Architect Barnet Greater London (EN4): An individual sitting in front of their computer or drawing board, designing a unique or distinctive building like the Sydney Opera House or the Shard, is what most people in Barnet visualise when thinking about what an architect does. Yet in reality, the majority of architects carry out much more routine work designing office buildings, new build houses and loft conversions, and also preparing and submitting planning applications to local councils for a range of construction and development projects.
Barnet architects will also establish strategies for adherence to safety and building regulations, recommend the appropriate materials for building undertakings, and sometimes even find land that is required for a particular purpose or project.
When you're doing a home improvement project in Barnet that calls for structural work or design elements, as with a loft conversion or house extension, its possible that you might at some point need to use an architect. Now, you might be thinking that this sounds like a costly undertaking, and if possible you may seek to proceed without this service, however this is a false economy, and you should think twice about it.
Taking up to seven years to gain their required qualifications, by the time they are fully accredited, architects know more or less all that there is to know about building, construction methods and materials. Although the services of an architect in Barnet are not inconsiderable, seeking their advice and design skills from the beginning, could actually save you money overall, and most of the costs of this can usually be recouped by the time the project is completed. There will be minimal wastage on construction materials, and expensive modifications and re-builds due to inadequate planning will be avoided.
What seems to happen in most cases, is that the householder first finds their builder, and then depends on the builder to locate a good architect who can help with the project. But this is seldom the most effective way to hire an architect, and is certainly not the only way. A better approach is to meet with an architect first, benefit from their design expertise, consider all your requirements, and walk away with detailed plans that the builder can work from, comprising a list of materials and specifications.
This makes the whole process easier for the construction team, and makes it possible for them to give a more accurate estimate for the job, as they will have detailed info about the types and quantities of materials required and they won't have to guess exactly what is needed for the work. They can also refer to the clear instructions and schedule for the completion of the work.
A fully qualified architect in Barnet can help you in a number of ways, from the design of the home of your dreams or offering advice during the planning of an extension to your existing dwelling, to providing professional advice on restorations that are required to modernize an older building.
Your architect should be on hand from the very beginning of any project in Barnet, where they will be in a position to assist with plans and designs which are suitable for your budget and also will abide by the building standards that are demanded. If you have plans that were previously drawn up for your project, you can ask a local Barnet architect to cast a professional eye over your blueprints to check them for any potential structural issues, and make certain it all satisfies the latest regulations and guidelines.
As soon as your design has been decided upon, your architect will produce a number of precise and detailed technical building plans that can be used by your building contractors to implement the design into your property. To make sure that the design is being followed correctly, and check that the budgetary constraints are being observed, the architect will mediate with the building crew on a consistent basis. Right from first stage planning through to the last stages of construction an architect will collaborate with the engineers, surveyors as well as the planning department of your local council offices to ensure that your build or remodelling goes as smoothly as possible.
The main professional trade body for architects in the United Kingdom is RIBA (the Royal Institute of British Architects). To give the finest level of service to people in Barnet and all around the United Kingdom, RIBA offers information and advice on the working standards and ethical code that all architects should follow, together with providing budding architects with a valuable training infastructure. It requires 5 years of full time training and no less than 2 years professional experience before someone can register as an architect proper with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and be considered for RIBA membership.
Architects Fees and Costs - Architect's rates are traditionally based on a fixed fee, a percentage of the construction costs, an hourly rate or a rate per unit area of construction. Or they could even be based on a combination of these four fee structures. Architect's fees for renovation projects are typically between 15% and 20% of the overall project cost, while residential housing projects could run up fractionally lower charges of around 12% to 20% of the total construction cost. For commercial construction projects a somewhat lower percentage of four to twelve percent will be charged in architect's fees.
Interior Designer or Architect? - A question we're often asked here at Architectz is "in what ways are architects different from interior designers"? Some people would consider that these two professions intertwine and merge on many occasions, while others would suggest that there is a very clear distinction. In general, interior designers work on the internal finish of a structure - the floor finishes, the furnishings and the wall surfaces, while architects focus their attention on the overall design in relation to the shape - the external walls, the outer shell and the roof. To confuse things even more, there are also 'interior architectural designers', who mostly address a building's internal structure - the thermal qualities, the flow of internal space and the spatial planning, but still have to be properly qualified. They plan and design the internal feel and appearance of a building.
Testimonials for professional services can be gathered from a variety of sources, but if a member of their family or a friend has recently used an architect, that is one of the most trustworthy references you can get. Positive word of mouth endorsements are favoured by most people in Barnet (over 80 percent according to studies), so if you're aware of a friend or neighbour who has used an architect, ask if they are prepared to recommend somebody. You'll need to get at least 3 different quotations from your shortlist of possible architects in Barnet.
Architects Near Barnet
Also find: Dancers Hill architects, Cockfosters architects, High Barnet architects, Arkley architects, Kitts End architects, Highwood Hill architects, Edgeware architects, Underhill architects, Hadley Wood architects, Palmers Green architects and more.
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There is a wide range of work that can be completed by local Barnet architects including home internal re-designs, architect services for two story extensions Barnet, design and project management, Permitted Development applications in Barnet, new build projects Barnet, building and site surveys, planning negotiations, architect services in Barnet, housing and urban design in Barnet, architect services for extensions Barnet, Prior Approval applications, architect services for kitchen extension in Barnet, sustainable design & green architecture, domestic architecture solutions, contemporary architecture services, loft conversion plans in Barnet, site selection and analysis, commercial design Barnet, residential floor plans, urban planning, cheap architect services, modern house design in Barnet, architect and design services for conservatories, architect and design services for period and listed buildings, building blueprints and plans, architects drawings, risk assessments, fire strategies, interior architect services, architects prices Barnet, designs for living, 3D modelling and artwork in Barnet, private commissions for homeowners, design consultations, and more. Listed are just a small portion of the activities that are undertaken by local architects. Barnet professionals will keep you informed about their full range of architect's services.
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