Is it too early to speak to an architect?

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You've been saving inspiration, imagining a bigger kitchen, or wondering whether knocking down that wall might finally make your home work better. But when should you actually speak to an architect?

The simple answer? Earlier than you might think.

Many homeowners assume they need a clear design, a fixed budget or even planning permission before approaching an architect. In reality, an architect can help you work through these decisions from the very beginning and save you a tonne of money!

Whether you're planning a house extension, a complete renovation or simply want to make better use of your existing space, getting professional advice early can save time, money and unnecessary headaches.

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1. Before you've decided exactly what you want

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You don't need to arrive with a fully formed design. In fact, that's part of our job!

Perhaps you need another bedroom, a larger kitchen or better connections to your garden. An architect can explore different layouts and help you understand what's possible within your existing home.

Sometimes, the best solution isn't an extension at all. A clever reconfiguration of your existing rooms could give you everything you need without adding extra floor space.

At Felix Lewis Architects, we love finding opportunities that homeowners might not have considered.

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2. Before you set your renovation budget

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One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is setting a construction budget without understanding the full scope of a renovation.

An architect can help you explore the likely costs of different design options, from structural alterations and extensions to interior finishes and professional fees.

Understanding these costs early allows you to make informed decisions and avoid designing something that isn't financially realistic.

For more guidance, read our House Extension Cost Guide.

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3. Before applying for planning permission

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Not every home renovation requires planning permission, but it's important to understand the rules before starting work.

An architect can help determine whether your project falls under permitted development rights or requires a planning application. Regardless an application will likely need submitting for approval. Even if your proposed extension is permitted development, you'll need the evidence from the council that says so, equally if you sell your house they will require this document for the sale.

For listed buildings, conservation areas and period properties, additional considerations always apply. It's not as daunting as it sounds, but early architectural advice can help you develop a design that respects the building while meeting your needs in a more stress free way.

4. Before approaching a builder

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It's tempting to ask a builder for a quote as soon as you have an idea. However, without detailed drawings and a clear specification, quotations can vary considerably. Often builders miss all the permissions required that could get you into serious trouble. Equally we are often brought in to rectify builders work when they haven't successfully thought about the overall impact an extension could have on your property.

An architect can prepare the information needed for contractors to understand the proposed work properly and any other aspects that have forgteen to design for. This will ultimatley help you compare quotations more accurately. As designers working in construction, we have a much better understanding of what your project breif should cost a builder, we can deduce what elements a builder is over charging or under charging you for.

A well-considered design can also reduce unexpected changes during construction.

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5. When your home simply isn't working anymore

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Sometimes you know something needs to change, but you're not quite sure what.

Perhaps your kitchen feels disconnected from the garden, your rooms are dark or your family has outgrown the current layout.

This is often the perfect moment to involve an architect.

Through thoughtful residential architecture and interior design, even modest alterations can dramatically improve how a home feels and functions.

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Explore our Architecture and Interior Design Projects to see how we've transformed homes across Kent, Surrey, Sussex and London.

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