Why use G.A. Architects rather than another local Architect?
We always recommend using local companies for your home improvement work, whether that is an Architect, a builder, a plumber or an electrician. Local works best because local knowledge can be essential in gaining planning permission and maintaining a continued relationship with your contractors. A continued relationship is necessary because your home needs to be maintained to keep it protected against the elements, as well as appropriate to your way of life.
Beware of Companies purporting to be local when they are not. Online marketing includes Companies that trawl the internet for customers, pretending to be local when they are based nowhere near you. We have a local address and are happy to meet you for free at your property to discuss your project ideas and advise you about any legal planning constraints. Since the recent increase in planning fees and the removal of the ‘free-go’ following a planning refusal, which was implemented two years ago, the councils are now less collaborative than they were before. I cannot prove it, but I am convinced they are refusing planning applications at every opportunity so that they can get more money from subsequent planning fees. Please beware that Capitalism has now infiltrated our local government boroughs and councils. The only strategy to combat this is to submit a Pre-application advice application and hope that they stick to their advice when assessing a subsequent planning application.
Cost is always a significant concern; however, you should put this into context.
For example, the average Build cost of an extension project in the vicinity of BR6/ BR5 is £100K. When you add up all the design and application costs associated with design, planning and building regulations, you are looking at around £6k. This is 6%. In the old days, 10% was typical. For larger project costs, this percentage reduces, so for a project costing millions, a rate could be 1-3%.
6% for avoiding getting the design wrong is a worthwhile investment.
Beware of designers online pretending to be Architects. The term ‘Architect’ is protected by law, and only qualified and registered building designers can call themselves Architects.
If a Company is calling themselves Architectural designers or Architectural whatever, this is a clear indication that they are not Architects. The use of the word ‘Architect’ is a good benchmark that the designer is committed and passionate about what they are doing simply because it takes years of commitment and sacrifice to become an Architect.
If you get the design right, the project will look and feel good even if built by an average builder.
At G. A. Architects, we use a range of tools to assist us in the design process, and we approach each project with an open mind. Our tools allow us to explore and communicate design options effectively, enabling our Clients to make informed decisions. Contact us today to understand more about what sets us apart from our competition and how we are the best choice of Architect for your project.
We now offer photorealistic animations. Please ask if your other Architect or designer does. Check out one of our recent animations here
