An architect is not always a requirement for a project, but always someone you are well-advised to involve. Certain neighborhoods and municipalities require a licensed professional for construction permitting. Otherwise, it’s your right to design your own home should you choose. So if hiring an architect isn’t legally required, why is it advisable to do so?
When you are ready to build a home, consider the following factors which will help you see why enlisting the help of an architect is beneficial:
Time: When you plan your home, is it somewhere you’ll live for a few years, or will it be a place you plan on staying in forever? The longer you plan on staying in the home you’ll build, the more time you will benefit from the customizations an architect can create. While there is an expense associated with choosing an architect versus doing it yourself, if you’re staying in the home for many years, you’ll have longer to experience and enjoy the home, and amortize the customization.
Customization: If you have needs that reach beyond what a cookie cutter home can offer, using an architect is your best bet. If you desire custom solutions that are tailored specifically for your family and your lifestyle, you’ll benefit with an architect working on your project.
Personal experience: Do you have a working knowledge of design and construction? Perhaps you’ve been through the building process before or completed a home renovation? While you may feel comfortable tackling these challenging aspects of building a home, due to family and work obligations, you may not have enough time to dedicate solely to this project. An architect does; an architect will spend the time necessary to help ensure successful completion of every task involved, from the obvious ones down to the minutest details.
Tolerance: The building process can be frustrating and mentally taxing, and many homeowners simply don’t want to be burdened with the inevitable challenges that will pop up. Employing the professional assistance of an architect will cut your involvement on the day-to-day aspects of your project so you can focus on making the important and exciting decisions.
Design: Are you sensitive to design issues, such as awkward proportions and poor color combination? An architect is someone who is in-tune with the design aspects and issues that pop up on every job. Working with an architect can spare you the headache of poor design in the completed home, which can easily be missed by someone who isn’t sensitive to those issues until its already built.
Investment: Will you be investing substantial funds into this project? If so, it really does make sense to utilize an architect, for the protection of your investment.
Ability: Even those homeowners with the skills necessary to complete a project on their own experience challenges; sometimes, you can’t seem to get it right. If you are having trouble putting together your ideas, an architect can help you translate them into a workable plan and a finished residence that meets your desires and expectations.
If you are still on the fence about whether to hire an architect for you project, I encourage you to call one and set up a “get to know” one another session. Residential architects tend to be passionate about creating wonderful living environments and talking out creating those environments! My office offers a free session for clients considering new homes. So, if you are in the area and want to discuss your project, give me a call!
© 2012 Kevin Harris, Architect, LLC
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"Kevin Harris is an award-winning residential architect, international speaker, champion of culture-based design, an LSU and Harvard GSD graduate, father of 3, Eagle Scout, blue water sailor and Fellow of the AIA. For more information on Kevin or the firm go to www.kevinharrisarchitect.com."
