Why employ an architect?

• How to plan and design an extension
• Extension trends
• Why employ an architect?
• Preparing a brief
• Setting your budget
• Ground-level extensions
• Basement conversions
• Loft conversions
• Useful contacts

‘It sounds obvious, but builders specialise in building things and architects specialise in designing spaces,’ explains Judith Tugman of Architect Your Home. ‘Going straight to a builder means you miss out on the crucial design stage. By using an architect, you’ll end up with a home that’s right for you and that you’ll love living in. Remember, too, a badly designed extension can actually reduce the selling price.’

You can hire an architect to manage all of the building process, including helping you secure planning consent and building regulation certification, finding a suitable builder, monitoring progress, standards and safety on site, arranging input from specialists and overseeing construction to completion.

‘Your relationship with your architect is very important, so it’s crucial to find someone you’re confident you can work with,’ says Mark Dyson of Enclosure Architects. One of the best ways is through personal recommendation, or contact RIBA, which can provide a shortlist of architects with the skills to suit your project. Log on to architecture.com/useanarchitect for a directory of registered practices.

When you find an architect who appeals, ask to see their portfolio. Look at three recent jobs and visit finished projects. Don’t forget to ask for references, and bear in mind a good practice will be in demand.

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