FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Deciding between extending at ground floor or converting the loft for additional space depends on various factors such as planning restrictions, budget, brief requirements, the existing layout and roof construction, etc. Extending at ground floor can providing more living or kitchen space and potentially increase value providing better connection to gardens however converting a loft can be a good way to increase the number of bedrooms or gaining a home office. We would always recommend that you consult with an architect at the beginning of your journey in order to help evaluate the best option based on your brief and existing constraints. During the initial design phase we can work up options for both schemes and obtain costings from a Quantity Surveyor on your behalf to enable you to make best decision for your needs and budget, before moving onto the planning and building warrant stage.

In most cases, you will need planning permission for architectural projects. However, there are some exceptions and specific criteria to consider. It's advisable to consult with a professional architect to determine the planning requirements for your project.

The cost of hiring an architect in Glasgow can vary wildly depending on several factors such as the scope and complexity of the project, the architect's experience and reputation, and the specific services required. Traditionally, an architect’s fee for a ‘Full Architectural Service’ (from inception through to completion) is charged as a percentage of the construction cost (excluding VAT). This is because the value of a project can be aligned with the likely time invested by the architect. However, we find that a more cost-effective way of providing architectural services is to split the whole process into stages and you only pay for the services you want. In simple terms, the stages are: Briefing, survey and preparation of existing drawings (measured survey usually carried out by others) Sketch design options (including 3D model) Preparation of planning drawings and application Preparation of detailed drawings and building warrant application Construction Design Management (in a partial service our appointment would end here) Construction documentation & tendering On-site Involvement After we have visited your home and carried out the initial consultation, we can provide a bespoke fee proposal tailored to your needs. Our fee proposal will be based on how long we expect each stage to take based on our previous experience of similar projects. Our fee for the initial design, planning and building warrant is offered as a fixed fee. Our fees for construction documentation, tendering and contract administration is based on an hourly rate of £50 p/h (we do not charge VAT). Other Costs As the lead consultant, we work alongside other construction professionals form the design team and can advise on the appointment of the Structural Engineer, Quantity Surveyor & Measured Building Surveyor. An Asbestos Survey may be required if the work involves alterations to an existing house. Also, there are local authority fees for planning and building warrant applications to pay. For a more precise estimate, it's best to contact several architects in Glasgow, discuss your project requirements, and request detailed quotes. This will give you a clearer idea of the specific costs involved for your project. A rough guide to our fees can be found here.

Finding a reliable and experienced Structural Engineer is crucial for your construction project. We have our own list of reliable Structural Engineers that we work with regularly and can obtain comparison quotes for each project. You can also ask for recommendations from builders or friends who have worked on similar projects. Additionally, online directories and professional associations can help you find qualified Structural Engineers in your area. It's essential to verify their credentials, experience, and past projects before making a decision. If you live in a rural property it is likely that you will also need a Civil Engineer to assist with the drainage and septic tank design, we can also help you in this regard.

A building warrant is a legal requirement for most construction projects to ensure compliance with building regulations. It is necessary to obtain a building warrant before starting construction to ensure that the proposed work meets safety and quality standards set by the local authorities. Failure to obtain a building warrant can result in legal consequences and difficulties in selling or insuring the property.

We get asked this question a lot! For most domestic projects (extensions/alterations), we generally advise that it takes around 12 months from commencing the design work to starting the build, based on us providing a full service. However, this depends on a variety of factors including the availability of consultants and how long it takes the local authority to process and approve the planning and building warrant applications, all of which are out with our control. If your project is located in a Conservation Area, or if the existing property is listed, then the planning process could take longer. It's recommended to work closely with your architect and project team to establish a realistic timeline for starting the construction phase.