Things to know before you BEGIN!

n this post, I catch up with JPD Architects to ask their Tips for working with an Architect. Choosing an Architect who understands your goals and vision is essential for any major renovation project and finding one that is local and knows your local council is also invaluable as they will know the planning team.

One of the biggest parts of any house renovation is the design, whether that is starting from scratch with a new build or renovate an existing house? So finding an Architect who can translate your vision into reality is really important.

When we decided to buy our house we spoke to three Architects and sat down with just one who we felt could translate our vision into the home we wanted.

The BRIEF!

It had to look and feel like a North American/Canadian Home
Having Open-plan Living Space
Have a second floor
A separate Utility Room
Have a downstair toilet/powder room near the garden

Things you need to ASK your Architect

I caught up with our Architects John & Tim Harmer of JPD Architecture to ask a few questions to help others deciding to self-build.One of the biggest challenges of buying a ‘Fixer Upper’ is that you have to blend the old with the new… and as we had decided to go renovate rather than knock down and start again, we knew we would need to address the overall appearance of the house once it was finished.

WHAT WOULD YOU ADVISE SOMEBODY LOOKING TO TAKE ON A RENOVATION PROJECTS

Initially, if clients are looking at renovation and alteration projects I would suggest the following:

Know your Budget and have an idea of what you want from. Generally, I would say anything can be achieved with most buildings, however it is dependent:

The Budget.
Constraints on listed buildings or buildings in conservation areas.
The main starting point is ensuring the building structure is reasonably sound, so as not to waste money on things like underpinning and making the building safe prior to undertaking their project.
And they need to consider the surroundings and neighboring properties and buildings that could restrict any future plans for expansion.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO CONTACT AN ARCHITECT?

Generally, we find it is advisable to meet clients and advise them on projects when they are considering buying a property. Alternatively, as soon as they have just purchased the property.

Obviously, the initial advice could affect their decision whether proceed with the project. We normally offer a free service for an initial site visit and consultation.

HOW MUCH SHOULD SOMEONE BUDGET AS ARCHITECTURE FEES?

Architects and professional fees vary from project to project they will be dependent on the scope of the works, complexity and whether the building is listed.

Choose LOCAL

Are their any benefits to using a local Architect?

Generally, Architects should be able to deal with projects in any location, we have looked at projects in Devon, Chester, Birmingham, and Surrey areas.

There is probably some benefit in using local professionals when dealing with Planning Submissions and having experience with similar projects in the location and what would be acceptable in planning terms.

Our tips for working with an Architect

Common questions & tips from clients are:

Have we undertaken similar projects to the project they are considering
What if any problems could occur that they are unaware of.
Recommendations for contractors are near the top of the list.
Can they achieve their project within their given budget?
Programming of pre-commencement of actual building works

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PROJECT (OTHER THAN MY HOUSE)!!

Can’t top that! We’ve been involved in many and varied projects over the years, so it would be hard to pick!

Quite often the experience in a project isn’t always about just the design it’s the interaction with the clients. We also hope that we achieve their aspirations and end up at completion with a client who is satisfied that we have understood their brief. Hopefully enhanced their brief with ideas that they hadn’t considered.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO CONTACT AN ARCHITECT?

Many clients don’t understand the role of architects and designers or indeed other professionals when taking on a renovation or new build project.

Many clients see these services as a means to an end rather like using solicitors to purchase a house almost a necessary evil, this is mainly cost-driven.

That said there are clients that will embrace the quality of design ability and also the client professional interaction, these clients will research our previous projects and possibly interact with previous clients that have had a good experience in their project.

READY TO TAKE ON A FIXER-UPPER?

hope you found these tips for working with an Architect helpful and maybe you’re ready to take on your own ‘Fixer-Upper’? If so why not give John or Tim a call at JPD Architects, you can contact them on 01233 639822.

Remember to tell them that you got their details from Yvette at Magnolia.