Do I need an architect? Grand Designs magazine

Why your renovation deserves an architect

Major home renovations are full of obstacles, but architects can guide you through the process

Promotional Feature By Andrew Emery |

‘Do I need an architect for an extension’? is a question that many people ask when contemplating an extension, conversion or other renovation project. The answer lies in how ambitious your plans are, and how much you are willing to take on.

Major home renovations are full of obstacles. Design, planning, contractors, materials, project management, budget control, unforeseen circumstances… it can add up to a real headache. That’s why many people are hiring an architect to help them…

Do I need an architect for an extension or renovation? It depends on how complex the project

Photo: Architect Your Home

Project management

While many people are adept at managing their home renovation or conversion, for others the very idea of taking control of every aspect of a project from beginning to end is a nightmare – especially when there’s considerable structural or planning work involved.

From initial thoughts to firm designs, submitting plans for the necessary permissions, sourcing both contractors and materials, and then the living Tetris-puzzle that is project managing, there is a lot to consider. Budgets frequently spiral out of control, even with a built-in buffer. It’s no surprise that thousands of people lean on architects to help them, but what kind of assistance can they get?

Do I need an architect for an extension? It's a commonly asked question

Photo: Architect Your Home

Do I need an architect?

The team at Architect Your Home is well aware of the minefield that conversion and renovation can be and have developed an approach that will guide you through it. This is true whether you want end-to-end service on your home project or just a bit of a helping hand on a particular aspect.

Experts will help you translate your ambitious home plans to paper, for an idea of how it will truly look, and can problem-solve as they go. They can then take this and turn it into submittable plans so you can get those all-important planning permissions.

timber-framed side-return kitchen extension with lots of natural light

Photo: Architect Your Home

‘Do I need an architect for an extension’? is a question that many people ask when contemplating an extension, conversion or other renovation project. The answer lies in how ambitious your plans are, and how much you are willing to take on.

Major home renovations are full of obstacles. Design, planning, contractors, materials, project management, budget control, unforeseen circumstances… it can add up to a real headache. That’s why many people are hiring an architect to help them…

Do I need an architect for an extension or renovation? It depends on how complex the project

Photo: Architect Your Home

Project management

While many people are adept at managing their home renovation or conversion, for others the very idea of taking control of every aspect of a project from beginning to end is a nightmare – especially when there’s considerable structural or planning work involved.

From initial thoughts to firm designs, submitting plans for the necessary permissions, sourcing both contractors and materials, and then the living Tetris-puzzle that is project managing, there is a lot to consider. Budgets frequently spiral out of control, even with a built-in buffer. It’s no surprise that thousands of people lean on architects to help them, but what kind of assistance can they get?

Do I need an architect for an extension? It's a commonly asked question

Photo: Architect Your Home

Do I need an architect?

The team at Architect Your Home is well aware of the minefield that conversion and renovation can be and have developed an approach that will guide you through it. This is true whether you want end-to-end service on your home project or just a bit of a helping hand on a particular aspect.

Experts will help you translate your ambitious home plans to paper, for an idea of how it will truly look, and can problem-solve as they go. They can then take this and turn it into submittable plans so you can get those all-important planning permissions.

timber-framed side-return kitchen extension with lots of natural light

Photo: Architect Your Home

Image: Architect Your Home

Budget management

With over 20 years’ experience, they also know how vital it is to set a budget and stick to it – thus Architect Your Home can handle the tendering process and ensure all potential contractors are quoting for exactly the same job, getting rid of scope creep and eradicating misunderstandings.

modern rear extension with bifold windows and smooth tiled finish

Photo: Architect Your Home

Project management

Again, with flexible servicing, you can then take it the rest of the way yourself. But if you’ve got a busy life, you can also opt for project management, with fully-qualified architects drawing up agreements with set timescales and costs for builders. This ensures there’s no overlap, no pausing works because the plaster isn’t dry when the painter arrives.

You can check in on how the work is going not just by seeing it for yourself on site, but by accessing an online portal that will let you check documents, see what is happening next and which invoices have been delivered and paid.

bespoke cantilevered staircase in new build house

Photo: Architect Your Home

Their expertise cover all kinds of home project, from standard extensions to loft conversions and side returns to new builds. Their reputation is built on making customers’ dreams become reality. Call 0800 051 5304 now to find out how to get the very best in home design or visit architect-yourhome.com.

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