Single story side and rear elevation? Choosing Architect or DIY?

Question

Can anyone tell me about planning permission and using drawings?

I am interested in either a single story side or rear or both elevation. Not sure exactly what or how i want it. I did get an architect out to give a quote for drawings and sorting the planning permission out. But he never gave any ideas of how the space could be used...He quoted £1000 and was pretty useless really. It has put me off getting another architect. Is there anyway i can do the drawing myself and add maybe photos to the planning application? Do the drawings have to be technical/cad or can they be drawings with just real measurements??

thanks

Corvo! thanks for confirming 'elevation' is correct terminology...

Thank you for all your answers its a tough choice but i think i am going with the most indepth answer.

Answer 1

It sounds like you need a good designer. An architect is more than capable to do the work. In fact, an architect may be overkill. He will charge a premium, and to honest, most of the work will come from one of his interns. Probably.

First, take inventory of what you want. I'm not sure if this is an addition or what. But assuming you are talking about an addition, what are your requirements. In brief you need a program, in architecture speak, it is a list of space requirements. For example, do you need another bedroom, bath, larger kitchen? You need to be somewhat reasonable, but don't short change you needs or future needs. You can scale it back later and make compromises. Then you need to get a good designer. Could be an architect, could be a home designer, could be a contractor. Interview several. It's personal, so don't make a decision based solely on price or experience (although important), but also their attitude on providing you the best solution for YOUR needs within YOUR budget.

Then contact them to produce a new design. You should be able to get a preliminary drawings, plans and elevations. You can make revisions at that time. Then you can get a final design. This isn't final construction documents, but the drawings he needs to give you so you fully understand what the final design will be. Perhaps even a model. The final design drawings aren't what the contractor builds off of, but communication so you understand the design. And if you don’t understand, make sure you do understand by asking questions.

Then you can get construction documents, working drawings and specifications, so the contractor gets permits and start. You may want to get some information from planning and/or building departments/commissions, so you know what plans are necessary, so you contact for those working drawings. Or just specify that the designer will produce all drawings necessary for permits.

Then get bids from contractors, so you know if it is within your budget. You may have to make more revisions.

Point is many people can do this work for you. One point to consider, if you live in a historic district or home, then an architect may be the best option, because some specialize in that type of design.

Answer 2

Do you mean 'extension', not 'elevation'? If that demonstrates your level of knowledge, and no offense intended, then I would definitely not try the DIY route.

I am a building surveyor and I would use an architect. You need specific knowledge with regards to structure, building techniques building regulations, and as you've mentioned PP also.

Find a different architect. Many have websites and will give you details of past projects with pics. Do a bit of research on Google or Yahoo.

NOTE TO CORVO - I know what an elevation is. I've been a building surveyor for over 10 years and produce drawings on a daily basis. You don't build an elevation, you build an extension. It sounds like you need to do a bit more studying!

Answer 3

Unless you have been trained, I would suggest that you have somebody who has had training in drafting and CAD to draw up plans for you. Usually, a contracted architect will work with you to design a house for you.

By the way, Tobias, it is Elevation, which refers to the view looking directly towards any side of a structure.

Answer 4

you really need to get the drawings done by an architect as they should know the planning regulations , which will give you a better chance of getting them passed , also if he has quoted you 1,000 then i would say that is a fare price , you said he was useless , but if you give them a rough idea on what you want then leave them to it they useually turn out better than you expect , and yes i know what i am talking about as i am a builder with 28 years experiance

Answer 5

your drawings will have to be to scale ...normally 1-50 and 1-100..you will also have to submit for building regs .. its not the architects job to tell you what to do with the extension ..you should all ready know ...there are lots of people who will do the drawings for you check local paper ..even the net !