Starting a large project with your home is exciting, but it can also be fraught with problems and unexpected expenses. One way to help yourself stay on track with project plans and budget is to know if and when it pays to hire an architect.
Is the job a remodel, renovation, or restoration? Understanding the differences and how they apply to your project, will guide you regarding the next step in planning your project and hiring your team. Ask yourself, do I need an architect?
DIY and Interior Designer
Homeowners can accomplish many basic redecorating projects for less money using a little elbow grease, wise shopping around, and basic skills. These tasks are often done as a DIY or with the help of an interior designer. Often, projects requiring more intensive planning, building, installation skills, or supervision can still allow the homeowner or interior designer to jump in for certain parts of the job. The owner or interior designer can safely assume these tasks.
- Redecorating – Choosing: superficial materials, facades, veneers, and finishes; paint colors, wallpapers, paneling, and fabric choices; decorative hardware, drawer and cabinet pulls, lighting appliances, fixtures; kitchen appliances, and furniture selection.
- Designing – Determining preferences of layouts, useable spaces, and types of user-oriented installations.
- Purchasing – Shopping, ordering, tracking, and budgeting expenses and items related to redecorating.
- Installations – This will vary depending on the owner’s skills, time, and help from family and friends: Assembling and installing furniture, appliances, and decorative elements such as painting or refinishing.
General Contractor
When projects require skill and permits, but structural building changes are unnecessary, a general contractor may be all you need. They can usually get all the DIY decorating done and consult directly with your interior designer. They are often the lead for renovations and some restorations.
- Removing, replacing – Finishes, fixtures, paneling, faux ceilings, flooring, trims, pavers, tiles, veneers
- Non-structural builds – Built-in seating, additional room features, cabinet housing
- Upgrades – Plumbing, electrical, and windows which occupy the same spaces as previous.
- Installations – Cabinets, doors, flooring, appliances
- Project management – Keep track of all project elements, permits, hired help, timing, dates, budgets, and communication with other team members.
- Painting - exterior and interior
Architects
When you need help envisioning how your old home could better meet your very current lifestyle needs for space, aesthetics, and function, it pays to hire an architect. Remodeling projects typically involve structural changes. Occasionally renovations and restorations may also benefit from an architect’s skills. Here are some specific instances in which an architect may be your best investment yet:
- Major layout changes – Moving, adding, or removing walls, adding space, adding new window or doors, building rooms onto old structures.
- Adding plumbing in new areas – Putting in a new bathroom, moving a kitchen, changing the plumbing from one side to another.
- Adding electrical in new areas – Adding a new room with outlets, built-in lighting, or other electrical needs.
- Matching or changing architectural features – Plans for additions or modifications to the exterior of homes in historic districts, must conform to historic specifications in order to be granted approval. An architect that specializes in working on historic homes will be familiar with the review and approval process. Your architect will represent you at review board meetings and know how to advocate for the proposed changes. This in itself makes it worthwhile to engage a professional. If plans need to be revised, your architect will find a solution that is agreeable to both the homeowner and the review board.
Home improvement projects can be overwhelming. Renaissance Development professionals know just what and who you need for various types of home improvement. Let us know what projects you have in mind. We can help you move forward, avoiding potential pitfalls, getting the work done right, and helping to ensure that your investment is well worth it. Get in touch to schedule your consultation today.
