Architectural advice needed?

Friendly chat, questions, reviews, find old friends or relatives. Not limited to Sydenham only issues but keep it civil!
Post Reply
Maria
Posts: 374
Joined: 3 Nov 2010 14:34
Location: Sydenham

Re: Architectural advice needed?

Post by Maria »

Contact given to me by someone who has done exactly what you are planning: Thomas Ford Archigects, in Kirkdale. Good luck
jonathan_har
Posts: 55
Joined: 28 Aug 2011 14:23
Location: sydenham

Re: Architectural advice needed?

Post by jonathan_har »

Rod,

If you are looking to alter (knock 2 rooms in to 1 etc.), you will need approval that the work is compliant with building regulations if the work is structural. New windows, electrics, boiler etc are also subject but can generally be self ceritified by the contractor.

If you are looking to extend (loft conversion, rear extension etc.), you will need building control approval. You may also need planning permission - the government's own planning portal website is very good, with an interactive guide telling you what you what is possible under "permitted development" and what you would need planning permission for.

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/

Note, the government is currently proposing to double the length of a single storey rear extension permissable under permitted development.

For simple alteration work and if you have an idea what you want, a good builder should be able to tell you what is possible and handle everything including building control. For simple extentions e.g. loft conversion, again, there are lots of "one stop shop" companies that will handle everything for you. This will be the cheapest option.

If you want to maximise the potential of the work you are doing as well as have somebody guide you through the whole process, speak to an architect. This is the most expensive option, but should be the most rewarding. An excellent option is the yearly "architect in the house" event run by the charity Shelter which gives you an hour of a local architects time for a nominal donation. This normally runs in the summer so it maybe too late for you.

Good luck!

Jonathan

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_invol ... _the_house
Post Reply