Architect Quote - Which bits do I need?

[iain014]

Hi,
Having a bit of a palava getting an architect lined up and drawings done so that the builder can formally quote for my proposed side return and rear extension. 6 months and 3 architects later it's finally getting somewhere...
I'm pretty fixed on the layout and design of the space and don't feel that I need any extra help with this from the architect, I literally just think that I need a measured drawing which the builder can formally quote from and also for submitting to planning. I'll need a structural engineer at some stage too as there are a few load bearing walls to be messed with.
Below is the project outline (note that my drawing is the one used) and the fee proposal from the architect. My question to PH is which parts of the quote do I actually need a professional to do, and whether the quotes themselves are reasonable before I go back to them (located in the South East). Cheers

[iain014]

Just to add, the blue post in the picture and the faint lines are existing, the proposal is to move the blue post to the area highlighted in yellow. The existing structure is your standard late victorian/early edwardian L shape.

[iain014]

[Busa mav]

Don't forget that the application fees and engineers input will be in addition to the above.

I guess you have gone to an established practice with offices and overheads, otherwise, good work if you can get it.

What council will you be submitting to ?

[iain014]

Busa mav said:

Don't forget that the application fees and engineers input will be in addition to the above.

I guess you have gone to an established practice with offices and overheads, otherwise, good work if you can get it.

What council will you be submitting to ?

They are a pretty well established firm in the area and their full project work looks fairly high spec. Will be to Brentwood council, there are approved plans for a similar extension further down the road which have been passed but not built so far.

[Dr_Rick]

Blimey, just be thankful you don't live in Edinburgh. I'm about to take to Planning Application stage a two ensuite and a dressing room extension above an existing garage.

Stage A - F1 are expected to take 145hrs and a total of £7250.

I'll take your £3300

[TA14]

Looks quite nicely set. I doubt whether you can pick and choose bits like a menu. How much do you want him to do? If he doesn't do site supervision et al are you happy to deal with the builder or will you try to leave everything to the builder and the BCO?

If you know what you want an architectural technician should save you a fair whack as long as he's not a fly by night.

[MagicalTrevor]

My 2 storey extension is 5m x 8m and I was quoted:

Survey – drawing up existing information £500.00

Sketch Scheme Fee £750.00

Planning Fee £250.00

Building Regulations/ Working Drawings £1500.00

(This may vary depending on size of final scheme)

On Site Supervision £TBA

[E36GUY]

You can save £300 by doing the planning application yourself. I see absolutely no value in having the architect do that you for you. It's mostly online submissions now anyway.

[iain014]

So on the basis that the drawing that I've done is pretty much what I'd like built, going for the standard service but removing the £900 cost of section C in the quote isn't unreasonable?

[iain014]

E36GUY said:

You can save £300 by doing the planning application yourself. I see absolutely no value in having the architect do that you for you. It's mostly online submissions now anyway.

Cheers - So plus potentially removing this element too and doing this myself.

[iain014]

TA14 said:

Looks quite nicely set. I doubt whether you can pick and choose bits like a menu. How much do you want him to do? If he doesn't do site supervision et al are you happy to deal with the builder or will you try to leave everything to the builder and the BCO?

If you know what you want an architectural technician should save you a fair whack as long as he's not a fly by night.

I'll have a chat with him but suspect that you may be correct and its not a tick-box menu, will see.

I'm happy to project manage, although will I save a few quid potentially by keeping the architect on board?

[MagicalTrevor]

E36GUY said:

You can save £300 by doing the planning application yourself. I see absolutely no value in having the architect do that you for you. It's mostly online submissions now anyway.

Too late!

I believe, for that, he'll also assist with any questions/objections so I'm happy to reduce my hassle.

Edited to add that you're on my list of people to speak to as I'll be wanting lights

[TA14]

iain014 said:

TA14 said:

Looks quite nicely set. I doubt whether you can pick and choose bits like a menu. How much do you want him to do? If he doesn't do site supervision et al are you happy to deal with the builder or will you try to leave everything to the builder and the BCO?

If you know what you want an architectural technician should save you a fair whack as long as he's not a fly by night.

I'll have a chat with him but suspect that you may be correct and its not a tick-box menu, will see.

iain014 said:

So on the basis that the drawing that I've done is pretty much what I'd like built, going for the standard service but removing the £900 cost of section C in the quote isn't unreasonable?

With regard to the above I tend to think that D will be developed from C so if you eliminate C then D may rise to £900, say, so a saving but not what you hoped.

iain014 said:

I'm happy to project manage, although will I save a few quid potentially by keeping the architect on board?

It comes down to details usually and unexpected items on site. If everything is built exactly as the drawing and the builder understands all of the materials then you're OK. At the moment your extension does sound like a straight forward job. (Hopefully not famous last words.)