On 30/09/2022 16:18, Peter Johnson wrote:
>
> A long time ago I read, in a newspaper, that a competent builder could
> build a straightforward extension using the building control plans and
> without the need for an architect.
> So about ten years ago, when I wanted a straightforward extension I
> followed that advice, paid a local guy for building control drawings
> that the builder used to do the job. When it was completed I got a
> completion certificate from BC. (It was a permitted development.)
> If I was doing it now I might do it differently but at the time it was
> what I wanted and I've been very satisfied with it.
I think that's probably the case.

Back in 1966 my father built our family home. He drew up all the
required plans himself, it raised a few eyebrows, but it got through
planning without problems.

He was a charted mechanical engineer, but none of that was relevant as
far as the house plans were concerned

The only difficulty he had was getting a mortgage. None of the Building
Societies were interested (oddly !) In the end after a three minute
meeting with his bank manager, his bank agreed.

54 years later what he did inspired me to do the same. I just regret he
died before I started the project, but we named the house after him (and
my wife's late father who was a chippie who worked for the builders we
engaged)

On Friday, 30 September 2022 at 10:44:58 UTC+1, Mark Carver wrote:

> And almost death traps for young children. Odd, given the wife seems to
> end up pregnant before the end of the build.
> Funny that, now then who's the common person in every episode ? ;-)

He has a devilish smile, you must agree.

Bill

On Friday, 30 September 2022 at 13:14:03 UTC+1, MB wrote:

> Isn't it a general rule that architects build houses with a view to get
> an award for it from other architects. If the budget is big enough, if
> not then they throw up a house as cheaply as possible.

This is very much the case with social housing. I have close knowledge of an estate that won a European design award, but which the LA found very difficult to tenant because it was so impractical. In the end it was used as a sink estate, and became a hell on earth.
Bill