On Mon, 26 Sep 2005 14:10:56 +0100, "Set Square"
wrote:

In an earlier contribution to this discussion,
wrote:

I need to have full plans for my extension, due to building near a
public sewer. I also want to be able to fully budget before starting,
and dont want hassles with revising plans etc. Is it a good idea to
not-very-diy employ an architect ? If not, whats the best way of
producing good plans in the high level of detail required ?
If architect, any recommended. I don't want much advice on the layout
etc, just the regs/drawings.
Simon.

Are you talking about plans for Building Regs purposes - or do you need them
for Planning Permission as well? If you need both, they can be done at the
same time by the same person - even though they're different. The planning
permission ones only need to show what it will look like and be used for.
The building regs plans are much more detailed and need to cover structural
items, insulation, and drainage details - to name but a few.

Who you get to do them depends on how much ongoing support you want. An
architect will advise on design options, do the plans, get them approved,
get building quotes - and supervise the building work if that's what you
want. But it will cost you! If you know what you want and simply want the
plans done in a form which is acceptable to the planners and BCOs, it will
be much cheaper to employ an architectural technician rather than a
architect.

One slight thing with planning permission, they will happly grant
planning permission on stuff that can't possibly ever meet building
regulations, so you need to do a good bit of the building regs work
before you fall into this trap. Oh and of cource you can get both
planning and building regs right for something you can never afford to
build :-)

Rick