Building a Home Renovating Design Dilemma

Do I need an architect?

5 years ago

We're buying a house that needs a total internal reconfiguration. On the ground floor we would be removing some partition walls, a structural wall (so getting RSJ fitted) and moving bathroom location, with the associated replumbing. Upstairs will be moving partition walls, putting in a new bathroom and a couple of velux windows.

We know we will need building regs for the wall & windows. My husband is a structural engineer so can take care of the structural calculations. Do we need an architect for the rest or is it possible to submit a plan without? My husband can do technical drawings etc, and we know the layout we want, so we don't require a 'design' as such - but do need it to get through the planners. I know this is a silly question, but for an internal remodel, what are the benefits of using an architect?

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Comments (5)

Jonathan
5 years ago
If all of your changes are internal you won’t need planning. You may need to involve planners if you are changing windows, if you are going to change the outside appearance of the house or if you are changing a listed building.
Otherwise your husbands drawings will likely be plenty for the builder.

Separately you may want to involve a designer or concept planner to help you with the layout. Or you could post your plans for an opinion on here- it may be that there is a layout that requires less building work and therefore less expense.
Rebecca J thanked Jonathan
AMB
5 years ago
Agree with Jonathan - if it is just internal structure and you are not changing the external footprint of the house then you are unlikely to need an architect. I'm undertaking building work which involves knocking through three rooms and creating doors, a loft conversion and creating a bathroom in a bedroom where there was no plumbing. The builders I engaged handle all the building regs etc. For the loft conversion, as part of the fixed price quote they include structural calcs and submission of a building notice - to the council I presume (I think stuff like this depends on the local authority and if you live in a conservation area etc.). No architects involved as I don't need planning permission for any of the work. I also trust my builders as they have done so much other we ork locally and I know exactly what I want.

The planning portal online can help you understand what can be done with and without planning.
Rebecca J thanked AMB
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PRO
OnePlan
5 years ago
.... if you want to know what a concept planner is - click on my name or icon and you’ll find out !
Rebecca J thanked OnePlan
Rebecca J
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks all. We're based in Scotland so I think our planning laws are slightly different here we and require permission even for patio doors. But what you've said makes sense - when we engage a builder we may also look for a concept planner also.
PRO
BetterSpace: The Floor Plan Experts
5 years ago
I would not bother with an architect, but getting a planning consultant who worked with your council will make life a lot easier for you. Check with your planning officer if they can refer you to someone. If you need any architectural help to supplement the work your husband's can do himself - feel free to get in touch! Ed@ www.betterspace.co

Do I need an architect?

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Jonathan

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Do I need an architect?

Comments (5)

Jonathan

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