7 Advantages of Hiring an Architect
1. Expert Guidance
Building or renovating a new home is a very big undertaking. For those who decide to tackle this mission, there are a lot of decisions to make, laws to follow and paperwork to file before receiving a building permit.
An architect has years of experience in this field and has extensive knowledge about the process, zoning and building codes and can help to streamline the process.
An architect’s knowledge can not only streamline the approval process but will also make the home easier to build, and easier for your contractor to price by eliminating unknowns resulting in fewer questions on site which will reduce construction delays.
An architect has years of experience in this field and has extensive knowledge about the process, zoning and building codes and can help to streamline the process.
An architect’s knowledge can not only streamline the approval process but will also make the home easier to build, and easier for your contractor to price by eliminating unknowns resulting in fewer questions on site which will reduce construction delays.
2. Plan Design
There are plenty of options available for those looking to build a new home, such as; purchasing a modular home, a home mass produced in a warehouse and shipped to your site for final completion, purchasing a generic house plan online, a plan that does not take your site concerns into mind, or hiring an Architect to create a one of a kind home that has been thoughtfully designed to incorporate many aspects of the site components and client’s use.
An architect has been trained to select the best location on a site to utilize the site’s sun lighting, natural shading, views or other site features like ponds, streams, etc.
An Architect knows how to use passive solar techniques to control daylighting throughout the day and the seasons to maximize user comfort and minimize the excessive need for electrical lighting and HVAC loading which can provide a more comfortable environment while reducing costs.
By interacting with a client and asking questions an Architect can create a space that will complement the user’s lifestyle and reduce the stress of an ill-conceived plan.
An architect has been trained to select the best location on a site to utilize the site’s sun lighting, natural shading, views or other site features like ponds, streams, etc.
An Architect knows how to use passive solar techniques to control daylighting throughout the day and the seasons to maximize user comfort and minimize the excessive need for electrical lighting and HVAC loading which can provide a more comfortable environment while reducing costs.
By interacting with a client and asking questions an Architect can create a space that will complement the user’s lifestyle and reduce the stress of an ill-conceived plan.
3. Budgeting & Material Selections
The level of quality and finish of materials can vary widely and can significantly affect the final cost of construction. There are many areas where an experienced Architect can help guide your selections to maximize your budget. Having an expansive knowledge of the benefits and drawbacks of different types of heating systems and insulating types as well as the different levels of quality of windows, doors and siding, to name a few, can really impact and extend a limited budget.
Energy conservation is a big concern with construction today. In conjunction with passive solar techniques, different construction methods and materials can be combined to help meet your conservation goals.
Energy conservation is a big concern with construction today. In conjunction with passive solar techniques, different construction methods and materials can be combined to help meet your conservation goals.
4. Contract Negotiation Experience
Experience in construction includes experience reviewing contractor bids and contracts. Experience with different construction firms allows an architect the ability to recommend competent contractors and weed out others that may not have the client’s best interests in mind. An Architect can also try to match client and contractor’s personalities to limit disputes or opposing characters.
Once contractors have been selected, an Architect can review each bidder’s proposal to make sure that all aspects of the work have been included and that allowances in the bid do not give any contractor an unfair advantage.
An “allowance” is money set aside for any unknown quantity or entity that has not been spelled out in the contract documents. These can range from plumbing fixtures to wall and floor tile to kitchen cabinets, countertops and appliances. These materials are generally selected during the construction process, however the more selections made during the design process the more accurate the bid can be.
Once contractors have been selected, an Architect can review each bidder’s proposal to make sure that all aspects of the work have been included and that allowances in the bid do not give any contractor an unfair advantage.
An “allowance” is money set aside for any unknown quantity or entity that has not been spelled out in the contract documents. These can range from plumbing fixtures to wall and floor tile to kitchen cabinets, countertops and appliances. These materials are generally selected during the construction process, however the more selections made during the design process the more accurate the bid can be.
5. Construction Management & Oversight
During construction the Architect’s role is to review and approve shop drawings, answer any questions the builder may raise about construction techniques or procedures and to help guide the process to a successful completion.
Although not part of the standard contract, for an additional fee an Architect can take on a more vital role during construction, as that of the Construction Manager. Hiring an Architect as the CM can be beneficial for clients who are unfamiliar with the construction process. The CM works closely with the general contractor and acts as the owner’s representative to review and approve payment requests, review additional expenses and keep construction on schedule.
Although not part of the standard contract, for an additional fee an Architect can take on a more vital role during construction, as that of the Construction Manager. Hiring an Architect as the CM can be beneficial for clients who are unfamiliar with the construction process. The CM works closely with the general contractor and acts as the owner’s representative to review and approve payment requests, review additional expenses and keep construction on schedule.
6. Dispute Resolution/ Ethics
All Architects are committed to adhere to a strict code of ethics which is based on professionalism and the duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of those who occupy our buildings. It is our duty to remain unbiased during times of conflict between builder and client. We are bound to remain a neutral impartial arbiter to help resolve conflicts between clients and builders.
7. Lower operating costs & higher resale value
By maximizing the potential of your lot and creating a unique, thoughtful and beautiful design an Architect designed house can provide not only a great living environment but also an increased return on your investment.
Studying the site, using passive solar techniques and specifying the right heating and cooling equipment for the project can help to lower operating costs throughout the buildings life cycle.
In addition to lower operating costs, studies have shown that homes designed by Architects have increased value compared to standard houses. These homes have recently reported as much as a 17% increase over other non-architect designed homes at resale.
Studying the site, using passive solar techniques and specifying the right heating and cooling equipment for the project can help to lower operating costs throughout the buildings life cycle.
In addition to lower operating costs, studies have shown that homes designed by Architects have increased value compared to standard houses. These homes have recently reported as much as a 17% increase over other non-architect designed homes at resale.