Tackling a home renovation project allows you to design your living spaces in such a way that they can accommodate you and your household’s changing needs. It can be as simple as converting an unused room into a home office to something more extensive, such as historic restorations or a kitchen and bathroom remodel. You might even plan a full home renovation where nearly everything is upgraded from the flooring and walls to the roof and windows.
However, no matter what your reasons are for remodeling your home, you’ll most likely have to secure a permit from your local planning department. But to get this secured, the department needs to check the architectural plans of your renovation project. And before that, they must first be reviewed by a licensed engineer. Depending on who you hire, some contractors may already provide engineer-reviewed architectural plans, but may also need an independent assessment of your project. This is where the architect comes into play.
The Role of the Architect
Architects are licensed professionals who have experience and training when it comes to building designs. They essentially have a different design approach to home additions and other major renovations as they make solutions that add aesthetics and innovation to living spaces without affecting the plan’s practicality and function. Of course, design-build contractors can also create architectural plans and provide solutions, but their design approach is often different as they don’t always prioritize visual appeal.
What Services Does an Architect Offer?
Architects offer a range of services that serve different purposes in almost any part of the renovation process. This means they can work on your project from start to finish, which will mainly depend on what you need and how much you’re willing to pay. Listed below are some of their usual services:
- Creative solutions. This is usually done by adding certain elements that improve an existing layout’s overall appearance. For instance, they can redesign a layout to add windows, skylights, doors, lighting fixtures, storage areas and other innovative additions to enhance the interior’s visual appeal and comfort.
- Budget management. Architects are also capable of redesigning existing plans if your hired contractor finds unexpected problems during the renovation process. This can be especially useful if you want to stay within your budget. For instance, they can redesign your open floor plan if the installation team uncovers a load-bearing wall dividing your living room and kitchen.
- Maintain connections with other home design pros. Many experienced and established architects keep close ties with contractors and other professionals with whom they previously worked. For instance, they’ll refer you to a specialized kitchen remodeling builder for your project. And if it’s necessary, they can also find an additional builder for you to compare estimates on your project.
- Additional advice on fixtures, fittings and finishes. Browsing through different design elements can be tedious and overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to look. While you can easily hire a specialized interior designer who can help you make the right decision on several elements, an architect is also qualified to provide such services.
- Architectural drawings and designs. Their skills and expertise when it comes to architectural design, construction detailing, construction procedures, zoning and building codes, and building materials and systems are what make architects the sought-after professionals in the field of home design.
The Cost of Hiring an Architect for Your Home Renovation
Usually, architects either charge you hourly, a flat fee based on a percentage of your project’s overall cost or both. Before hiring one for your project, make sure to ask for the details of their fee structure. If it’s mainly based on a percentage of the overall project, get a list ahead of time about what will be included in that final tally. They may purchase the needed fixtures and fittings with around a 20% markup, but if they can often obtain trade discounts at around the same percentage, their services are usually worth it.
What to Expect When You Work With an Architect
Whether you’re planning a complete kitchen remodeling project or building a new home, most architects follow a similar process when they’re hired. The steps are as follows:
- Pre-design consultation. At this stage, you’ll meet with your architects to discuss ideas for your new project. They’ll also listen to your needs and preferences to ensure that the design meets your expectations. After they take measurements of the area to be remodeled, they’ll create a rough design that incorporates your plans and existing layout. They also suggest additional features that you may not have considered, such as a hidden storage area or a new hallway to connect to an additional room.
- Design development. After you agree with the initial design, they’ll turn it into a set of plans which you’ll need to review once they’re done. This usually includes the floor plan, room flow and size of your project.
- Additional specifications. This is when the architect may suggest other design elements to your renovation, such as materials and finishes. As we mentioned earlier, they can also serve as interior designers and provide suggestions on different paints, tiling, flooring and other specific fixtures that complement your overall design.
- Documentation. Once the design is approved, the architectural drawings are handed over to a professional contractor who’ll give an accurate quote for the project. Sometimes, they’ll also make a few necessary adjustments before submitting them to the local planning department for permit approval.
- Project management. Most contractors usually manage the permit process and start the project as soon as they’re secured. You may have to supervise the contractor to ensure your project goes smoothly, but you can also let your architect do the job for an additional fee. Architects are also qualified to supervise the building contractor’s progress and often do a great job overseeing the construction project, so you can be confident that your dream renovation is realized.
From historic restorations to home additions, from individual room remodels to whole-home renovations, you can rely on Cottage Industries, Inc. to create the living spaces you’ve always been dreaming of. Since 1989, our team of industry-leading professionals has worked closely with homeowners to make the restoration or remodeling process as simple and enjoyable as possible, from start to finish. We treat each project with the attention and care that it needs to be meticulously designed and executed. We take our responsibility as design/builders very seriously, and we know that transforming your home into your dream space can only be properly done with a proven process and the best professionals in the industry.
To get started, schedule a conversation with us by calling (610) 293-9750 or filling out our online request form. We serve homeowners in Philadelphia and the Main Line.
