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House renovations - where to start - need ideas,designer, architect?

Hello Ive bought a house and i want to do some renovations to it, its very old fashioned and needs modernising and also I need some advice for design ideas. What service would be most suitable for this, is it an architect? Only, ive rang a few and they say i need plans before they will look at the project. I thought it was an architect that drew up plans?? Appreciate any advice on who helps with design ideas, and any website links? Im based in Leicester. Thanks very much.

Public Comments

1. ..let the people on TV do it for you....
2. Get a house design software like this... http://www.va-software.com/virtualarchitecture/design_house_software/index.htm
3. An architect will draw what you tell them to draw. They will happily draw nonsense if you ask them. It depends what you mean by "advice", if you are talking about what extensions to have, that should be your choice based on what you want the house for. Live with it for a while before deciding. Get a few freinds around and mull over some ideas. Then tell the architect what you want. The architect you contacted did what most wil do, you need to provide them with a brief, not a blank canvas.
4. I would not use an architect. A good contractor can renovate without the expense of an architect. A designer might help you make decisions as to what you want to do. Then you can find a contractor to build it. A good example is Holmes on Homes on the DIY channel. When he renovates, have you ever seen him use an architect's drawings? No.
5. there are builders good builders who can draw plans that will be passed by local authority councils and if you find one that will do it probably best to give them the job. but if its going to work out cheaper get architect then contractor
6. If your going to live in house these are personal preferences in other words what do you like a designer can come in talk to you but her first ? will be what do you like what do you want my suggestion is that you go to local lumber yard they have a wide selection of everything yowl need and offer free design help because They want to make th sale and that will be the same as having a designer come to your house they will bring pictures swatches paint charts all sorts of nifty little things and then they will charge you a consultation fee and you still have to make the same decision you started with
7. Depending on the scale of refurb you wish to carry out. Collect ideas that you would like to have in your new property. If the works are not major and no structure is being altered then try a local builder, the company will be pleased to advise you. If however there are structural alterations then yes an Architect and maybe an Engineer would have to be employed. This would be costly and this is prior to actually carrying out any works. Experiment with your ideas, It is your property at the end of the day.