Loft Conversion Cost

Finding A Designer

Finding a good designer can be a major loft conversion cost so it is important to find the right one for you.  When looking for a designer it is usual to think of an architect but this isn’t necessarily the case.  There are many freelance designers and draughtsmen who work on loft conversions so don’t feel compelled to contact an architect when it is time to draw your plans.

Of course the main qualifications you should be looking for in any designer is experience and knowledge of the building regulations.  If the designer has already successfully worked with the local building control office than that is even better.

Your local building control officer may be able to supply you with a list of designers and architects in your area but just because a name is on that list it shouldn’t be viewed as a recommendation.  The building control officer has to remain impartial so the list will be for information purposes only.

The drawing and submission of the plans is a vital stage in any loft conversion project and it essential that the plans cover all the bases.  When contracting a designer it is very important to establish exactly what is included in the fee to ensure that your loft conversion cost does not go over budget but that the plans submitted cover everything you need.

It needs to be established if the designers fees include:

• Every drawing that is required by the building control officer to obtain building regulations consent and, if necessary, planning permission.
  
• If the building control officer requires amendments to the plans are these included in the fee or will an additional charge be levied.
  
• Are structural calculations included (this is usually not the case)
  
• Importantly, is project management included?  Will the designer or architect oversee the project and work with the builder to ensure the plans are carried out correctly.

By keeping the above in mind it should be possible to keep the designers fees within your loft conversion cost budget.