Building regs drawings

[Ben1984]

I am an experienced builder, but this is my first time as a self-builder.
We are about to start our self-build, which has a relatively straightforward design, but it does include elements that are new to me (HVAC, solar panels, air tightness <1.0, warm pitched roof design, designated plant room).

The architect I normally use (used on my last four projects, generally a good experience) has quoted £4,500 + VAT for the building regs drawings — this is consistent with what I was expecting. I am still waiting for a quote on the structural calculations, which will be in addition to the architect’s fee.

I’ve been on Fiverr and found a well-reviewed architect/structural engineer who has offered to do both the building regs and structural calcs for £1,800 (no VAT).

Given my experience and the fact I’ve already decided on 90% of the specification/design, what would be the main problems or risks with using the guy on Fiverr?

I will talk to my architect about this, but I was hoping for feedback here first.

[ETC]

1 hour ago, Ben1984 said:

I am an experienced builder, but this is my first time as a self-builder.
We are about to start our self-build, which has a relatively straightforward design, but it does include elements that are new to me (HVAC, solar panels, air tightness <1.0, warm pitched roof design, designated plant room).

The architect I normally use (used on my last four projects, generally a good experience) has quoted £4,500 + VAT for the building regs drawings — this is consistent with what I was expecting. I am still waiting for a quote on the structural calculations, which will be in addition to the architect’s fee.

I’ve been on Fiverr and found a well-reviewed architect/structural engineer who has offered to do both the building regs and structural calcs for £1,800 (no VAT).

Given my experience and the fact I’ve already decided on 90% of the specification/design, what would be the main problems or risks with using the guy on Fiverr?

I will talk to my architect about this, but I was hoping for feedback here first.

I think you might be taking too much of a risk. If what you are getting is cheap ask yourself why. As for asking your architect I think he’d be a bit pissed that you are thinking of going on-line.

Why not ask your current architect for a discount since you are a repeat business. It’s more important to your architect to have business coming in - and repeat business is always very important.

 

However in relation to what you have mentioned your architect will farm those parts out - he or she will manage and co-ordinate the works into his or her working drawings. At the end of the day drawings for submission to BC do not need the detail that tender drawings do and since you are handling the build yourself I think the WDs will or could be straight forward.

[Ben1984]

1 minute ago, ETC said:

I think you might be taking too much of a risk. If what you are getting is cheap ask yourself why. As for asking your architect I think he’d be a bit pissed that you are thinking of going on-line.

Why not ask your current architect for a discount since you are a repeat business. It’s more important to your architect to have business coming in - and repeat business is always very important.

 

However in relation to what you have mentioned your architect will farm those parts out - he or she will manage and co-ordinate the works into his or her working drawings. At the end of the day drawings for submission to BC do not need the detail that tender drawings do and since you are handling the build yourself I think the WDs will or could be straight forward.

Thanks for formulating a response. 

I am assuming the main reason for the price difference is the location of the architect. The quote from my architect is fair for someone based in the UK with their knowledge and experience. The quote from Fiverr is almost certainly from someone based abroad where the costs are lower. I don't think this automatically means I will be getting a sub standard service (but it is a risk).

I am trying to figure out/decide what value my architect will bring to justify the extra ~£4,000 fee.

What do you mean by WD? working drawings?

[ETC]

2 hours ago, Ben1984 said:

Thanks for formulating a response. 

I am assuming the main reason for the price difference is the location of the architect. The quote from my architect is fair for someone based in the UK with their knowledge and experience. The quote from Fiverr is almost certainly from someone based abroad where the costs are lower. I don't think this automatically means I will be getting a sub standard service (but it is a risk).

I am trying to figure out/decide what value my architect will bring to justify the extra ~£4,000 fee.

What do you mean by WD? working drawings?

I agree. Costs for many things including services are or can be less expensive abroad. However you you should consider what value your current architect will bring to the project including speed of preparing the WDs (Working Drawings), the knowledge of local legislation and being able to be on the end of a phone if you need advice as you build.

 

I cannot comment on the extent of the fee since I don’t know how complex you project is but having said that if you are a repeat client I suspect the fee is modest and a “mucking around” levy may not have been applied.

[nod]

Fees vary wildly 

I remember on our first build a SE quoting -£1700 plus for steels lintels and foundation design 

Second quote from a far more experienced SE came in at £500 plus 

No different than building and materials quotes 

[Crofter]

Wouldn't there be a risk in using somebody outside the UK, that they are not familiar with the relevant regs?