Architect led building projects?

[23ironsides]

I need some help to decide how to proceed with a building project.

An architect has designed a nice side return and loft conversion ? nothing spectacular but not a standard box frame/velux.

The choice seems to be: use a building company that has lots of experience ? the companies often recommended on the site ? who will own the project and sideline the architect. A possible drawback that the structural plan becomes a guide and we morph towards something standardised or can be completed in the shortest time the builder can get away with ...

OR? we use the architect to manage the whole process and follow the drawings to the letter. We don?t want grand designs ? it is not a forever home ? and we know the risks of cost appreciation and delays of design led projects.

Any tips or experiences to share please?

Thank you

[Penguin68]

A neighbour did the latter, paid the architect in full for it (stupid) and has now found that the builders have left the site, with work remaining unfinished (mainly finishing-off stuff, but new rooms not really usable till it's done). With no direct relationship (or leverage) on the builder things aren't too happy.

Generally you need to stay on the plot, so if you use a builder you make sure that they are following the plans - (with the proviso that however good the plans appear to be, it is often a good builder who will note that something in the plan isn't actually feasible). But builders do follow plans (excluding those implementing local road schemes, apparently) - so they won't try to impose their ideas, unless the architect gets it wrong (or unless the plans don't match local building regs). Having someone local and experienced can be helpful, they will know the council building inspectors and what they look out for. That's also true regarding the type of house you have - if it's 'typical' for the area a local builder will (very probably) know the necessary tricks for installing internal stairways to best effect.

Depending on the work you (or the builder) may well have to involve a structural engineer as well as an architect - particularly where a loft is concerned regarding loadings etc.)

[Lollipop]

I had a terrible experience with an architect drawing up plans and the builder not only changing them but not even following good practice. Had to have the extension knocked down and rebuilt. The second time I use an architect and the builder she recommended. Worked much better - I got what I wanted and expected within budget and was confident it was not going to fall down around my ears.

If I was to do it again, I would probably go with an architect, BUT you need one that is good at managing builders and not just interested in designing. Get references from completed projects and ask them how the building process went (rather than how pleased they were with the architect).

[redfern]

Sounds like great advice! I have a ground and first floor extension I am thinking about for 2016. Can you please provide a details of your architect? Thanks so much!

[23ironsides]

Hi,

The architect I have used is Mike Jack (0208 771 4996/mail@michael-jack.com). His work as an architect has been first class and I could not recommend him more. I have decided to use him as project manager and Lucas Construction to be the builders. We have had very good references for both so I will post in a few months with the outcome of the project. Fingers crossed.

[nimi]

Hi,

We are an architect practice based in South London and have carried out a number of house extensions and refurbishments, some of which can be seen on our website: www.nimtim.co.uk. We would be happy to provide testimonials from previous clients and you can visit some of the completed projects. We would also be able to help with local contractors that we recommend, as well as other consultants eg. party wall surveyor, structural engineer etc. if required.

Good luck with your project - we find it to be a very exciting time,

Nimi Attanayake ARB RIBA

nimtim architects

e - nim@nimtim.co.uk

m - 07539039455

t - 02077338761

w - www.nimtim.co.uk

[*Bob*]

If I had to choose I'd skip the full architect package and pay more for a good builder with a good eye and good taste.

[red devil]

'Good taste' is very subjective though...

[*Bob*]

Fair point. Find a builder that's done some stuff you like then - and you're happy with 'the taste' of what they've done, whatever it is - and tell them you'd like one like that.

I suppose my point is, you're either paying an architect to continually check-up on a builder to make sure they're not doing anything that looks shit, or you get a builder that you're confident isn't going to do anything that looks shit. If I had to choose, I'd go with the latter.

Getting both is great, but it's going to cost you..

[red devil]

Would you pay for an architect to design it, or would you leave that to the builder too?...

[*Bob*]

It's good to get some initial ideas from someone else and it's good to get the plans drawn-up.

But personally, I'd draw the line there, let a good builder take over - and sort the rest out with them myself along the way. If they're good they know exactly what they're doing and you can communicate with them directly.

Depends on how involved you want to be, of course.

[LondonMix]

I agree with that. If you have a very strong idea of what you want already, just get someone who can draw up the plans. That's what we did and to be honest, I found our architect quite useless despite lots of recommendations on the forum.

They suggested we put showers where there was no headroom etc. In the end, I sketched out most of the design myself for them and they used that as basis for the documents. We paid an hourly rate for bi-weekly site visits to sign off work before making payments to the builder the architect recommended. Beyond that we managed the build ourselves including agreeing design changes that came up due to issues that came up during the build.

How much you need an architect depends on how much time you have to spend on the build, if you have a good sense of space and design and if you have strong project management skills.