Building a new home or undergoing a renovation is a big process and can easily be overwhelming. It’s a complicated process involving building codes, zoning, contractors and even design options. Even before you’ve convinced yourself that the time is right to build (or renovate) you probably spent hours envisioning layouts, finishes and how you might live in the space. The next step many homeowners take is to seek out recommendations for contractors; however, we suggest you take some time to think about hiring an architect. Read on to learn the 3 biggest reasons you should hire an architect.
Reason #1: Architects can save you money
Saving you money starts with reducing errors. A well thought out project is more efficient and economical. With an Architect it’s easier to make changes on paper than while it’s getting built (or even more challenging, after it’s built). Here are 5 additional ways Architects can save you money:
- An Architect can work within a budget. By recommending materials and layouts appropriate for that budget an Architect can not only save you money, but they also can recommend better quality materials and design for your money.
- Your project can be designed to be more energy efficient with the help of an architect. This will save you money over the life of your project.
- An Architect can help negotiate with a contractor before construction. Keep an eye out for our pamphlet “The Bidding Process” for more information. (Tip: Sign up for our newsletter and you can keep informed with our progress and new offerings)
- An Architect can help negotiate with a contractor during construction. Since an Architect understands the general costs of materials and has the experience with local pricing they can help identify whether a contractor is providing you with a fair price for any change. This is valuable during construction when owners tend to get stressed, undervalue the original contract with the contractor, and when they are most vulnerable. Architects act as your advocate to ensure the cost and design are managed during construction.
- Finally, better design tends to lead to higher resale or lease values.
Reason #2: Architects make your life easier
One of the most important skills of an architect is listening. They should understand your needs and lifestyle and be able to translate that understanding into a three dimensional environment. That means they will agonize over layouts, materials and more instead of you.
These images show examples where other Architects have solved complicated problems in creative and memorable ways.
3) Architects are creative problem solvers
Selfishly, this is our favorite reason. It defines everything we do as we see every problem and constraint as an opportunity. During design this can manifest itself in little ways such as suggesting similar, more cost effective finishes or fixtures. It can also be seen in larger ways such as an overall design that blends the new construction with the old. Space planning can also maximize the efficiency of a layout or cater it to the way the client lives and works.
During construction unexpected or unknown issues will arise. Architects can help solve these issues with a better design. It can be as simple as coordinating with multiple trades when a structural column needs to remain larger than initially understood or when foundation issues cause a budget crunch that necessitates some cost cutting efforts. An Architect’s unique perspective can help deliver clever solutions.
So, if you like what you’ve read so far please give us a call, send us an email or click the button below. We’d be glad to talk further. Our ultimate goal is to help you achieve the dream you want. We are happy to discuss anything from “How to Prepare for a Kitchen Renovation” to “What to Look for in a Kitchen Sink”. Or, if you want to get all the benefits mentioned above, we’d be happy to work with you for the duration of your project.
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