Attic expansion - architect or contractor?

Hello everyone,

my wife and I are planning to take over my parents-in-law's house. The already converted attic is to be expanded/enlarged, for example with a large dormer and a small roof terrace. Additionally, another house entrance with an external staircase to the roof is needed, preferably with (preparation) for senior-friendly transport.

We are now wondering whether a good roofer / steel builder (?, for the roof terrace) is sufficient or if we should rather involve an architect for the planning. What do you think?

Thank you very much and best regards

Since this is a construction project requiring a building permit, you must hire an architect. It must also be checked in advance whether the already converted roof structure was approved by a building permit at the time. In 90% of all converted attics, this is not the case according to my experience, so a building permit application for the subsequent approval is necessary, which can be combined with the extension.

The architect must also check in advance whether an attic conversion is basically permissible under building and planning law (development plan or § 34 Building Code, number of full floors, floor area ratio/floor space index, setback areas) and plan for all building regulation requirements regarding fire protection and the second escape route. These planning and interdisciplinary services are also not provided by any craftsman. Therefore, there is no way around the architect — and the structural engineer.