Architect, Architectural Technologist, Building Engineer 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   Recommendations? Speak to family, friends or neighbours to see if they can recommend a professional ? Do they belong to a recognised professional institution? eg; The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) The Association of Building Engineers (ABE) Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Do they practice locally? Have they worked on projects similar to yours? Can they provide references and examples of their work?   On Appointment Ensure the extent of the professional’s responsibility is discussed and agreed. Does it involve the preparation of plans only or is contract administration 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/terms of agreement.

Useful Links     Trust Mark www.trustmark.org.uk/   The Royal Institute of British Architects www.architecture.com   The Royal Insitute of Chartered Surveyors www.rics.org   The Association of Building Engineers (ABE) www.abe.org.uk   Chartered Insitute of Architectural Technologists www.ciat.org.uk   The Chartered Institute of Building www.ciob.org.uk   LABC www.labc.uk.com   Federation of Master Builders www.fmb.org.uk   National Federation of Roofing Contrators www.nfrc.co.uk