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First -
Draw up shortlist of architects in the area. Go through their portfolios, see if you like their work, if it fits with your vibe, if the projects look a similar scale to yours.
Pull together a pinterest (or the like) of images, styles, houses, finishes etc, etc you like. Buy magazines etc. Make sure you and the wife are on the same page from the start! Inspiration should be your own, architect should give you extra solutions to achieve it (IMO). Also think about what you want from architect - design only, project management etc - costs obv vary.
Work out how much money you have in total. Split into tax, building work, decorating/furniture/appliances and fees (and a buffer). Make this budget very clear and often in any and all conversations with architects.
You should be able to have an initial discussion without paying to see if you can work with each other - personality, price and aesthetically. All before site surveys etc. You don't want to spend £500 to find an architect who you can't work with, designs places you don't like etc, etc.
If you've done all the above and like and can afford them, then you do the site visit bit.
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Reiterate your budget 100000 times.
I talked to about 5 architects, and everyone of them saw our budget as the budget for the build, not including any fees plus Vat.
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villa-ru
chrisbmx116
@johnnettles2
Hi all,
1st time on this thread.
My wife and i have recently bought a late 60s bungalow and we're looking to extend and refurbish but would like to engage an architect to provide us with some inspiration and guidance.
We've contacted one locally who has said they offer an inital consultation -site visit , meeting , and summary document for £500 . this would obviously be before any plans etc etc.
What is the usual process for meeting with architects and starting the design work etc.
What sort of costs should we be looking at for the initial discussions / consultations?
This is the back - we’re looking to go up and out with a lot of glass at ground level.
Thanks in advance :)
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