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Design Your Reno Right
You don't have to be designing your home
from scratch to need an architect. If you're making any structural
changes to your home at all, whether it be an addition, a remodel or
adding a whole new floor, an architect should be the first person
you call.
An architect can perform many of the same services a contractor
would but will also be able to incorporate any changes into the
overall design of the house. Though some contractors do have an eye
for design, an architect has had extensive training in blending form
and function. When you bring them in at the beginning of the
project, it can save you from an aesthetic disaster that could hurt
the resale value of your home.
WHAT AN ARCHITECT CAN DO FOR YOU
Here are the three main functions an architect performs when working
on residential projects:
DESIGN
An architect will help you plan the project and come up with
designs. Good design will take your needs, the style of the current
structure and the building site into consideration. Expect an
architect to ask and consider questions like: What are the traffic
patterns in your home and how does this project fit with them? How
will your family use in the new addition? Where does the sun rise
and set and how does light enter the room? Where are the neighbors?
Was this building built in 1980 or 1890? An architect will make sure
that eras, materials and roof lines match. There's nothing worse
than a colonial home with a modernist addition or vice versa.
COORDINATION
Once the designs have been drawn up, the architect will coordinate
and manage the project from start to finish. This begins with
calling for quotes from contractors, helping to review the quotes
before hiring someone to do the work and includes dovetailing the
work of all the people who are contributing to the final project.
The Architect will supervise work as it progresses making sure that
everything goes according to plan as far as quality, time and budget
are concerned.
KEEPING IT LEGAL
Your Architect will obtain any necessary permits and ensure that all
local building codes and bylaws are observed. They will also make a
final inspection. An architect has to be accredited and licensed by
the state after completing a five year architecture degree or master
of architecture program, while no formal education is required for
contractors. An architect is professionally liable for the soundness
of the work
HOW DO I FIND AN ARCHITECT?
Finding an architect isn't as simple as opening the phone book.
Designing a building is an art, so look around for buildings and
homes you love, then talk to the owners and discover who the
architect was. See if you can afford them! If you have to go without
a recommendation, meet with prospective architects and look for
values that mesh with yours, common philosophies and good chemistry.
The design of the project should be a collaborative effort - your
architect has to be someone you can work with.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
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Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
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