Do I Need An Architect To Remodel My House?

If you want your castle to seem as good as possible after its renovation, you shouldn't leave it to just anyone.

Professionals like architects are available to help you through the process with their expertise.

Learn the signs that indicate it's time to call in the pros for help with your home renovation job.

If you're a homeowner, you probably day-dream of the day you can tackle a large home improvement project and see it through to completion.

No, I'm not talking about replacing the tiles in your bathroom.

This kind of renovation happens once in a lifetime; it revitalises the whole family, piques everyone's attention, and makes the neighbours green with envy.

Perhaps you're thinking of adding square footage to your home by building a two-story extension with a family room on the ground floor and a master suite on the second.

Maybe you've always pictured yourself expanding the kitchen and adding French doors that open onto a wraparound deck.

Your idea, no matter how simple or complex, will benefit immensely from the expert design assistance of a qualified and licenced architect.

Do You Need an Architect?

There are cases in which the expertise an architect may offer is useful, but even for large-scale projects, hiring one is not always necessary.

In order to know if you need an architect, you must first consider the nature of the project at hand.

The Role Of The Architect

We learned that architects can and often do take on a wide range of tasks during a restoration project.

We failed to effectively address our own or her expectations because neither of us realised the extent to which that range may go.

If we had it to do over, we'd discuss these alternatives with potential architects throughout the interview process, and then include a clear statement of our goals and budgetary constraints in the final contract.

Here's a list of things they could help you with:

Drafting the plans

This is the very first thing that comes to mind once the thought of an architect is conceived.

Truly, technical drawings hold an important place in the world.

In the process of making them, the architect can advise you on how to realise your vision better and what to expect.

There is no way to turn a walk-in closet into a combination office and half bath, for instance.

The final designs will also be used as a basis for acquiring permits and will provide direction to contractors on-site.

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Getting creative.

Look forwards to seeing things that catch your eye? more windows than the layout seems to allow for?

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As a refurbishment progresses, the architect may be able to incorporate more one-of-a-kind features that were not initially envisioned.

If a wall is four inches thicker than it needs to be, for instance, you may use that extra space to instal shallow built-ins.

Advising on fixtures and finishes

Paint, tiles, floors, worktops, kitchen cabinets, faucets, lights, doorknobs, and appliances are all examples of "fixtures and finishes," a broad term that can refer to a large range of different objects.

When a project involves both an architect and a designer, the designer is the one who will primarily be responsible for advising the architect on the best choice of fixtures and fittings.

There is an extra step in between you and the architect if you don't have a designer like we did.

Choosing and managing the contractor

A savvy architect will have established rapport with several reliable contractors and work to maintain those ties.

That being said, you can expect recommendations for potential bidders on your project.

The architect must also be familiar with the capabilities of the contractor and ready to apply pressure if necessary.

Does it often happen for the kitchen cabinets to be slightly out of alignment, and if so, how do you go about fixing it? The architect and the builder need to come to an agreement if the problem is fixable.

Managing the project.

There are a lot of moving parts throughout a renovation, such as arranging for workers and permits, ordering and keeping track of materials, and so on.

The contractor is responsible for some of this.

Still, the architect can act as the go-to person, helping you make sense of ordering deadlines, finding specialised sub-contractors outside the general contractor's network, and keeping things on track with permits and processes that are outside the normal range of the job (like lead abatement).

Making suggestions to keep the project on time

Although this is a part of managing the project as a whole, it is crucial that you prioritise getting help with the timeline.

You may expect your architect to keep tabs on the contractor and any other relevant parties, suggest appealing finishes that can be provided fast, and help you figure out what parts of the project you can feasibly have done after you move in.

Making suggestions to keep the budget in check.

An architect may help with budgeting by suggesting attractive and cheaper alternatives to expensive finishes you like, suggesting features that are worth spending money on and areas where you can save money, and estimating expenditures you may not have considered. (It's vital to keep in mind that time is money; if the renovation takes longer than projected, the added cost of renting temporary lodging on top of the mortgage on the developing property might cause a considerable overrun in the budget.)

The architect we hired performed an adequate job of drafting up the plans for our project, finding several contractors who were interested in bidding on it, and managing the one we ultimately chose. Still, she failed us in every other aspect.

To top it all off, we learned that her fee would be higher than we had anticipated.

When we were on the hunt for an architect, we obviously didn't ask the right questions to find one that could meet all of our needs.

Levels of Architectural Design Service

When compared to other home-building designers, architects stand out since they are required by law to receive professional licences from the jurisdictions in which they practise.

A degree in architecture from a recognised school is the first step towards becoming a licenced architect, followed by an internship and finally the licensure exam.

This makes certain that architects are well-versed in not just the design process, but also the materials and procedures employed in the actual construction of buildings.

Architectural designers, or just designers, have the same education as architects and years of experience in the field of architectural design, but they are not needed to possess a licence.

They can choose to work with a licenced architect or on their own.

Numerous construction companies offer assistance with house plans, and some even employ architects and interior designers full-time.

Some design-build firms are headed by architects, while others employ architects to provide architectural design and construction services together.

Somebody who takes your ideas and puts them on paper is called a draftsperson.

They can create the construction drawings you require but typically can't do that until the design is complete. Like designers, drafters often work in tandem with licenced architects and contractors.

When planning a home renovation, you may want to consider hiring a professional from the aforementioned fields.

But what many people don't realise, especially homeowners who are thinking about making "just a few tweaks," is how difficult it may be to convert an existing property so that it may fulfil entirely new standards.

An architect's expertise lies in seeing the potential in a structure and converting that into detailed plans that a builder can execute with pinpoint accuracy.

Architects have the education and experience to see the possibilities in any building.

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When You May Want an Architect

Read on to learn how to tell if you need an architect or at least a skilled designer to help you out.

• You're stuck with an issue in your home and don't know where to begin looking for answers. Perhaps every time you open the door to your laundry room on the second floor, you cause a traffic congestion. Perhaps you've realised that you need an extra bedroom or bathroom but have exhausted all of the space in your home. An experienced architect can help you narrow down your options and come up with innovative solutions that work within your budget and improve your quality of life.
• You're uncomfortable but you don't want to change anything. A competent architect will help you maximise the potential of your home's current layout before recommending any structural alterations. Every house, no matter how little, probably has some unused space somewhere that may be put to better use. What appears to be a space constraint may actually be an issue with traffic flow that may be addressed by making some design adjustments.
• You don't feel confident deciding on architectural details on your own. Major renovations are time-consuming and expensive, and they sometimes necessitate decisions about which the homeowner has limited information. An excellent architect acts as a go-between and consultant, ensuring that you get the most out of your endeavour.
• It's a requirement of the municipal building department. A professional architect is unnecessary for the majority of home improvement projects in today's society. In contrast, in other places, especially certain urban regions, you may need the stamp of approval from an architect or engineer. To be certain, contact the relevant authorities in your area responsible for building and maintaining structures.
• You're developing on a tricky plot of land, switching architectural eras, or renovating a historic property. Perhaps you've thought about adding a new floor to your 18th-century saltbox.
• Alter your 1970s builder colonial with a shingle roof. Maybe you have a house that's placed precariously on the edge of a cliff and you're thinking of building another storey on it. Use the services of an architect when the quality of the building's design is paramount.
• You need to be frugal. It seems counterproductive to hire an architect because that's just one more expert you'll have to pay for. However, hiring a competent architect might reduce costs. Value engineering is one approach; it involves finding creative solutions to obtaining desired features at reduced costs. An architect may propose using a cheaper but functionally equivalent material in construction. They can also help you avoid material or design flaws that could end up costing you more money in the long run.

Questions To Ask Before Hiring

There is a wealth of information online detailing the kinds of questions you should ask any prospective architects before making a hiring decision.

However, the questions are sometimes too vague to be of much use ("Why do you wish to work on this project?").

In addition, you won't be able to zero in on specifics without first having a firm grasp of the aforementioned options. Whenever we do get together again, these are some things I'd like to broach:

Which responsibilities will you handle?

If I take care of one, which one should it be? It's fine to only request architectural plans as a service, if that's all you offer as a client.

If you want a quote, say so.

If you think you'll enjoy having the architect assist throughout the entire process, including obtaining permits, choosing and supervising the contractor, and overall project management, then you should talk about the architect's role in doing all of these things.

Don't be shy about giving as many details as you can.

What role will you play in choosing and buying fixtures and finishes?

Can you tell me more about my role? On one end of the spectrum, the architect may handle every detail: after the client provides inspiration in the form of photos and links to websites, the architect makes suggestions based on those, the client selects their preferred design elements, and the architect handles the purchase and delivery.

On the other hand, you will be in charge of handling everything yourself, with little to no input from anyone else, and giving all the instructions.

It doesn't matter where on the spectrum you land, as long as you and your collaborators have a clear understanding of the conditions of your partnership.

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What’s your strategy for bringing a project of this size in on time? On budget?

There is no one correct response to either enquiry. Instead, look for indications that they are contributing to the process and have ideas to assist you reach your goals.

Can they provide you with general advice on how to save money or time, for instance? Is there a list of possible benefits and drawbacks?

Or perhaps some samples of the types of suggestions they have made to previous clients.

What unexpected solutions have you suggested on a previous project?

Inquiring about this will provide you insight into the architect's thought process and methods for problem solving.

Can we meet every week on-site with the contractor? Will you stop by the site occasionally unannounced?

Maintaining a shared sense of coordination is greatly aided by the first approach.

The latter gives the contractor's team an opportunity to ask questions in the moment, which can help verify facts and avoid mistakes.

How, exactly, do your fees work?

Although some architects do bill by the hour, most prefer to be paid a set fee based on a certain proportion of the entire construction budget.

Different architects use different forms or combinations of these fee schemes.

Ask for a detailed breakdown of the expenses, ideally with examples tailored to the scope of your project.

You should know exactly which services are part of the package and which, if any, will cost you extra.

If the fees are a flat rate or a % of the overall project, it's important to have a detailed breakdown of all the components that will go into the final price before you start. (In other words, a line for "fixtures and finishes" is not clear enough; ask for a thorough list of everything they'll anticipate charging against; a discrepancy on this topic is the reason why our architect's fees ended up being larger than we had budgeted for.)

How do you handle conflict?

Every project has its share of unforeseen challenges, and when money is at risk, such challenges are more likely to lead to conflict.

Disagreements are inevitable given the number of people involved.

Inquire about the architect's experience mediating disputes between clients and contractors and between clients and themselves.

The Interview: What to Expect

In order to find out if you and the architect are a good fit, you should have a preliminary talk over the phone.

In most cases, the first meeting with an architect is at no cost to you, and it serves two purposes: it helps the architect decide whether they want to take on the project, and it helps you decide if you want to hire them.

It's important to consult with several architects before settling on one.

It's common practise to discuss the project's scope, timeline, and budget in the first meeting.

Since you'll be working closely with this person as the project progresses, it's important to leave the meeting with a solid impression of whether or not you can work together.

This is also something that the architect will look for.

Trimming Costs

If you're short on cash and have a simple project, it may be worthwhile to hire an emerging architect. It will be a mixed blessing and a mixed curse that his prices will reflect his extensive professional background.

A draughtsman, who lacks design and engineering expertise but can produce technical drawings, is another possibility.

To get a permit from the local building authority, you will need the approval of an architect and a structural engineer, which will cost you money.

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You should have your design professional involved just in the planning and blueprinting stages if you are sure in your abilities to assess the building's quality.

Typically, the budget for these stages is between 5 and 10 percent of the total project budget.

Paying an architect to conduct site visits in which they assess the current construction is a wise choice if you have no idea what a beam or stud is.

Site inspections are a common service that should be included in your contract with your design professional.

Why? Because he has as much of a financial stake as you do in seeing his idea carried out exactly as planned.

You don't need to hire an architect to check every nail and screw, which would be very expensive.

Two site visits are typically all that is needed for an addition or remodel, after the framing is complete and again during the punch-up process.

To Go Green

In addition to the obvious benefits to the homeowner and the environment, eco-friendly buildings are also gaining popularity among architects.

Considering sustainability during the planning and construction phases guarantees a long-lasting, energy-efficient, and cost-saving investment.

The experience level of the architectural company you employ and the specifics of your project both have a role in shaping the range of options open to you.

Large, incremental benefits can be achieved via the use of informed decisions even if a solar array or backyard wind farm is beyond the scope of your current financial readiness.

Recycled and non-toxic materials, solar or passive water heaters, high-performance insulation, and a stable thermostat are all things to consider.

All of these processes require careful preparation because they might have far-reaching effects on a house's framework.

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Get the Right Person for the Job

It is advisable to involve an architect in a large-scale project from the very beginning.

You'll have an easier time of it overall if you do this. It's not always necessary to hire an architect.

Hiring a skilled architect to act as both general contractor and writer of the contract considerably increases the likelihood of your project being finished on time and under budget.

Conclusion

You should know when it's time to call in the professionals to aid with your home improvement project. Experts, such as architects, are on hand to guide you through the procedure.

Having an architect on staff isn't always required, even for major building projects.

Permit applications and on-site construction can both benefit from having a solid foundation in the final designs.

When renovating a building, an architect may be able to add more special touches as the work develops.

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When working with a client on a budget, an architect might provide options for less expensive but still aesthetically pleasing finishing.

They may also provide advice on which features are worth the investment and which may be skipped to cut costs.

To become a licenced architect, you must first earn a degree in architecture from an accredited institution. One option to consider when considering a home improvement project is working with a licenced contractor.

An accomplished architect can assist in refining your selections and generating fresh ideas.

Learn from this article when you might want the assistance of an architect or at least a professional designer.

Renovating a large space is a tedious and costly process. In this way, a good architect serves as a consultant and intermediary to help you maximise the success of your project.

The city's construction department insists on it.

If you hire an architect, they may be able to come up with innovative ways to get the features you want while keeping the price down. If you want to build a house, MJS Construction Group is the company to call.

Find out how involved the architect will be from start to finish, from selecting and monitoring the contractor to answering your queries regarding the design.

Examine their participation and suggestions to ensure they are helping you succeed. Request an itemised list of costs, ideally including some that are similar to the nature of your project.

Find out if the architect has ever mediated a conflict between a client and a contractor.

Scope, schedule, and budget are typical topics for the first meeting to cover in a project.

Another option is a draughtsman who does not have a background in design or engineering but can create technical drawings.

The municipal government requires the stamp of approval from both an architect and a structural engineer before issuing a building permit.

The services of a site inspector are standard and should be part of the package you agree on with your design professional.

A long-lasting, energy-efficient, and cost-saving investment is ensured when sustainability is taken into account during the planning and building phases.

Having a professional architect serve as both general contractor and contract writer improves your chances of a successful project completion on time and within budget.

Content Summary

• Learn the signs that indicate it's time to call in the pros for help with your home renovation job.
• In order to know if you need an architect, you must first consider the nature of the project at hand.
• Advising on fixtures and finishes.
• Making suggestions to keep the project on time.
• Although this is a part of managing the project as a whole, it is crucial that you prioritise getting help with the timeline.
• Architectural designers, or just designers, have the same education as architects and years of experience in the field of architectural design, but they are not needed to possess a licence.
• Read on to learn how to tell if you need an architect or at least a skilled designer to help you out.
• You don't feel confident deciding on architectural details on your own.
• Use the services of an architect when the quality of the building's design is paramount.
• It's fine to only request architectural plans as a service, if that's all you offer as a client.
• If you think you'll enjoy having the architect assist throughout the entire process, including obtaining permits, choosing and supervising the contractor, and overall project management, then you should talk about the architect's role in doing all of these things.
• Ask for a detailed breakdown of the expenses, ideally with examples tailored to the scope of your project.
• It's common practise to discuss the project's scope, timeline, and budget in the first meeting.
• To get a permit from the local building authority, you will need the approval of an architect and a structural engineer, which will cost you money.
• Site inspections are a common service that should be included in your contract with your design professional.
• In addition to the obvious benefits to the homeowner and the environment, eco-friendly buildings are also gaining popularity among architects.
• It is advisable to involve an architect in a large-scale project from the very beginning.
• It's not always necessary to hire an architect.
• Hiring a skilled architect to act as both general contractor and writer of the contract considerably increases the likelihood of your project being finished on time and under budget.