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| Whether you want to build a custom home, renovate an existing dwelling or create a park in your backyard an architect can assist you in a wide variety of ways which could both make your dreams come true and ease the burden on your finances. |
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| Why Do You Need One? |
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| Let's face it, building a beautiful home from a set of plans you purchased from a reputable design house is a good way to go. However, there are many other considerations besides the structure and it's accoutrements. Here are a few: |
- Does it fit your lot size?
- Does it fit in with the neighborhood style?
- Is there enough room for the garden or patio?
- Is the sewer line above or below grade?
- And the list goes on!
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| Architects take in the whole picture. They do more than print out blueprints with walls, plugs and bathroom sketches. In essence, they go over your needs and design the exact living space you require with the budget that you have. Architects also coordinate the details with the contractor and subtrades so that your building experience is a pleasurable and rewarding one. |
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| Remodeling |
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| Remodeling is another area where an architect can simplify the process. Because of the nature of their business they keep up-to-date with building codes and laws which affect existing structures. They can also advise the couple that, based on their future needs, it is better to sell the home and buy new or an existing home without the restrictions. |
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| Consider this Example: |
| A person owns a home that is designated by his city as a “heritage home.” He and his wife find they need more space and want to renovate but the city gives them a telephone book full of regulations to ensure that the home stays within the limits as prescribed by the heritage act. The brother-in-law that was going to help them can read blueprints but his “legalese” is definitely under par. So what do they do? |
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| As this couple in the example would find out, there are architects that specialize in the rebuilding and preserving of heritage properties and help them navigate through the regulations. Everything has to to evaluated: heating, style of trim, color and yard. In a short space of time the old home will look like it was when it was first built in 1898. |
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| Specialized |
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Another couple who loved sailing bought a piece of property in a sheltered cove. However, the land dropped steeply from the road. The architect studied the property and then had the wharf built first. When questioned by the incredulous couple about this strange procedure he took them out to the wharf and had them look back at the pristine hillside. Then he showed them the sketches of the proposed home. They were amazed at how the home seemed to “sail through the trees.” The architect had built the wharf first (to their specifications) so he could envision what they would see when they sailed into the cove. |
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| Cost Advantages of Using an Architect |
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- An architect is in constant contact with the builder and “speaks the same language.” In other words if any problems arise the plans can be re-worked to sort them out.
- An architect is a “boss” of sorts, helping keep the construction on course and on budget.
- Architects are always keeping track of the new developments in building or put in beautiful new designs that enable you to achieve what you want within your budgetary constraints. This is also true of materials which are maintenance-free saving you time and money down the road.
- Heating and air conditioning are also major concerns which can be worked into the design gaining you energy savings above the normal home design.
- An architecturally-designed home where the landscaping is fitted to the property will have a high expectation of selling when the time arises.
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| How Do You Pick One? |
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If you go to the internet you'll see many ads for architects so take a step back and consider the following points before jumping in: |
- What do you want? Space, swimming pool, hot tub, not over $250,000. Go to the library, buy some home magazines, see a home show, drive around and look at other homes. Write down all your ideas.
- Make a List: If you see a home you like find out who designed it and put them down on a list. Consult friends, neighbors and others you know who have had great dealings with a architect.
- Make the Calls: See which architects could be available to take on your project when you would like it done.
- Evaluate their credentials: Do they have the experience for the work you want them to do.
- Meeting: When you decide which ones you would like to interview consider the following concerns at the meeting:
- Do you feel comfortable with this person? (You will be working with them for a while)
- Get him or her to show you projects they have completed.
- Ask how they perceive your project from the information you provide.
- What employee or partner will be handing the project?
- Discuss budget and fees. Is it an hourly rate or percentage of the construction cost?
- Discuss timeline.
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Once you have decided on the architect, be specific about the timeline, cost of building, architect’s fees and scope of work. For more information check with the American Institute of Architects. They have a selection of standard contract forms used by the industry. |
