How about to require an 'item lore' research instead 'lord res.' spell?. Research table in Essence Companion can be used.
This allows to low-lvl alchemist begin to research for enchants, because lvl 6 (general I) are routine or easy research maneuvers.
I use 'item lore' skill as one main skill for alchemist, I don't allow to begin to create an item directly, requiring an 'item lore' roll (but not research, that is different) to see if character knows the process to create the item. So character rolls, if success it can begin at any time (is not research so time is not needed), if failed, it can try again when increase ranks in skill (as read runes) or when it use a source (other alchemist advice, a library, etc.).
There are some points for requiring it:
1) You need to know the materials needed.
2) You have spells in a general form, for example, you can use 'armor' spell in many effects, but, how do you need to manipulate energy for the desired effect?.
As manipulating energy is not easy at all, I always requiere an 'item lore' roll, but for items that character has created before I add a bonus as with 'lock pick' for equal locks (you can add from +20 to +50 for similar maneuver).