Sprocker10

Yeh, sorry, I didn't mean the time isn't needed to remodel the house, it has loads of potential and so I can see the work that might be required, particularly on a small budget. I just meant it might not be needed for me... I plan for the downstairs layout to basically stay the same, just without the walls!

Haha, it definitely isn't Wentworth Woodhouse! It's an ugly 1970s house but the ground floor space is nearly 140 square metres, including a large garage and then 4 reception rooms. There's no extensions planned, it already has a full wrap around extension of all four walls. I'd like to have two walls knocked down (one of these is part of the original outside wall and the other wall has the chimney breast) to create a large (approx 10m x 6m) kitchen/living space and have one sitting room. I mentioned to the architect later turning the garage space into a self contained annexe, but that would be budgeted for separately. I can see the architect is willing to put in lots of time planning this, and seems excited about the project, but I'm just not sure that it's needed. I have clear ideas on what I'd like to do. I'm also worried we'd end up with a great design from him, but it won't be feasible financially and we'll have paid a lot of money for some pretty drawings!

I’m looking to remodel a house and have been quoted £1500 for a measured building survey, £2400 to go through the concept design (RIBA stage 2) and £2400 to go through the developed design (RIBA stage 3). To pay over £6000 to see if the project is viable is making me nervous and I wonder whether the planning costs will end up spiralling given this is just an initial design. I know architect prices will vary but is this typical? The budget altogether is between £40k-£50k for the remodel itself. Later we will add some extra for external improvements. The architect works in a small practice in the north. Thanks for any advice.