Architect (or Surveyor)   Any successful building project will need the right professionals in place before the project starts.  To help you choose the best  person for your project you may like to consider the following :-

Before Appointment Do they belong to a recognised professional institution? eg:- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA),  The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), The Association of Building Engineers (ABE), The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). (Details accessible from the links page on our website) Do they practice locally? Have they worked on projects similar to yours? Can they provide references and examples of their work? Have you found them via recommendations from friends or neighbours? On Appointment Ensure the extent of the professional’s responsibility is discussed and agreed. Does it involve the preparation of plans only or is site supervision included? Check what permissions will be required. Will both Planning and Building Regulation approval be required and if so will their quote include amending the plans (if required) to obtain the relevant approvals? Agree how payments will be made.  Prior, phased or on completion. Ensure that both parties agree and sign a contract.

Useful Links Trust Mark www.trustmark.org.uk   Federation of Master Builders www.fmb.org.uk   National Federation of Roofing Contrators www.nfrc.co.uk   The Royal Insitution of Charded Surveyors www.rics.org   The Royal Institute of British Architects www.architecture.com     Choose the Right Architect leaflet (to be designed)