Deciding whether to hire an architect often comes down to the complexity of your project and your personal experience with home renovations. However, even for seemingly straightforward projects, an architect's expertise can be surprisingly valuable.
Architects are specialists in maximising your home's potential. With their trained eye, they can identify opportunities within your existing space that you might overlook. Their deep understanding of current planning regulations also means they can navigate the often complex world of local authority permissions, potentially saving you significant time and stress.
If you're on the fence about hiring an architect in 2025, here's a quick guide to help you decide when professional design expertise could make all the difference to your home transformation...
You plan on extending or converting
We would recommend considering an architect if your project involves a...
- Rear extension
- Side extension
- Wraparound
- Two-storey extension
- Loft conversion
- Garage conversion
- Basement conversion
- Annex / granny flat
Put simply: if you’re creating new space that’s going to affect the exterior of your property, it’s best to get an architect on board.
While there’s no law requiring you to hire an architect in any scenario, having one present on these big projects helps ensure you create a safe and legal addition to your home.
Why not just use a builder? Some people do allow their contractor to both design and build their project, but this can be a risky approach. Contractors don’t need a license to build homes, nor any formal training. Whereas an architect is held to a statutory code of practise and undertakes years of training before entering the field. Not only this, but they have Professional Indemnity Insurance, meaning their clients are protected.
