest a builder to undertake your work, that should set the alarm bells ringing.

Project manage your work

Your architect should be the person who leads communication throughout the design and building work process.

They should negotiate with contractors and keep the building process on track with an agreed timescale in mind.

Maximise your investment and save you money where possible

An architect should be able to ensure value for money as well as produce a build or renovation that enhances your property and your life.

Be sure that your architect has your financial interests in mind as well as your need for a better home. 

10 questions to ask an architect

You should always be sure that using an architect is right for you and your renovation, build or conversion.

With that in mind, there are a host of questions you should ask an architect before engaging them…

1.     Do you charge for consultation?

2.     Are you a chartered architect and member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)?

3.     Can I see properties you’ve worked on that are similar to mine?

4.     How are your charges broken down? Hourly? Daily or as a percentage of the project cost?

5.     Do you have a recommended builder and other contractors?

6.     Will you project manage the process?

7.     How will you manage my budget?

8.     What challenges do you see in my project?

9.     What will you need from me to keep the project on track?

10.  How will you keep me updated through the process?

Click the link Here for The Landsite Architects and Design agencies and studios located throughout the country.  

Interested to read more? 

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