Who to get to draft plans for renovations?

[vicks]

Are drafters or students the sort of people I could get to help me out? I don't want to afford a architect for a simple extension idea.

I don't know if I am even allowed by council to do this, I have an idea to build out onto (on top of) my downstairs room so that the upstairs has a few meters more space. There's just a little empty rooftop below and building out onto that would give me a better sea view upstairs also.

So a: need to find out with council if am allowed to do that in theory? (Is still within the current foot print.

b: I assume that maybe before a: i need to get some plans drawn for th council to decide? I obvoouslty don't want to engage a expensive architect as not sure if am allowed to do the extention or if it would add the value to make it worth the cost.

Do people use drafters or architecture students for example? Complete beginner here - don't know what the diff between a drafter and an architect is. Would a builder even do this kind of planning?
Can I even take in the current plan with a few lines drawn on myself to the council?

Thanks for your tips!

[Kimberly]

Hi,

Our last house cost $32,000 + Gst to have designed by an 'architect'. The house we are about to build had prices from a few 'architectural designers' - they ranged in price from $7,000 - $22,000. Both quotes were for complete plans (bathroom and kitchen layouts included).
Its always worth asking a builder to look at what you intend to do and get his opinion on if its feasible. He may be able to draw a sketch which will be sufficent for your local council.
Good luck.

[Chemill]

The people you are looking for are architectural draughtspeople, they are generally cheaper than an architect. I'll let an architect give you the formal difference as I will only show my ignorance.

I don't think students will be fully schooled in your local council requirements and you may be looking at a few headaches by saving yourself a few dollars. If your extension is within the required recession planes and height restrictions (council city plans) then there shouldn't be a problem, you can contact the council to help clarify this.

You won't be able to take your own few lines and expect to get consent from them. For example you'll require timber species and treatment to be stated, flashing details, fire alarm locations, etc. Simple if you're in the know but mind-boggling to most.

By extending out above another room you most likely will require a structural engineer. Some engineering firms can produce the drawings you require in-house.

What area of the country are you in? I may be able to suggest a few people.

Check this website for some building advice:

http://www.consumerbuild.org.nz/publish/

Chemill

[artemis]

A few years ago I approached the local architecture school to see if a student could do a small piece of design work for me. It was conceptual, rather than detailed, and seemed to me suitable for a not-very-large assignment.

My request seemed to cause confusion at the school, and it took weeks and several follow ups to get a response. Finally, the response was that they don't do private work. The reason given was that students get assigned out to local firms, and work under their guidance. The school didn't want to 'compete' with the local firms, and also didn't want to take on responsibility for student work.

Fair enough in a way, but a large whiff of looking after the financial interests of members of the club.

[dksnz]

I'm in the business - so I'll try & help.

In traditional terms, an architect is one who is trained in conceptal thoughts then passes it to the draughtsman to draw up.

Some architects will also draw up the plans, unless they are the 'it beneath me type who pass it onto the draughtsman, but then you'll pay for that type of thinking.

Some draughtsmen do not deal with the design side, and will only draw up what they are told - the technical side - more often than not they will work solely for architects, engineers etc and probably won't advertise to the public - the old qualification for this was 'draughting technician'.

Others - who probably market themselves as architectural designers - actually can achieve the concept & technical side of things - a blend of the two really. They are qualified in old terms as NZ cert or diploma in Architectural draughting/design.

I knew of one builder who wouldn't build from architect only plans because although they looked fancy & conceptal, they were not structural achievable!!! This can be the difference as the architects are theory trained, and the architectural draughtspeople actually get to build a house [at UNITEC anyway] - the practical side.

For what you're after an architectural designer would be fine - check out there previous work.