Yes — absolutely. An architect can attend a house viewing with you, and it’s often a smart move if you plan to renovate or extend. While it’s common in the commercial world, it’s still underused by homebuyers — which is a missed opportunity to spot risks early and unlock design potential before you commit.
Extension pictured above by Tessa, architect from Hackney, London. See more and shortlist Tessa here.
Alongside a viewing, an impartial, architect-led pre-purchase appraisal — for example, via The Potential House — can provide objective “architectural due diligence” on feasibility, planning risk and budget impact before you make an offer.
Why bring an architect to a viewing?
- Feasibility fast. Quick read on what’s realistic (e.g. opening up rooms, adding a dormer/side return, re-routing stairs).
- Planning & regs sense-check. Early view on permitted development vs planning permission, likely constraints (conservation, overlooking, access).
- Cost & risk context. High-level implications (structure, services, insulation, fire strategy) so you avoid surprises.
- Negotiation leverage. Evidence for re-pricing if issues will need remediation.
Impartial pre-purchase advice (not design upsell)
Traditional practices may offer early input to win later work. The Potential House is different — no follow-on design commissions — so guidance focuses solely on whether the purchase stacks up.
Use a viewing + short appraisal to decide: proceed, renegotiate, or walk away.
Can an architect design from an estate agent’s plan?
Often, yes. Agent floor plans, photos and mapping (e.g. Street View/OS mapping) are enough for a desktop feasibility review. This can be a quick way to test options and budget impact before arranging an in-person viewing. For any firm conclusions, an on-site visit is recommended.
What will an architect actually do during the viewing?
- Walk the layout to test your brief (light, flow, proportions, storage, access).
- Spot structural pinch points (load-bearing walls, spine walls, chimney breasts, stairs, head heights).
- Flag planning constraints (overlooking, massing, heritage) and Building Regs issues (escape routes, insulation, structure, ventilation).
- Outline indicative cost/complexity bands and phasing (e.g. stabilise → extend → fit-out).
Do I need permission from the agent or seller?
It’s courteous (and often required) to let the estate agent know you’re bringing a professional. For vacant or time-limited slots, they may ask for details in advance. If intrusive checks are needed later (lifting carpets, drilling, opening up), that’s a separate appointment with explicit consent.
What if I’m not ready for a viewing yet?
You can still commission a desktop impartial pre-purchase appraisal (e.g. via The Potential House) using listing materials, planning history and policy to test feasibility before you invest time in viewings.
Next steps
- Before you buy: consider an unbiased pre-purchase appraisal to assess feasibility, planning risk and budget impact at this specific address (e.g. via The Potential House).
- Ready to design: use Design for Me to post your project for free, compare interested architects and arrange consultations.
This article provides general guidance only. Always seek advice tailored to your property and plans.
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