Does anybody know whether Architectural students at uni, or in industry, may be interested in drawing up plans for a loft conversion as a training excercise?

I know assorted trainees in other fields benefit from this kind of hands on experience, and didn't know whether architects were the same?

Any ideas? :huh:

Yes...for the going rate!!!

Most certainly! Not looking for a cheap fix on this one...needs to be done properly after all!

No, just thought it might benefit someone thats all :wave:

Depends what you want. Do you only need it submitting up to Planning or to Building Regs??

Not entirely sure what I need to be honest!

All I know is that my builder says I need to get this bit done first.

It will be for a loft conversion in a terraced house, with a new staircase.

Space is to be used as a bedroom, so will need to pass fire regulations etc.

Dormer window to be installed - planning not necessarily needed if under a certain size increase, am I right?

Planning permission is needed if the overall volume of the house increases by 10% (terraced houses) and 15% for other houses. Also if the dormer alters the profile of the roof line on the highway side.

Building Regs are needed as its a change of use and you may not be able to call it an additional bedroom (although technically you could still sleep in it) if escape distances and the like aren't acceptable...but you should be ok.

Ring the planning office..they tend to be quite helpful. They'll all be playing solitaire this afternoon so I'd give them a buzz before 4:00 when they all slope off home.

As a footnote I do know a few people who could draw up your plans and note them up to the required standard. It usually depends if its financially worthwhile as it'll probably be a cash in hand private job done in spare time. I'd volunteer myself but its not worth the hassle for a small job.

Thanks Wibble, you've been more than helpful just giving me an intro to the world of planning!

What would you say a job like that would cost for it to be worthwhile for someone to take it on cash in hand? Not sure how much to offer someone....

Will give the planning office a bell....they should be able to send me more info.

The 10%-15% increase refers to extensions afaik. Roofspace conversions usually go on actual volume e.g. 40 cubic metres for terrace, 50 cubic metres for others.

Asking planning is the way to go...

Right, have spoken to planning!

Looks like I don't need planning permission as I'm not in a conservation area etc, and have no other extensions to the property, so the dormer window to be added will fall within the allowed 40 cubic metre limit.

Am going to need building regs though....

So any volunteers cash in hand???

Or a builder who has access to both draw up and then comlete the build???

I brew a nice cuppa, and the cats pretty friendly too......:P

Maybe a specialist loft conversion company would be better suited..at least they'd do everything and have the added benefit of being a bit more specialised (although there isn't much too it)..I'm sure there have been some threads on here before about it...do a search for Loft Conversions...summat is bound to come up.

It's probably best to get the plans drawn up first and then you can get 3 quotes for the buidling work and take it from there. It just gives you more options.

Thats exactly the point I'm at! Need someone to draw up the plans first as you say

I would stay well clear of architecture students. Anything requiring consents needs somebody with real life experience, not just an art degree.

You're going to be extremely lucky if you avoid paying for the drawings, and you may well end up with a bigger bill in the long run.

I would just like to say how hard it is to get the right information on submitting plans etc. They should train people up just to give advice at the council.
Things are so complicated and all I want is change of use.