If you’re considering building an extension on your home, then you will undoubtedly be asking the question: ‘should I hire an architect?’ In short, yes, we would strongly recommend it. The thing is, in the UK, you don’t have to legally hire an architect – unlike many other countries across the world, you can actually create the drawings yourself and give them to the builder. Is this a good idea? Probably not. While you don’t have to hire an architect by law, the services they provide are priceless. After all, even if you’re planning a small extension to your home, hiring an architect can actually save you money, time and a whole lot of potential headaches in the future.
What are the advantages of hiring a professional architect when extending your home?
A more seamless planning permission application
If you need to apply for planning permission, then you will need to submit professional drawings as part of your application. Drawings created by a qualified architect is undeniably the right route to take if you’re wanting the application to be as smooth and stress-free as possible. Not only are professional drawings more likely to be approved by the council the first time, but architects can also use their expertise to advise on the best design to minimise any potential planning issues.
Safety and legalities
OK, you could create the drawings yourself but how much do you really know about complying with the law when extending your home?
Architects come packed full of the vital, essential and necessary information you need, to ensure your extension complies with any laws. Of course, if you’re building an extension, then there will be somebody living in that space, right? With that in mind, the extension needs to be a safe area – and hiring an architect to support you with the drawings is essential to ensure this.
Expert advice
Simply put, professional architects are the experts in the industry – remember, they’ve undergone years of intense training, which means they are in the best possible position to advise and support you with your extension.
Hiring an architect can prove extremely useful if you’re not entirely sure what type of extension you want. Architects live, eat and sleep extensions, renovations and new homes, which means they come with a wealth of invaluable knowledge to help create the perfect design for you – far more than you’d ever discover on Pinterest and Google! Better still, they can maximise space, while giving you out of the box ideas from a professional perspective.
It’s not just about the exterior
If you’re building an extension, this is the perfect opportunity to renovate the inside of your home too. Skilled architects have interior design knowledge too, which means they can help redesign your home and create a new living space.
A huge benefit to hiring a professional architect is that they pick up on the minor details that you might oversee – you know, like what way the door should open, or where the light switch can go. All of these might seem small but they actually make a huge difference, trust us.
Are you ready to start your extension?
If you are considering building an extension, then get in contact with Keenan Project Designs. We provide a high-quality architectural service with a quick turnaround. Our team of experts will help you create your perfect home. Not only are we a RIBA Chartered Practice, but our whole ethos is based on being reliable and trustworthy, without compromising on quality. Our services span Warwickshire and beyond, including Rugby, Coventry, Leamington Spa, Kenilworth, Northampton and Solihull.
