[Closed] Do I need an Architect?

Jeeze.... we got bifold doors fitted in the back of our house and regretted bitterly that we hadn't used an architect, the builder and door company between them cocked it up monumentally. Hard to believe with such an apparently simple job but they did.

I would certainly not contemplate doing an extension without an architect.

If you know what you want then no need for an architect. An architectural technician can do all the drawings and sort out technical issues for less money. If there's a few unknowns an architect might come up with some interesting ideas so there may be some benefits. For my single storey extension I just did my own drawings. Wasn't too tricky but I appreciate this isn't for everyone.

Cheers. Yeah we know exactly what we want, I'll check out a technician.

Not sure an architect could help with fitting bifold doors unless they are in completely the wrong place. Sounds like a duff builder to me. The door company would only supply the doors surely?

Probably depends on whether it's straight forward or not. Any sewers in the vicinity? Probably some things around building regs to consider when building onto an old stone house as well

Good point I think there are some sewers close by. Does my 50k estimate seem reasonable? The space is a triangle with approx dimensions 6m, 5m, 9m.

Also can you get "aged" stone to blend in with original stone?

Thanks

Does my 50k estimate seem reasonable? The space is a triangle with approx dimensions 6m, 5m, 9m.

Also can you get "aged" stone to blend in with original stone?

Seems a touch optimistic, but it'll depend where you are.

If you want to age anything and get a nice green fuzz dissolve a pot of yogurt in a bucket of water and splash it about.
Recycled stone is available though, probably at a price...

You could a consider Building Surveyor. May be cheaper than an Architect and, dare I say it, might be more clued up on the technical side. You can search for one at www.rics.org. Be aware that the Party Wall Act may apply if your foundations will be within 3m of your neighbours'

You'll be wanting reclaimed stone ideally dressed and coursed therfore ready to build with. You will be paying 50/60 quid a sqm. I'd possibly consider a quality blown fill insulation as this may help with your coursing requirements. All stuff to consider pre start. Then there's found details, floor construction details, possible opening calcs for apertures, roof line details etc etc. The list is endless really but as above if you know exactly what you want and get a good builder on board you could do it without the architect. Nail the builder down on price and get a list of contractors proposals inclusions so you don't end up with any unseen extras.

Hmmm, yes I agree. I suppose another thing to consider, the street is predominately two bedrooms and we will be extending to four in total. Are we in danger of "overextending" and exceeding the ceiling price for the street? Or should we not care as we plan to stay here for the next five to ten years?

Thanks again, any advice or thoughts is really appreciated.

Great stuff. Thanks very much.

There's a product called SureCav which helps with stone cavity walls.

Thanks Squirrel.