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A designer or architect may also help avoid code violations. This time spent in working through the design to anticipate problems can help avoid the need to make changes during construction that are invariably more expensive. An architect will begin by asking many questions to elicit as much information from you as possible. In the course of the job, there are fewer change orders when a design has been thought through thoroughly, and that is the essence of the designer’s job. In the short term, the savings may be reflected in more informed purchasing of materials and labor, as designers or architects may be familiar with economical solutions. What are the other benefits of having a designer or architect on my team?Īrchitects and designers cost money … but they can also save you money. The experts can help ensure that the work done at your house is consistent with fire and electrical codes and is structurally sound. Such regulations were established for your protection, as well as that of your neighbors.
HOME ARCHITECT FULL
Which brings us full circle: You’ll probably be required to submit plans that bear the stamp of a licensed architect or engineer. This won’t apply to work that involves no more than repainting, new countertops, or other minor work, but for remodeling jobs that cost more than a certain sum, or that involve rewiring or new foundation work, the requirements are more rigorous. However, in most communities there are design requirements for significant renovation jobs. I’m planning to do the work myself, so why can’t I design it myself?Īgain, you probably can. More often, however, the disparate talents of the designer and builder are found in different people. Certainly some actors are playwrights, and some builders are fine designers. In a sense, asking a builder to be your architect is like expecting an actor to write the play in which he is to perform. It is the carpenter’s and the other tradesmen’s jobs to be concerned with the individual parts. The architect is a big-picture person, responsible for envisioning the whole.
![home architect home architect](http://www.romoko.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/home-elevation-design-by-romoko-builder.jpg)
Builders are concerned with the concrete details of materials and fasteners and with the physical work of construction. Architects and designers specialize in the abstract, in conceiving suitable configurations, shapes, and spaces. Though designers and builders often work closely together, the nature of what they do is fundamentally different.
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Some builders are quite good designers, but most are not.
HOME ARCHITECT PROFESSIONAL
However, if you have some special needs or your house has some peculiarities, you may want to draw upon the design skill and training of a professional designer. Some have established relationships with local code officers so the red tape is minimal. Many experienced contractors are as well equipped to deal with a simple remodeling as an architect. However, most architects are licensed and have more academic training and professional experience (See The Architect versus the Designer).Ĭan’t I just hire a contractor and work out the design with him? Because they perform basically the same role in a typical remodeling job, I use the terms “architect” and “designer” more or less interchangeably in this book. Most architects happily identify themselves as designers on the other hand, a self-described designer usually is not an architect. In short, whether you draft them or someone else does, you’ll probably need plans. The detailed listing of materials that designers prepare are also necessary for getting accurate cost estimates. If you are planning on seeking a loan to underwrite a major renovation, your bank may also want to see professionally prepared blueprints. National, state, and local codes require close adherence to regulations regarding wiring, plumbing, structure, and even rubbish disposal. Before issuing one, most municipalities require that you submit plans to the code officer.
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Unless your remodeling is confined to cosmetics, you will need a building permit. Your needs and requirements are site-specific and you can’t just go out and buy a set of ready-made plans. Countless plans exist for new houses-but no two renovations are alike. But understand that, strange as it may seem, having an architect or designer is usually more important on a renovation job than for new construction. If know what I want, why do I need a designer at all?