If you are looking to plan a home extension in London, here are the best things to consider. Choosing the right architect is an exciting journey that can make or break your project. London’s combination of distinct architectural styles and strict planning, combined with a unique pulse, requires you to be an expert that knows what is required for this city and can make your idea a reality. The best architects in london don’t just design, they meld creativity and have a gift for practicality.
A skilled architect can help turn your extension into a masterpiece by helping you to maximize natural light, use every square foot possible and more. The problem is: How do you find the right one in this city that has so many to choose from? This guide will show you what you need to know, whenever you want to commission a builder for your London home extension.
Key Factors to Consider When Selecting an Architect
Finding the right architect is beyond picking an architect with a blazing portfolio. You’ll want to focus on:
Expertise and experience
Does the architect have experience with your same type of property? Beyond the type of property, their portfolio should include some familiarity with how your home looks.
Understanding of local planning regulation
London is a maze where obtaining planning permission. Working with borough councils is a skill that architects with local expertise will understand, and they’ll know how to get your project past the red rear end of unnecessary delays and costly rejections.
Creativity and vision
You want architects looking at challenges with fresh ideas and outside perspectives. Can they come up with innovative solutions to spatial situations? Do they have designs that work in your aesthetic while providing some practical value?
Communication and collaboration
Building an extension is a team effort, which is all about smooth communication between you, your architect and contractors. Select someone that listens, understands your vision, and communicates well.
Client reviews and ratings
Happy customers say more than anything else. You are also able to check online reviews, testimonials or simply ask your customers (direct references). They won’t hesitate to share their successes with a reputable architect.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Architect in London
Before you put your signature on the dotted paper, you need to have a good understanding of what your architect will provide you. Here are some must-ask questions:
Have you had similar experience with projects of this kind?
Doing it before gives an architect experience with similar properties, or extending them, which they know the challenges and potential of your property.
How do you approach design?
You should ask them about their design philosophy and how they check that their ideas are matching your vision. Are they looking for optimum space or most energy efficient?
What’s included in your fees?
It’s important to know the fee structure. Will they help with planning application, contractor selection, and project management, as well as just design?
When is your timeline for this project?
It helps you manage expectations knowing how long they estimate the project will take and when they are available.
Understanding the Architect’s Role in Home Extensions
Design and planning
Architects see your extension from initial sketches to detailed blueprints; from the pipework to the scuff marks on the walls, they make sure every inch of your extension has a purpose. Your building codes and structural integrity are important.
Planning permission navigating
That can be an obstacle in London, planning permission. This is managed by architects, making detailed applications, responding to council’s requirements and anticipating potential objectors.
Budget management
An experienced architect ensures affordable solutions for your project and viable contractors.
Project oversight
Choosing a full service architect means they’ll be shepherding the construction of your project to make sure the design comes together as intended and solving any on the ground problems that come up too.
Visit Architects’ Sites and Experience
Nothing compares to having an architect’s exercise up close. Visiting completed projects, sharing completed projects, or visiting sites under construction shows details that can be found nowhere else.
Evaluate their craftsmanship
View the quality of the materials, attention to detail and how spaces connect together.
Speak with previous clients
Talking to homeowners who have worked with the architect lets you in on an honest experience. Were they a high value partner or only a commodity partner in terms of communication, timelines and final results?
Understand their Approach
When you are baffled, you need them to come to your site and help you understand what they actually do and how they interact with the contractor and basically maybe never see any of the design.
