Design Unleashed: Knowing When You Need an Architect
I’ve had a few friends/clients recently decide they don’t need me on their latest projects. That is totally fine! Honestly, I don’t expect everyone to want to work with me on every single project. BUT please, if you don’t want to work with me, work with another great designer/ architect!
5 Situations That Call for an Architect
1. When building a new, ground up house.
Every. Time.
If you live in a city with tough permitting, you’re probably going to do this anyway. But I work with a lot of rural clients and it makes me so frustrated to see people investing so much money on a brand new house without spending the money to lay the design foundation in the beginning. I have had multiple contractors tell me that the homeowner saves the cost of my services. Every. Time.
2. When the contractor requests one.
Your contractor has built multiple houses (hopefully). If they don’t have the time, skill, or confidence to design the home, listen to them. Respect what they’ve figured out about themselves and their business, they want/ need an outside designer.
3. When you’re on a small budget but you’re not sure what you want.
There is a lot of potential in the money you’re going to spend. You could get a healthier house, a better flow, nicer finishes, better lighting. With the right moves, $100k can go a long way.
You don’t necessarily need an architect on smaller projects but find a great designer with low-ish rates. They’re few and far between but worth the search. Here’s an article I wrote about Finding a Designer: Click Here.
4. When you’re navigating tight restrictions.
Close setbacks, stringent HOA rules, historic districts; they can make your project feel impossible. And be a huge headache. Industry experience can be invaluable in these situations. Hire someone to have your back, to guide you through the rats nest of paperwork. Most of the time you need a local designer or Architect for this.
5. When it’s a significant remodel or addition.
Rearranging rooms? Adding bathrooms? Building an addition but not sure where to connect it? These are all signs that you need a great designer or Architect. The right person will be able to make better use of your space AND blend old and new into a cohesive design.
Yes, it feels like you need a great designer for all the projects! Kinda, yeah. It’s a fraction of your budget and what could it hurt? Construction costs too much money to not be prepared.
Still not sure? Here’s what working with an architect will get you…
During the design process we work through so many questions that would otherwise come up later and have to be answered in a rush. We have more time to sift through your preferences and establish your priorities. We have more time to research, discuss, and come up with design solutions that the whole team has had a chance to weigh in on. Things like mechanical systems, wall and roof layers/ assemblies, interior finishes, exterior finishes, the list goes on.
There are so many decisions to make and Architects help you prepare in advance. Everything is less stressful and there are fewer changes during construction so you save time AND money. Plus, a good designer should guide you through the design > permit > construction process which, without help, is overwhelming and confusing.
Purchased plans online?
No shame in that. If you’ve found a design you love, go for it. Just please ask a local designer to help you decide where to locate the house on site. And to help you figure out the best wall and roof assemblies.