Hi
Myself and partner bought a terraced house 3 years ago. Needed a lot of work done and we didnt (still dont) have the cash to do it. We spent a bit on it and got it to a decent standard to live in but long term plan was always to extend and completely re-do.
We are not in a position to start thinking about doing any work but I would really like an idea or a set of plans for the future. I suppose its to keep the dream alive really but nice to see something on paper that might end up becomming a reality.
So couple of questions.
1. How much would it cost roughly to get an architect/designer/engineer to come up with a set of plans in consultation with us as to what we would like, and suggest possible optimum outlays for the design (rooms etc, extension)
How long is a piece of string?
Certain things can be quantified on the basis of past performance and current pricing.
Personally, I have spent two months and more working on a private house design with clients.
Its probably better to agree a fee for a cerain amount of hours and see how it goes.
Not every person is able to read drawings, not every person thinks conceptually.
This can be a foreign notion to a persons who has spent the past five years and more earnign their qualification through making four presetnations a month for eight months of the year.
Its important that your architect realises your limitations and designs the medium of communication to suit - models are usually acceptable to all.
Also useful are photos or site visits to places that you may think well of, to better inform your architect "in the round" of your underlying intentions and desires.
2. If we did get above done, whats the best way to get an idea of how much the whole thing would cost. (We can see ourselves here for 20 years+ but not if the whole thing would end up costing more than trading up). Should I approach a builder/engineer to cost it? Would they charge a fee for this given that the work would more than likely not happen for a few years?
Costings are done by qualified Quantity Surveyors - Q.S.'s
Ball park costings can be done by unit area/ square meterage/square footage.
These are totally unreliable for extension work in my experience if based solely on area figures.
Too much "hidden" work may need to be done to the existing house, i.e.:
- tying in to existing foundations
- adding insulation
- re-pointing existing walls and chimneys externally
- making good internally
- new stairs
- renewing plumbing
- renewing electrical system
- structural interventions to facilitate extension
- structural changes to "open up" internal spaces.
- bracing to walls experiencing settlement
- renewing old pipes in addition to the new drainage runs
Typically none of these building works programme items directly generate a significant floor area in and of themselves but all generate significant costs.
3. How much does it cost then to apply for planning permission? I know this might vary depending on how many times you have to submit stuff etc but just a general idea.
The cost to make a planning lodgement is dependant on the detail work already done.
- To get to Plannning lodgement stage you need to have a survey the existing house and site, including levels and services.
- Single application fee for an extension is €34
- The notation of the drawings and extraction or area figures and preparation of the lodgement proper can take two days.
- Public planning notices are required in the paper and on site.
- All questions on the planning application form require to be answered, which can sometimes throw a few curve balls in terms of legals.
- You will need six copies fo an Ordanance Survey Map.
- You will also needs six copies of the drawings and site layouts plan.
4. In peoples experience is it better to pay someone to do all the above for you (like a project manager).
No, an architect will look after all this work on such a relatively small project.
However, a project manager may provide you with a certain comfort zone, especially if you are unconfortable dealing with yoru architect or the builder when things get a bit fractious - as they can do on any building project.
Remember that the architect is working for you until the site work starts, after which is has to treat both parties fairly under the contract.
If you appointed a QS who could also provide project management services, you might have a valuable addition to the team.
Anyway, as above, its more of a wish than a reality at the moment but would like some idea of how it might all evenually pan out.
I would point out that I dont like wasting peoples time so would be quite clear that this is not something likely to be pursued soon, and wouldnt mind paying people a small fee for a quote etc for their time.
Cheers for any thoughts or advice
There are many architects out there now who would take your arm off to have a sniff of a project even if its not going forward just now.
Some basic "do"s and "don't"s
- Don't be put off by age [youth or maturity do not indicate talent or ability].
- Don't be too worried about location - most of them have transport.
- Don't be concerned about gender - talent is unisex.
- Don't be too put off by personality - designers can to be a quirky lot
- Do have a look at some websites and built work out there.
- Don't be afraid to call in and ask who did the work.
- Do ensure you like the kind of work your prospective architect does.
- Do discuss fees including whether they offer a free first consultation service.
Hope this helps.
ONQ.
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All advice on AAM is remote from the situation and cannot be relied upon as a defence or support - in and of itself - should legal action be taken.
Competent legal and building professionals should be asked to advise in Real Life with rights to inspect and issue reports on the matters at hand.