Architect or Builder First: What Should You Do?
- Grant Redfern
- 42 minutes ago
- 3 min read
THE HOME EXTENSION SERIES — PART 2
Your step-by-step guide to getting it right from day one.
🌟 INTRO: One of the Biggest Questions Homeowners Ask
If you’re thinking about an extension, you’ve probably found yourself wondering:
“Do we speak to an architect first… or a builder first?”
Most homeowners aren’t sure whether they should speak to an architect or a builder first, and it’s one of the most common questions we get — and one of the easiest places for projects to go wrong before they even begin.
Choosing the right starting point sets the tone for:
your design
your budget
your timeline
and how smoothly the whole project runs
So let’s break it down clearly.
🏡 1. The Traditional Way: Architect First
Most people assume the journey should start with an architect and yes — architects are brilliant at:
layout ideas
turning your vision into drawings
achieving planning approval
designing beautiful spaces
BUT…
Starting with an architect has one big potential issue:
👉 They design what you want, not always what you can afford.
We see this all the time:
A homeowner falls in love with a set of drawings, only to find out the build cost is £20k–£80k over their budget.
Not the architect’s fault — it’s the missing link between design and real-world build costs.
🧱 2. The Builder-First Approach: What You Gain
Speaking to a builder early (especially a design & build contractor like GCR) gives you:
build cost guidance from day one
realistic options based on your budget
advice on what’s achievable without over-designing
support with planning or permitted development
structural considerations before they become expensive to fix
a clearer route from idea → design → planning → construction
This is why so many homeowners now prefer starting with a builder who works alongside architects — so both design and cost move together.
🤝 3. The Best of Both Worlds: A Collaborative Team
This is where the GCR approach shines.
We work closely with:
Structural engineers
Planning Consultants
Building Control
Suppliers
Internal trades
Meaning:
You don’t get designs that blow the budget
You don’t get unexpected structural surprises later
You don’t get stuck between architect + builder disagreeing
You get one joined-up team, one vision, one clear path.
📉 4. Why Going to an Architect Alone Can Be Risky
Here are the most common problems we see when people go architect-first without a builder involved:
Drawings that look great — but can’t be built for the budget
Hidden structural implications no one priced for
Overcomplicated designs that don’t add value
Planning submissions that later need revising
Builders quoting wildly different prices because drawings aren’t build-ready
It leads to delays, redesign fees and frustration. It’s avoidable.
🧰 5. When an Architect Should Come First
There are situations where the architect-first route makes sense:
Large, complex extensions
Two-storey builds
Conservation areas
Listed buildings
Designs requiring creative, bespoke solutions
When you already have a trusted builder who will review designs during the process
Even then — the architect + builder should be talking to each other from day one.
🧭 6. So… Who Should You Contact First?
Architect or Builder First? For most homeowners, the smoothest, safest and most cost-effective route is:
👉 A design & build contractor (like GCR) + architect working together from the start
We help clients:
shape their ideas realistically
get ballpark pricing before drawings
advise what falls under permitted development
guide planning strategy
bring Mellor Reid in at the right time
avoid design mistakes
avoid budget blowouts
It removes guesswork and gives you a straight, joined-up path.
👉 NEXT WEEK:
Part 3 — How Much Does A Home Extension Really Cost?
A realistic breakdown of budgets, fees, and what to plan for.
Read Part 1 Here
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