How Much Does An Architect Cost For An Extension UK?

Architects with more experience under their belt will have an increased quote compared to an architect that has just finished their schooling. As with experience factoring into the cost, the difficulty of a project will also factor into the pricing. A less complex project will cost less than a large complex build. For example, expect a kitchen extension to cost significantly less than an entire property remodel.

When your project requires structural changes, an architect should complete the project. Examples of structural changes include:

• Changing the front or back exterior
• Creating a loft conversion
• Extending your kitchen
• Single and double story extension
• Demolishing load-bearing walls

It is vital to work with the correct expert to create your plans. Architects are ideal for drawing project plans. With smaller home improvement projects, you may save money by seeking a specialist other than an architect.

Hire An Architect:

You’ll need to hire an architect if your plans match with the list below:

• You are building a house
• You are adding an extension
• Your house is a listed building
• You do not need help with ideas, lighting plans, layout, and design

Architects are typically used for building, rebuilding, converting, or extending a property. However, most do not work with you on the plans for interior design. They may offer ideas, but you do most of the interior design work when hiring an architect alone, so it’s good to have a clear picture of your plans for aesthetics in your head beforehand.

Architects will propose and draw detailed plans for the contractors to use, appointing a structural engineer when required.

Is An Architect Required For My Extension?

Hire An Architect And An Interior Designer:

To determine if you need an architect and an interior designer, refer to the list below:

• You are building a house
• You are adding an extension
• You own a listed building
• You need help with ideas, lighting plans, layout, and design

As stated previously, architects are typically needed when a project requires building, rebuilding, converting, or extending, and most do not help with interior designing.

However, interior designers work with you and your architect to establish your lifestyle needs, lighting, layout, color, and materials, as well as the overall aesthetic. They also typically have a lot of experience updating period buildings and ensuring they follow building regulations.

Multiple Options:

To figure out if you have multiple options on who to hire for your project, refer to the list below:

• You are not building
• You may require an extension
• You may need to knock down internal walls
• You do not need interior design help

If you only intend on knocking down internal walls, and you know how you want the space laid out, then an architect isn’t necessary. However, you will need a structural engineer for your project.

If you want an extension that does not require permission and have a design plan, you will need an architectural technologist to work beside the structural engineer. Technologists are typically less expensive than architects.

Hire An Interior Designer:

To know if you need to hire an interior designer instead of an architect, compare your project needs to the list below:

• You are not building a house
• You are not adding an extension
• You may have to knock down internal walls
• You do need help with interior planning

Interior Designers will work with the necessary experts, such as an architectural technologist and structural engineer, to ensure your project gets executed correctly.

Designers are typically more affordable and will work to fully design your home while reviewing your lifestyle needs, lighting, layout, color, and materials.

You May Not Need To Hire Anyone:

You may not need to hire anyone for your project to be sure, refer to the list below:

• You are not building a house
• You are not adding an extension
• You do not need to knock down any internal walls
• You will do the interior designing yourself

It is not necessary to hire anyone if you don’t intend on making any structural changes to your home and intend to design on your own.

What Is Included In The Architect Fees?

When paying for an architect, you may be wondering what services your money is buying. You’ll be happy to know that architects go above and beyond to build your project safely while following building regulations and optimizing the layout and design of your property. You can expect your architect to:

• Measure and survey your property
• Develop a 2D and 3D design (including material advice, electrical, heating, and plumbing plans)
• Revisions of the designs as necessary
• Prepare and submit the drawings to your LPA if your project requires planning permissions
• Monitor the planning applications
• Produce and manage tender (liaising/advising appointed contractors, sourcing materials for the project)
• Manage your build from start to finish (this usually gets charged hourly and is separate from the initial drawings and planning costs as laid out above. You can expect an architect to charge an hourly rate of between £50 to £100 an hour.)

Be aware that certain architects will only focus on external walls, roofs, and the material makeup of the building and will not give too much thought to interior design. So if design planning help is necessary, you should hire an interior designer and an architect or ask your architect if they will provide that service as well.

When During The Renovation Process Do I Hire An Architect?

The best time you should get an architect depends on the kind of project you’re planning. With most projects, you should hire an architect very early on. There isn’t much that can get done structurally without proper architectural drawings and the correct planning and building approval.

However, you do not want to bring in an architect too soon. Be sure you know what you want your project to look like to save money. If you do not have a plan before hiring an architect, you will end up wasting money while they draw up several different project plans until you figure out what you are looking for in your project.

Other Costs To Consider

In addition to the architect fees, it is vital to know of any additional costs that may apply to your project and factor into the final cost of your project.

Planning Permission

It is possible planning permission won’t be necessary to execute your project. If your LPA requires planning permission for your project, your architect may include this in their offered services. Keep in mind that the applications for getting planning permission aren’t free. Your architect may charge a fee if you want them to submit and manage your application. Alternatively, you can pay the application fee yourself if you’d prefer.

Structural Engineer

Major home renovation projects often require the expertise of a structural engineer.

Structural engineers, on average, charge around £50 – £90 an hour. A lot can determine how much a structural engineer will charge, such as their experience, the location of your project, and if they are independent or work as part of a firm. If you require a building survey, the cost typically fluctuates from around £200 for a smaller home to £2,000 for a larger house.

Inspections

Before building, extending, or renovating your property, you or your architect must inform your local authority by providing a Building Notice or Full Plans. If you provide Full Plans for approval, there will be a fee to cover the passing or rejection of the plans and an inspection fee to take care of the necessary inspection of work.

If you have a garage and are thinking of hiring an architect to plan a second story extension to your home, find out more about the cost of garage extensions.