Whether you are converting your loft into a living space, undergoing a double-storey extension to expand your home or are working with architects in London to build a completely new property from scratch, a lot of planning and organisation is needed. Especially for those who have not been involved in architecture projects before, going in with some prior knowledge and expectations can help ensure the project runs smoothly, avoiding some key mistakes so you can see results as soon as possible!

1. More than meets the eye

We get it, it can be easy to go in with tunnel vision and want the work done as quickly as you can, but speed should never sacrifice quality. When you are looking for local architects to work with, be sure to carry out plenty of research and establish whether the company lives up to their claims before you hand over any money. Look out for qualifications, experience and case studies of their past work to ensure your project is within their capabilities and the team involved are fully trained. As well as reading through their information, there are no insights quite like client reviews. Seeing what past clients have to say is a great indicator of what you are getting involved in, so don’t ignore any red flags and warning signs!

2. Be realistic with your budget

This is a big cause for conflict between clients and architects due to a lack of communication. Before you contact different companies, have a clear idea of what you are looking for from your project and provide them with plenty of information to be sure you are working from the same page. The more accurate your plan is, the more accurate the quote you will receive in return. As a top tip, we always recommend keeping a bit of your budget to the side in case any problems crop up or in case you change your mind about a particular aspect, so you don’t get caught short.

3. Keep your circle small

As they say, too many cooks spoil the broth. By working with a company who will be able to manage your entire project centrally, the process tends to run much smoother than working with various different professionals. From the initial concept designs and submission of planning permission all the way to the final build, there are various stages so ensuring everyone is on the same page can make the process much easier.

4. Manage your expectations

Before any contracts are signed or any work is carried out, make sure that both parties have set realistic goals. The end goal, timeframe and inclusions need to be established in advance and written down to ensure that the project can be carried out at a reasonable time frame, avoiding rushing or delaying from either side. Of course, unexpected hurdles can crop up throughout the process, but knowing what tasks hold up others will allow plans to be made before the problem arises in the first place.