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Also - re. “Architects”
I think most people in their head imagine the sort of experience portrayed in that BBC thing. Whereas quite often for things like extensions it can be someone knocking out standard drawings that are almost 100% client led.
A mate in a nice part of Bucks found that the only people who'd come and talk to them for their 1960s place didn't offer anything beyond what they'd already thought of. They're quite handy and good with this sort of stuff so could be a reflection on them.
On the other side a nursery friend was talked down from going for the max size as the guy showed them why they didn't need it and that it would kill the outdoor use - which with a young kid they'd need. He's also worked in the area forever so got it straight through planning. The final design is not going to set any hearts racing, but it's a good eg of where the right person can add value.
I also wonder if sometimes what it's that the common designs just simply work 99.9% of the time once you factor everything in.
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Note that permitted development requires materials to ‘match’ the house - which is why an ugly generic 50k(ish) PD dormer box is clad in hung tile.
It shouldn’t be contentious to get planning permish for similar box but with zinc cladding - but it does change the application procedure - councils will have an ‘spg’ resi design guide which might actually be more restrictive than PD rights so is worth reviewing.
Also - re. “Architects” you absolutely don’t need one but in theory they should add value - increase the quality of outcome across the board and in the first instance help you to figure out what you want, need vs what you might afford.
I doubt the rear extension examples up thread are coming in at sub 100k (especially these days). But they are unique and by published/highly regarded design led firms - you get what you pay for - I’d argue they actually achieve a lot with relatively little budget.