Searching for a suitable architect

Hi Community,

I wanted to post my upcoming project here, describe it, and occasionally provide status updates. For me as support, in case anyone notices something, and for others who would like to stay informed.

Starting situation: For several years, I (25) and my girlfriend (24) have been living together in a small apartment in the countryside. We have talked several times about getting something bigger. However, besides my job, I also completed further training to become a master craftsman and was therefore very busy time-wise. Well, now that it is all over, the next goal can be tackled. Since I also want to continue the family farm (small agriculture, some forest, etc.), the plan is to extend and renovate the parental house. After extensive discussion about the pros and cons, we decided together on this step. Since we are not married yet, I will handle all financial matters, but will involve her in every step.
The parents have meanwhile also been informed and, of course, they are pleased that things are moving forward.
Currently, the transfer of the farm is in progress, and I can slowly start with the planning.

Since we will keep the entire upper floor (approx. 80m², but with sloping ceilings), we will completely gut it and redesign it (the roof is self-supporting, and all interior walls can be removed). Furthermore, it is planned to possibly enlarge the space with a double garage (double garage below, living space above).

Now we are looking for a good (and affordable) architect who can give us options for the extension/renovation and can then provide me with a preliminary cost estimate so that I can take it to the bank.
Because visiting show homes doesn’t really help us much since we have to stick to the given conditions.

Until then...
Best regards
Allsop

Hello, how long are you planning for the handover? I would definitely go to the bank first and clarify the financial framework. Model home exhibitions can still be helpful, by the way, to get a feel for room sizes and gather ideas for "details." For example, you need more space for a T-layout in the bathroom than for other variants, which could be taken into account in the planning, if you absolutely want to have something.

Hi Maria,

regarding the handover: everything is settled within the family.
In the meantime, we have consulted with the farmers' association regarding the farm handover.
They are now working on a document according to our ideas.

I have also already spoken with my advisor from the bank.
We went through a few sums of money to see what might be possible. But since I can't yet precisely estimate the range of costs I am dealing with, this was more of an outlook.

You are probably even right about the model houses. We should have our own idea despite having an architect, as he mainly implements what the builders want.
Therefore, we will continue to educate ourselves on this.
But we still have time.
The plan is for me to start gutting the floor this fall and then only take on the extension/conversion next year.

Hi Community,

I wanted to give a brief update since things have started to move forward a bit. After a long back and forth, an architect has now been found who, in our opinion, can best handle our preferences. As an extension, a double garage with a heating room and wood chip bunker is planned. Above that, a room of about 65m2 will be created. For the roof, we have now set our sights on a staggered shed roof to have as much light in the room as possible. If it is possible for us to furnish this room as a large living and dining room, we would like to build the roof truss to be visible. Since we are planning a heating room below and a chimney will be built for it, we also want to install a wood stove (panorama fireplace or 2-sided stove) as a room divider in the living and dining area. We are now waiting for the architect to create a 3D plan so that we can better imagine everything. Then we have to think about how to arrange this room with a dining table, living area, etc., without it seeming "empty."

Best regards, Allsop