LDNRennovation

Well no it won’t be free. I have about 10 years of helping self builders around the country. I was thinking around 3k for the concept and design stage. 1k for extra planning items.

No worries, I’m a fully qualified architect. ARB and RIBA.

To be honest I did everything by Skype during the pandemic, it was fine. I was looking for some supportive ideas.

Just checking you understand the situation … it just means no key, you can lock it but you have to be able to push button open it from the inside?

Ha, no thanks I would like to be a self build architect specifically - extensions would be included.

Yes of course you do, Timber Frame right? I’d suggest you need someone to design your house to your brief and get you planning.

I’d rather keep it anonymous for the customers! Since they don’t post here anymore I can PM you I think though.

Thanks Mike. Did you go for a specialist self build architect? Would people be interested in that. I should say designer really, my training is designing self build houses and I’d like to give people that 1-1 personal service you don’t really get with an architectural firm.

I mean help with the design and planning. This would be my market lol, (some people on here I have done designs for, I’ve not spoken to them on here of course).

Firstly this isn’t an advert and I’m not doing anything just yet. I’d like to become a self employed architect, one that deals exclusively with people building their self build homes. It’s something I’ve previously done with larger companies and architects, but it’s a big leap to work on my own. I’ve got a good portfolio including a grand designs episode or two, been in magazines front cover of AJ so I have some experience. I just don’t know where to start, and if there is money in this. I would like to take on 2-3 clients at a time and help them through their journey. How do I find people who would want this?

4? That’s low. they usually just know the local counsellor. I’d make the point to the planner that this is a waste of time and ask them to cancel it.

You can do it a few ways! Very exciting. Do come back and update here. You’re looking about 1.5k-2k per m2 to build a house from foundations up. I’d look for a plot of land and think about how much you want to spend to start. Costs 10% less if you self manage. Then you can get a planning appraisal, from a planning consultant or architect. They might suggest a pre-app. Sometimes you can buy land on the assumption you will get planning. Also, you can buy a bungalow or something where it’s more likely to get planning. You can find land a number of ways, through the planning portal, rightmove, or approach farmers or people with big gardens (polite note through the door with your details). You can then give your ideas over to a designer, I’d recommend a lone architect or designer, avoid a technician at this stage. Include images from Pinterest and the planning appraisal. Visit self build shows, research heating and insulation. Get through planning. Then you can approach a timber frame company or a builder. You will also need building regs using the build you have chosen.

Probably ok on the back, less chance on the side. has the one across the road done it? You can show others have done side extensions to argue it.

Do you have any ideas? I love your designs I’d like to do something cool with this! I can do an extension at the back too.

thanks iceverge! Really appreciate the order you did. It has cavity walls, 1980s, so I would think about adding some more insulation there. Not sure how or if it is possible. Definitely adding loft insulation yes, the roll stuff onto the rafters. it’s not drafty, yes trickle vents and extractor. we are replacing the boiler, first orders. Then it’s insulation time I think! Honestly the front elevation AI is superb.

It looks nice for about a month, it is the typical house flipper tactic! I really want to render it, with insulation. But there’s so much ‘side’ to the house, where it’s going to be render you never see and goes green? the white on the outside really does make it look nice though. But it requires window colour change, I feel like.

I really love it lol, yep terrifying

This is the layout!

yes it’s overpowering isn’t it. I have thought of the insulation and render, I like the idea but would it add value to the house, or emphasise the brown windows. We aren’t planning on fitting new windows. we have 40k in total for the renovation project. That’s a new kitchen and flooring (20k), and the conversion of the garage (20k). I have another 40k for an extension after that. I guess I need a new front door and clean the roof, as a minimum. I guess to do up the front and exterior would be about 10k, but do you have something nice in mind?

We might convert the garage to a bedroom, but would you render it, or add a porch? Should we add timber cladding? A new door? any ideas?

It’s difficult. You won’t usually get much through a small claims court, it’s a last resort. I’d maybe try another letter outlining what she owes, offer some kind of agreement (mediation, negotiation) , then threat of adjudication. Then get a debt collector involved. Potentially write off as a learning experience anyway, sorry you learned not to trust people with a sob story.

ETC, I’m an aspiring architect and I’d love to do this too. However I’m worried I’ll get sued even if I do it for free! can you help people out without PI?

Courtyard idea is cool, any idea that drives the design is a way forward. I honestly think the first layout had more joy to it. It’s all lacking ideas and inspiration, I mean look at the site, look at the family using the space, put some creativity into it. Where are the views, the sun. It looks like there’s a playroom, but what is that going to be in the future. I personally love designing barns, they have so much potential. If OP is interested there’s so many opportunities for something just a bit more special and coherent. I’m aware he’s taking a dislike to me lol. attached is what I think would look great, a few details for the windows, a ‘wow’ looking front elevation. You can just tell the spaces inside are great to be in. Good luck op hope you find what you need.

None taken from me, I’m a happy little monkey lol! I did just now check with building control just to check if the stairs needed protection (did it anonymously and just described the issue), it’s a free service and they are always very happy to help. They said it was fine as is, as long as the windows, 30 min doors and smoke alarm systems were up to the code. I’m sure OP needs no help from me just discussing with you ETC as you seem like you know a thing or two. It bothered me since I did a self-build and did much the same thing with no issue! Unless I’m missing something of course.