Whether you want to add a large two-storey extension to your home or simply convert the garage, an architect can turn your ideas into reality.

TV shows, such as Grand Designs, have helped to demystify the profession as they follow people building their dream home, but their projects often go over-budget and over-time. How can you brief an architect to get the very best result?

Choosing an architect

There’s no law to say you must employ an architect. But architects – unlike builders or surveyors or structural engineers - are design professionals. An architect can help maximize your property’s potential whether it’s reconfiguring rooms or overcoming a building’s constraints. This means if you hire an architect you may have more options than you originally thought.

The title ‘architect’ is protected by law so that only those who have undergone the rigorous training and are fully qualified can rightly use it. Individuals and companies describing themselves as ‘surveyor and designer’ or ‘architectural designer’ or similar wording are probably not architects. Check if they are registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) which is compulsory. Many are also members of the Royal Institution for British Architects (RIBA), the industry body.

Briefing the architect – communicate your aims

The success of your project depends largely on your ability to communicate your vision. Before meeting the architect, take time to ask yourself these 10 questions as this will help to set a clear brief.

* Explain your reasons for embarking on the project. Why do you want to extend or remodel your home? Is extra space needed for a growing family or to add value/ update your home?

* Describe what you hope to achieve, for example a bigger kitchen, more natural light?

* What kinds of new spaces do you need, for example, bedrooms, bigger kitchen-diner, utility room, family room, bathroom etc?

* What is your lifestyle? Do you work from home and need a separate home office? Do you entertain a lot? Do you enjoy gardening?

* What functions or activities will be housed in the new space, for example cooking, dining, watching TV, reading, playing musical instruments? How much time will you spend there?  

* Do you have design preferences? Do you like open-plan living or value your privacy? Are you looking for an extension in keeping with the existing building or a bold, modern design?

* Who will be living there – young children, teenagers, grandparents plus any pets? Is this likely to change any time soon?

*Take a moment to think about your existing home, what works, what you like about it and similarly what doesn’t work, and you would like to change.

* What do you envisage in your new extension that the current home lacks, such as seamless links between the house and garden or plenty of storage?

*How important is it that your home extension is eco-friendly or sustainable with low energy bills?

“The client should say everything they desire from the project, all their aims and aspirations. Don’t hold back – throw the kitchen sink at it,” said RIBA chartered architect Scot Masker, director of Pro Vision. “It is the architect’s job to absorb a lot of information, including everything the client wants and then relate that to the space available and budget.”

Include lots of pictures

‘A picture is worth a thousand words’ is a bit of a cliché, but images can tell the architect more about your likes and dislikes than words ever could. Compile a scrapbook of clippings of interior designs, fireplaces, kitchens, front doors from journals and websites like Pinterest. “I don’t know what the client is thinking, what is in their head, so if they can give me pictures, it really helps,” said Scot. 

Architect Mark Benzie, founder of C3 Design, agreed but said it’s best to keep it “broad brush and aspirational” at this stage. “There is no need to be prescriptive, but a flavour of the style they are after. For example, kitchen units – traditional or contemporary? 

“Don’t get too bogged down, be too prescriptive about a solution and think more about general wants and ideas.” He said it’s the job of the architect to come up with creative solutions. If you want to explore options, be flexible.

What do you need to prioritise?

Communicate to your architect what your new space must have as opposed to nice to have.  For example, do you need it to be wheelchair friendly? Does the bathroom need a walk-in shower and a bath? How  concerned are you about it having a sustainable or ecological design? Do you need space for a 12-seater dining table for big family get-togethers? Natalie Skeete, founder of Forest Architecture in Hampshire, said: “The brief often evolves as projects progress, but I get my clients to list their main ambitions from the very beginning.”

Scaled, measured drawings

If you want to extend or remodel your home, the first thing both you and your architect need is scaled, measured drawings of the existing build. Scot said: “It’s a mistake to think you can use the estate agent’s floor plan or details. The measurements aren’t reliable enough for building purposes.” Before options are discussed or sketch schemes drawn up, scaled, measured drawings of the existing layout are required. These plans can be provided by the architect or another professional such as a surveyor.

Be clear on budget & timescale

Ultimately, the biggest factor in shaping your project is the budget. Start by figuring out how much money you are willing to spend on the project by the time it’s finished. “The best thing is to be open and candid,” says Mark, adding: “Some people have no idea how much an extension will cost. If they aren’t clear, or just assume they can afford it, you are more likely to have problems.”   Your architect could waste a lot of time and money sketching grand designs that won’t ever be built or skimping on the design when there is no need.

“Having an idea of the budget is essential because you don’t want to design a £200,000 scheme if the client only has £100,000 to spend,” said Scot.  Similarly, if you need the home extension finished by a specific date, you need to let your architect know that at the start. Communicate how soon you need to be settled into your home extension. Is there a rigid time constraint?

Get started

Most architects offer a free initial consultation to discuss your ideas. Now is the perfect time to start planning and designing your home extension.