Whether you are planning to remodel, add on, or build new, here are six examples of projects that require an architect…
- You are looking to build a new home. If you have a lot (or searching for a lot) and want to make sure your desired home will fit, it is crucial to have an architect walk you through every step of the process.
- You’re remodeling a unique or historic home or changing styles. Maybe you want to change the look of your 1970s colonial or change the roofline of your home. Or maybe you want to add a second story. The measurements, aesthetics, and details are critical and an architect can guide you through all of it.
- You have a problem with your house and have no idea how to solve it. Maybe your laundry room is in the basement and you want to move it upstairs. Or you need another bathroom but every square foot of your house is accounted for. In cases like these, an architect can help you sort through the possibilities and come up with creative improvements that fit you and your budget.
- You feel squeezed, but don’t want an addition. Before adding to your house, have an architect ensure you are making the most of all your existing space. Even the smallest houses often have underutilized areas that can be reconfigured and brought back into daily use. Sometimes what seems like a square-footage shortage is really a circulation problem that can be solved with a few changes.
- You need to stay on a budget. This may seem counterintuitive, since hiring an architect means one more professional you’ll need to pay, but a good architect can save you money. One way is through value engineering—devising a way to get all the features you need and want while staying on budget. An architect might suggest substituting a similar but more economical building material to get the same effect. They can also steer you away from making mistakes by not balancing life cycle cost vs initial cost.
- Your local building authorities require one. In most communities, most projects (big or small) require an architect. A building permit is needed for any remodel or addition that modifies the structure, or electrical/ plumbing/ HVAC systems. An architect (or engineer’s) plans are typically a key piece in acquiring a building permit. Check with your local building department to be sure.
Fidei Architecture is passionate about bringing your project to life and collaboratively walking you through the process. Contact us today — we would love to design with you!