Confused - QS / Architect

[Helen Vowls]

Hi, 

we are absolute newbies and have purchased a plot of land with planning approved for a 300sqm + house in an acre.  We’ve taken a quote from Scandia hus as they are local and also another couple of firms.  What I’m currently confused about is the following:

- we want to tweak the plans.  Scandia have an in-house design service who can do this but their overall prices is £££££££££.  We are going to go back to the original architect but I’m beyond doing the plans, getting further approval and sorting building regs, do we need them in the process? Also, reading about a quantity surveyor for a lot of people - where do they come in?!?!
sorry if silly questions but just need clarity so we aren’t doubling up on resources, or not having enough!

thanks

[Temp]

Normally there are at least four stages..

 

1) Design and Planning Permission

2) Building Control Application and Approval

3) Getting quotes and choosing a builder 

4) The build

 

Some people employ an architect to do/manage all four stages. Other people only use an Architect for the first two stages. Others don't use a builder (instead they hire contractors and manage the build themselves). Others hire a project manager to oversee stages 3 and 4. Which route you take depends on how much involvement you want and knowledge you have. Using an Architect to manage all four stages is expensive - think their standard fee is around 11% of the build cost.

 

A QS would typically offer to do two things for you..

 

1) He would estimate the build cost from the architects plans, and check builders quotes are consistent. For example is one quote less because the builder left out the kitchen or assumed a different nominal figure.

2) Carry out regular valuations of the build and recommend stage payments to the builder be made. If any changes are required during construction he would agree the extra cost or reduction in the builders quote.

 

Employing a QS is also quite expensive.

 

 

Edited November 13, 2020 by Temp

[Gus Potter]

Hello Helen.

 

If you can, then post your plans; make sure you show site boundaries, slopes if you can. Make sure you edit out any identifying marks.

 

You can get help on this site that will guide you towards getting a good budget price, tips on how to negotiate, what to look out for and so on, make suggestions as to how you could progress. Your Architect should be able to guide you.. but it depends on what / how you have briefed them.

 

Posting a bit more information should pay dividends. The main this is to try and make sure you enjoy the processs. It is possible!

 

All the best.