Choosing the Right Architect in Newcastle

Choosing the right architect for your project is an important decision that can affect the success of your project. To make sure you find someone who meets both your needs and budget, it’s important to consider certain criteria when selecting a professional. Here are some key questions to ask potential hires, along with tips on how to make sure you’re making the right choice.

Understand Your Needs.

Before you even begin interviewing potential architects, it’s important to understand your project goals and needs. Consider the size, complexity and timeline of your project, as well as the type of design you desire. Knowing these details will help ensure that you find an architect who can meet your specific requirements and deliver a satisfactory result.

Research Architectural Firms and Specialty Areas.

Once you have an idea of your project’s needs, it’s time to start looking into architectural firms and their areas of specialty. Research a firm’s expertise, past projects, and client testimonials. Make sure to ask questions about the types of projects they have worked on and if their design style fits your vision. Additionally, don’t forget to inquire about their availability and timeline expectations – this is key if you are on a tight schedule!

Make Sure Potential Architects Have Proper Credentials & Licensing.

Before you hire an architect, it’s important to make sure they have the proper professional credentials and are licensed in your state. The license should be up-to-date and there should be no record of any disciplinary action or investigation of the firm or its members. It is also wise to check customer reviews on independent review sites to get a better idea of an architectural firm’s reputation and quality of service.

Check the Firm’s References & Portfolio of Work.

Before you make your final decision, it is critical to research the firm’s portfolio of projects and references. This will provide you with an overview of the type of work they have completed in the past and will give you an understanding of their style and capabilities. Once you have settled on a few potential firms, ask them for client references so that you can speak directly to those who have worked with them in the past. This will allow you to verify their services and get a better feel for how well they handle projects.

Get an Estimate for Services & a Timeline for Completion.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential architects, the next step is to request an estimate for the services they will provide. Make sure to get a detailed outline of the scope of work that will need to be completed for the project, including all required permits and any additional consultation services that may be required. Requesting cost estimates from multiple architects can help ensure that you are getting the best value for your money. Additionally, ask each architect for a timeline outlining when various phases of the project are expected to be completed. This will help you get a sense of when milestones should be met throughout the course of the project.

Speak to Acre Design today.

We’d love to talk you through our recent projects and tell you all about how we operate as an architectural design company based in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Calculating an architect’s fee can be a complex task. There are many considerations to take into account, including the scope of the project, the amount of time it will take to complete, and the costs of materials and other services involved. Knowing how architects calculate their fees is key to getting a fair rate for your project.

Initial Project Definition.

One of the first steps in determining project costs and fees is by defining the scope of the project. This includes discussing with the client their needs and desires, understanding what they are looking for in terms of a finished product, developing a timeline and budget, setting goals, assessing environmental concerns, and preparing a detailed plan. The more precisely all of these elements are established at this stage, the better equipped you will be to accurately estimate your fees.

Establish a Fixed Price Contract.

Instead of setting an hourly rate for your services, many architects will opt to establish a fixed price contract with their client. This type of contract works best when the scope of the project is well-defined so that you have a clear understanding of how long each project phase will take and how much it will cost. By doing this, you can give your client more financial certainty by agreeing on specific costs and timelines before the project even begins.

Define the Scope of Work & Estimate Time and Resources Needed.

Before you can establish a fixed price, you need to clearly define the scope of work and determine the time and resources needed for each part of the project. That way, you have an accurate estimation of how much time and money will be required to get it done. To do this, break down your tasks into smaller chunks and then consider the number of hours that will be required for each piece. By understanding the complexity of a project’s components, you can better estimate your costs to ensure both parties are in agreement before beginning any work.

Review Drawings and Specifications and Adjust Sub-Contractor Bids as Necessary.

Once you have an estimate in hand from sub-contractors that are necessary for your project, review those bids and the associated drawings and specs. Make sure everything matches up with your own calculations. If there are discrepancies, contact the sub-contractor and adjust accordingly before signing off on the bid. This step is important in order to ensure that all of your quotes are as accurate as possible and that you’re not paying too much for any particular part of the project.

Examine Collaborative Opportunities for Cost-Saving Measures.

Many architects also collaborate with other professionals, such as engineering firms and landscape designers, in order to achieve optimal results for their projects. By partnering with skilled specialized tradespeople, architects may be able to capture cost-saving measures that are otherwise available through economies of scale. For example, a landscape designer could provide materials on site at the same time as they are needed by the architect’s team rather than arranging for multiple deliveries—reducing both time and costs.

At Acre Design Newcastle, we guide our customers through our process transparently. We will make you aware of all of our costs and fees upfront and will work closely with you through the tender process.

Talk to us today to get started.

Architect advice for extending your home in Northumberland

If you are living in or around Newcastle upon Tyne and looking to create more space and add value to your home without the hassle of moving, then a house extension could be the perfect solution. Learn about the different types of home extensions available, as well as their costs and benefits.

Convert Loft Space

Converting loft/attic space into an extra bedroom (or two!) is an increasingly popular way to create additional usable space, as well offering great returns on investment. Loft conversion projects tend to be one of the most cost-effective ways of extending your Newcastle upon Tyne home, with works generally starting from around £30,000. An attic bedroom typically adds up to 30% to the value of your property – so a good return for your money!

Add a Ground Floor Extension

Adding more space to your home by extending the ground floor is also an interesting option. This type of extension requires digging out some part of the back garden in order to create a much bigger living space available from ground floor level, making it very useful for creating an open plan kitchen living and dining room, maybe a new bedroom for when parents come to stay with ground floor bathroom/shower room or maybe an office. Costs are typically upwards of £30,000 depending on the design size, glazing, and finishing touches, Double or triple glazed windows, a solid roof structure and super insulated walls help minimise energy consumption costs too. This kind of extension is highly recommended for homeowners who have a sizeable garden area they are willing to lose, and maybe a small family.

Side extensions, single or two storey extensions,

Extending to the side over one or two floors can provide excellent new space for your home this type of extension can be built on top of an existing single Storey garage or to the side of the property where there is currently just access. Two Storey side extensions on the ground floor often contain office space utility rooms downstairs wc’s work can be incorporated into a more open plan feel for the rear of the property. To the first floor often bedrooms and additional shower rooms are created within this type of extension. There are lots of properties in Newcastle and N Tyneside that can benefit from this type of extension and acre design would be happy to help you understand your options.

Book a call with Acre Design today to find out about extending your home in Northumberland, North Tyneside or Newcastle upon Tyne!

Timber Fram Extensions

If you’re looking for quality timber frame extension builders near you in Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland or North Tyneside, it’s important to do your research. There are many factors to consider when selecting the right contractor for the job, so here are five expert tips to help you make an informed decision.

Research Your Prospective Providers.

Start your search by researching local timber frame extension builders to make sure they have the required qualifications and experience for the job. See if any of your family or friends have used a builder before and ask them for their recommendation. Read reviews from previous customers and take time to check out the portfolios of prospective providers in order to get a sense of their services and quality of work. You can also check with a relevant trade association such as The Federation of Master Builders or The National Federation of Builders to ensure that any builder you choose has the proper credentials.

Take a Look at Their Portfolio of Work.

Get an understanding of the types of projects they’ve undertaken in the past and take time to review their portfolio of work. Make sure to look for attention to detail, high quality materials, and visual consistency throughout their projects. Ensure that the builder has demonstrated experience in building timber frame extensions on a similar scale as your project and ask them about any relevant certifications or qualifications. This will help you determine whether the builder can be relied upon for quality workmanship when it comes to your own extension.

Inquire About Their Quality Assurance Processes.

Ask the builder about their practices to ensure the best possible outcome for your timber frame extension. Quality builders will have strict protocols for quality assurance, including quality control inspections during every stage of construction to make sure that everything is functioning and built correctly. The builder should also be able to provide evidence and documentation of any work that has been undertaken, as well as a warranty on their workmanship as part of an overall quality control plan.

Read the Fine Print in Any Quotations You Receive.

Carefully go through any written quotation you receive from timber frame extension builders and read the fine print. Some quotes may not include certain items that are typically present in such a project (e.g. labour costs). Make sure to clarify anything that is missing or seemingly inaccurate so that you don’t end up spending more money than expected. Moreover, ensure that all of the building materials used are of a high quality and always ask for reviews or references if necessary.

Ensure All Employees Have Up-To-Date Trade Qualifications and Insurance Coverage.

It’s imperative that the timber frame extension builders you employ have up-to-date trade qualifications and appropriate insurance in order to guarantee the longevity of your project. Ensure that all employees have the required qualifications to carry out tasks on the build and check whether they are an accredited builder to further enhance the quality of their work. Additionally, make sure that a liability policy is in place so that you have financial protection should anything go wrong during or after construction.

Ask our Team of Experts for Professional, Honest Advice.

At Acre Design Newcastle, we have worked with a number of builders over the years. We would be delighted to advice you on finding the right timber frame extension builder in Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside and throughout the North East of England. Book and Ask the Expert Call today to talk to us!