Everything You Need to Get the Most Out of Your Free Consultation
Taking the first step towards extending or renovating your home is exciting, but it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what to expect from your first meeting with an architect.
One of the most common questions we hear at Connor Ferris Architects is:
“What should I bring to my consultation?”
The simple answer is… not much.
You don’t need professionally drawn sketches, planning knowledge or even a clear design in mind. Our job is to help you turn your ideas into a practical, beautiful home.
However, spending a little time preparing beforehand can help you get the most from your free consultation and ensure you leave feeling confident about the next steps.
Start With Your “Why”
Before thinking about layouts or extension sizes, think about why you’re considering making changes to your home.
Perhaps your kitchen feels too small for family life. Maybe you’ve welcomed a new child, started working from home, or simply feel like you’ve outgrown the space you once loved.
The reason behind your project is often far more important than the project itself.
Great architecture isn’t just about creating bigger homes—it’s about creating homes that work better for the people living in them.
Gather Inspiration
Don’t worry about knowing architectural styles or technical terminology.
Simply save images that catch your eye.
Pinterest boards, Instagram posts, magazine cuttings or even photos of neighbouring homes can all be incredibly helpful.
Maybe you love large roof lanterns that flood a kitchen with natural light. Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of slim aluminium sliding doors opening onto the garden, or a kitchen island where the whole family can gather.
Showing us what you like helps us understand your vision much more quickly than trying to describe it.
Think About Your Budget
Talking about budgets can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but it’s one of the most valuable conversations we’ll have.
Being honest about what you’d like to invest allows us to design something that’s both exciting and achievable.
There’s little benefit in designing a £250,000 extension if your budget is £100,000.
Instead, we’ll help explore the best way to maximise your investment and discuss where your budget will have the greatest impact.
Consider How You Live
Every family uses their home differently.
Some people love entertaining friends every weekend, while others simply want a quieter family space where everyone can spend time together.
During your consultation we’ll ask questions such as:
- Where do you spend most of your time?
- What frustrates you about your current layout?
- Do you need more natural light?
- Are you planning for a growing family?
- Would open-plan living suit your lifestyle?
The answers help shape a design that’s built around you—not just your property.
Bring Any Existing Information
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything.
However, if you do have any of the following, they’re useful to bring along:
- Estate agent floor plans
- Existing architectural drawings
- Previous planning approvals
- Photos of your home
- Photos of neighbouring extensions you like
If you don’t have these, that’s absolutely fine. We can usually source much of the information ourselves.
Write Down Your Questions
Most homeowners have lots of questions—but it’s surprisingly easy to forget them during the meeting.
Before your consultation, jot down anything you’d like to ask.
Common questions include:
- Will I need Planning Permission?
- Can this be done under Permitted Development?
- How much might the build cost?
- How long does the planning process take?
- Will Building Regulations be required?
- Do I need a structural engineer?
- How long will the whole project take?
No question is too small or too obvious.
Our consultation is there to give you clarity and confidence.
Think Beyond Today
While your project might solve your current needs, it’s worth considering what life might look like in five or ten years’ time.
Will your family grow?
Could you need a home office?
Would an extra bedroom become useful later?
Could the design allow for future adaptations?
Good design isn’t just about today’s problems it’s about creating a home that continues to work for years to come.
Keep an Open Mind
Many homeowners come to us with a specific idea already in mind.
Sometimes it’s exactly the right solution.
Sometimes there’s an even better one.
A carefully reconfigured layout can often transform a home without needing a huge extension. Likewise, changing window positions or introducing more natural light can completely alter how a space feels.
Our role isn’t simply to draw what you ask for it’s to explore the possibilities and help you achieve the very best outcome.
Don’t Worry About the Technical Side
Planning policies.
Building Regulations.
Structural engineering.
Party Wall matters.
Drainage.
These can all sound overwhelming.
The good news is that you don’t need to understand any of them before meeting with us.
That’s exactly what we’re here for.
We’ll explain everything in straightforward language and guide you through the entire process from the initial concept to planning approval and technical design.
Relax, It’s Just a Conversation!
Your first consultation isn’t an interview or a sales meeting.
It’s simply an opportunity to sit down, discuss your ideas and explore what’s possible for your home.
Whether you’re considering a rear extension, loft conversion, side extension, renovation or a completely new build, every successful project starts with an open conversation.
You don’t need to have all the answers.
That’s our job.
Book Your FREE Consultation with Connor Ferris Architects
At Connor Ferris Architects, we believe great design begins with understanding how you live and what you want to achieve.
Our FREE, no-obligation consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss your ideas with an experienced architect, understand your options and gain professional advice before making any commitments.
If you’re ready to transform your home or simply want to explore what’s possible we’d love to hear from you.
