Architect Heathfield

Enlist a package company 

For those who are interested in the home self-building world, then you may have heard of package companies. 

They are often consulted for projects that need assistance throughout the process, as they can provide all the services from planning permission to construction. 

They can be cheaper than hiring an architect and can provide all the building materials too. They use in-house architects and designers, though, so you're still getting the same level of quality you'd expect and want. 

Architectural Technologist

A technologist isn't the same as an architect but practices the same methods and has the same knowledge, most of the time. Much like a designer, they don't have the formal qualification that allows them to call themselves architects. 

This doesn't mean their quality is lacking, though. Most architectural technologists work alongside architects so they know how to navigate best and manipulate the space of your home and what materials would complement and work best.

If you have an idea for an extension and want professional help, then enquiring with a technologist is an option for you and is sometimes much cheaper than an architect. 

Hire a designer

The title of architect is somewhat prestigious, and some feel they can overcharge simply because of that title. However, you're able to seek assistance from a designer who is not formally qualified but still has the same experience as an architect. 

You should be careful to find someone who has extension experience, but you can hire a designer who has a good portfolio for much cheaper than an architect.

Many designers will have experience in smaller projects such as this, as some architects will either turn down extension work, or their level of knowledge isn't needed, or the costs are too high for the scale. 

If you're looking for a practical yet effective extension, then consider hiring a designer over getting an architect. It's all in the name.

D.I.Y

If you want to keep the budget as minimal as possible, then it's tempting to create your extension yourself, D.I.Y style. For any extension project to be approved, you must have a design or drawing done. Typically, this is why architects cost so much for their work because the drawing is essential, and you need their services to get the project moving. 

However, you can create and complete a project drawing yourself, as many online software's are available to those with drawing experience. Once some research is conducted into building materials and how the project can be completed economically within the rules of the U.K. Building Regulations, then you could be on the road to getting planning permission.

However, you must be sure to plan every aspect of the extension and have an understanding of how building support works and how the interior aesthetic will match. 

It's always an option to begin drawing up your plans and then send them to a designer or architect, as this could reduce the overall price of their services. 

However, it's worth consulting a planning consultant to sort out whether or not your proposal needs approval. You may be eligible for Permitted Development Rights, which follow a set of conditions and restrictions you must follow to navigate your extension without Planning Permission. You can conduct your research on the Planning Portal and find out if your work is legal or not.

Although you may want to perform your development plan without an architect, there's no doubt that their opinion and input will be greatly beneficial. 

If you want a change to the interior of your home through an extension, then contact an architect. Any good architect should provide a free consultation and visit your house to see what they're working with. At this moment, be sure to listen to their opinion, but also stay strong and provide a proposal yourself. Architects will benefit from having a clear idea of what is in your head, and you can work together from there. 

Be sure to work with an architect who has experience in that work and someone credited with the Architects Registration Board (ARB). This is what makes them stand out from the rest of the designers you'll work with, as they have been recognised and received the official certification. 

This can also extend to smaller jobs that you wouldn't think would need an architect. Suppose you're experimenting with door openings, windows, and lighting, for example. In that case, you could still seek guidance from an architect as they'll have experience and knowledge that will benefit your needs. 

You'd be surprised how much experience an architect has with a variety of jobs, ranging from single-storey extensions to fully blown loft conversions or kitchen extensions. Whatever you're job is, you can benefit from seeking advice and using an architect.

If you decide to hire an architect, then you should know what you're paying for. They can be expensive depending on your budget and the size of the job, but they will be worthwhile. 

Not only will they work with you throughout the idea development and planning stage, but they will show you material options and will draw up the plans themselves. 

Some architects will be responsible for overseeing the entire project and worksite, ensuring that everything is done in accordance with the Building Regulations.