Do You Need an Architect for a Small Extension in Essex?
Planning an extension project — even a small one — can be a little daunting. In Essex and across the southwest of England, the cost of working with a professional tends to be higher than elsewhere in the UK. So it's common for homeowners to try to reduce their small extension costs by finding alternatives.
With this in mind, do you really need an architect for a small extension in Essex? And is working with an architect really worth the cost? This is what we're going to be looking at today.
Do You Legally Need an Architect for a Small Extension?
In legal terms, no you don't. You won't be forced to hire an architect to design your small extension in Essex. The law says you are permitted to carry out the work yourself, as long as you receive planning permission ahead of time and stick within regulatory codes and guidelines across the duration of your project.
But, while there's no legal requirement, hiring an architect is highly recommended.
Why Work with an Architect on Your Small Extension Project?
While there's no legal obligation to hire a small extension architect, it is highly beneficial. Here's why:
Even Small Extensions Can Be Complex
Small doesn't necessarily mean 'easy'. Whether you're building a small annexe, a wraparound extension, a rear extension, or something else, this can still be a highly complex project.
Working with an architect will help you get the design just right, so you can maximise the space at your property. You'll be able to collaborate with the architect, as they bring your ideas and vision to life.
You'll Gain Assistance with Key Project Milestones
A good architect can do a lot for you in Essex. They can help you identify how to get started on your project, and then assist you with gaining planning permission and staying within building regulatory codes.
This means you can quickly tick off your project milestones. And you don't need to fear having the whole project derailed by a clerical error or mishap.
The Right Architect Can Actually Reduce Your Small Extension Cost
The area around Essex is one of the most expensive for building an extension in the UK. In London, you might pay up to £2,250 per square metre for your extension — as Essex is outside the capital, you might pay a little less here, but not much less.
By working with an architect, you could end up reducing your small extension or porch extension costs by quite a bit. Your architect will help you get your project moving forward and maintain that progress. You'll gain drafts and plans that will make the job easier for your builders, and you'll eliminate the risk of having to start over.
You're Investing in Your Property — and Your Life
When you plan your house extension, your property and your lifestyle need to be your key priorities. Trying to cut corners in an effort to reduce small extension or porch extension costs can land you in a bad situation.
As we've seen above, working with an architect can help you gain the best possible results from your project. It can even save you money. Trying to limit those initial costs by going it alone, without an architect, could leave you worse off.
Get the Assistance You Need from Your Small Extension Architect Experts
Here at Humphreys & Sons, we have a proven track record of assisting Essex property owners with small house extension projects. Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help.
Architect fees - what do they include? We reveal all here.