Step 4 – design
We have some strong opinions about how we wanted the conversion to be. We’re keen on a natural finish, wanting to avoid the dark stained timber, ‘olde worlde’ kitchens & stairs and gravel often to be found in and around a stereo-typical barn conversion. Our aim is to blend traditional rustic design with modern design; the material and furnishings will reflect this blending.
So the question you need to answer is who fulfil the roles of design owner and design implementer. In other words who will derive the initial design (design owner), then carry it through to implementation in your completed building (design implementer)?
This is where an architect can come in - sharing these roles with the other stakeholders (the client, builders, planners etc.) as well as bringing experience and knowledge to your project.
This will all come at a price (budget 15-20% of the total project cost). This is obviously a decision you need to make for yourselves, based upon, aspirations, your skills, the clarity of your design vision and budget.
With strong ideas of our own and our inability to find a local full service architect, we chose to not employ a full service architect.
If you enjoyed that post, then read these...
Step 2 - the root of all evil on July 7th, 2006
Money!
Get financing agreed in principle, this will allow your to set you budget.
step 1 - questions, questions, questions... on July 7th, 2006
First answer the following questions:
1.
Step 5 – project management on March 22nd, 2007
Answer these:
Question: So once you’ve started, who will bring it all together?
Question: Can you handle the potential loss of control of the project of delegating some responsibilities?
Question: Do you have the experience to bring together such a complex project?
Question: Will the role be fulfilled by you or someone you pay (an architect or building project manager)?
Question: What professionals are available in your locality with the appropriate skills and experience?
I think by the time you’ve worked through those you’re going to have a pretty good idea of the way to go and the shape your project is going to take.
Step 3 - property on July 7th, 2006
Start the ball rolling Visit estate agents and search the internet for properties in your chosen area.
Posted in The steps along the way to our barn conversion |
