A lot of the stress with renovating often comes from putting off big decisions until it’s too late. Generally, it’s smartest to get an architect on board before you’ve settled on a floor plan, picked a builder, or locked yourself into a budget that you can’t change. For a Monmouth Architect, visit www.hillsandcompany.co.uk
The perfect moment: right when you’re just starting out.
Think about getting an architect involved if you already have:
A pretty good idea of what you’re hoping for – maybe you want more room, a better flow, or just more natural light.
A realistic sense of how much you’re willing to spend.
Some sort of deadline, even if it’s just something like ‘before winter sets in’.
When you’re at this early point, an architect can help you figure out what’s actually possible, point out any roadblocks – like planning rules, structural issues, or access problems – and stop you from having to pay for new designs multiple times.
You should definitely get one before you…
Buy a property that you’re planning to renovate. They can point out expensive problems you might not see and suggest simple things that could quickly boost its value.
Apply for planning permission. An architect can make sure your design fits with local rules, which makes it less likely to get turned down.
Start asking builders for price quotes. The thing is, quotes only really make sense if everyone is bidding on the exact same plans and specifications.
What if you’re already in the middle of your project?
It’s not like it’s completely ‘too late’, but your options might be a bit more restricted. Still, an architect can often help by:
Making a floor plan better if it’s just not working for you.
Helping you sort out any questions you have about planning permission or Building Regulations.