If you are thinking of having an extension built on your home then you may automatically assume that you will need an architect, but this is not always the case. Although architects are very skilled and will easily be able to create you a plan for your extension, you may not actually need one and may be able to cut down on costs if this is a concern.

Architects can cost around five to ten percent of the total build cost so it is a huge saving to be made if you can do without one. If your extension is going to be very complex and you want something like what you would see on Grand Designs then yes, you should use an architect, but if you just want a second store on top of a garage or an extension added on to your kitchen then it may be a little overkill.

Lots of the elements of an extension are already built such as Windows and doors, so you will easily be able to find out the dimensions of them. Anyone with some design skills will be able to create a plan for you whether it be computerised or on paper. It is important to have a plan of the room laid out so when you have different trades people in they are able to see what needs to go where.