Do You Need an Architect?
By: Leslie Pandey, Senior Content Writer/Editor | August 29, 2007
Today’s Wiki Wednesday Feature: Do You Need an Architect?
Remodel or move? For homeowners, it’s an age-old question: Should you buy a new house, or remodel the one you already have? Considering the current state of the housing market, remodeling your home may be looking much more attractive these days. If you’re thinking about undertaking a remodel, you may want to check out this week’s featured Real Estate Guide article: Do You Need an Architect?
So, do you need one? Well, according to the article, it depends. The first consideration is the size of the project. If you’re planning a simple project — finishing off your semi-finished basement, for instance — then an experienced contractor should be able to complete your job successfully. But what if you want to turn your kitchen into a stunner pulled directly from a design magazine? Well, you’ll probably need an architect. Same thing if you’re thinking about doing an addition to your house or turning a spare bedroom into a luxurious master bath. While a contractor may be able to do a good job with these types of projects, a skilled architect can add style and smart design. Sure, hiring an architect will add to your overall project costs, but it will probably be worth it in the long run.
Even if you’re not sure if an architect is right for your particular project, it won’t hurt to go out and talk to a few. Most architects do not charge for initial consultation, and they should be able to give you a good idea of what sort of professional services your project requires. Once you’ve decided to hire an architect, take some time to make sure you’re choosing the right one. The article outlines some good tips for choosing one, including these:
- Get recommendations from friends, colleagues, and neighbors. But beyond that, take a look at the projects they’ve done for them. One person’s dream kitchen is another person’s “do-over.” And individual architects have different styles, so make sure theirs appeals to you.
- Be sure to personally meet with any architect you are considering hiring, and not only for a quick meeting. You will be working closely with this person for months, so you should get to know them and make sure that your personalities click.
One important distinction to make is the difference between an architect and a “home designer.” Architects are licensed by your state and required to fulfill certain academic requirements. “Home designers” are usually people that have an educational background in the field and possibly experience working with architects, but are not licensed. Some specialize in particular types of projects. Both types of professionals may be right for your job — you just need to do the leg work to find the right one.
Ed: Wiki Wednesdays is a weekly feature that highlights helpful or interesting articles from the Real Estate Guide.
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Comments
9 Comments so far
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Tia Martyn on August 31, 2007 2:34 am
Hey there,
What an interesting article! Friends and aquaintances are the best source for gathering info.
regards.
Steve on September 4, 2007 6:29 pm
In my humble opinion, architects are not very important or helpful in residential construction. Sure, the law requires them in some areas, and sure multi-family construction seems to involve more engineering so architects become monopolies.
But, frankly most architects would prefer to do commercial work and would prefer higher end residential.
I did feature this post on this week’s Carnival of Real Estate at my blog, so hopefully more debate.
Zach on August 5, 2008 7:01 pm
Steve,
You couldn’t be more WRONG. It is possible where you live there is a lack of Architects that specialize in Residential - however it is even MORE IMPORTANT to hire an Architect for the smaller projects in that there is less room for design mistakes.
Sure - bigger commissions mean bigger pay checks - however I personally get a rush out of the excitement a family has when they see the design for their addition, house, etc. - - And this type of success translates into reccomendations and more work through what i call “The Soccer-mom Network”.
I firmly believe that your area probably has what i like to call some Architects a whole lot of “Facilitators” - whose main business is to churn out projects like a puppy mill. I am a Graduate of a top 10 in the world Architecture School combined with my training afterwards has contributed to a strong work ethic as well as a design sense that knows no rivals.
Single family residential is what i specialize in. My projects typically come back from bidding so close to each other in costs that the selection process comes down to personality match up with the clients.
Having an Architect that knows residential construction as well as a working knowledge of the local tradesmen, will KNOW who to avoid and what to expect with certain people. So i firmly disagree about your position - and feel that you may have never met an Architect whom you respect or like to work with,
Gilly Youner on October 16, 2008 10:12 am
As an architect with over 20 years residential experience, as well as various schools and non-profit agencies, I would have to agree with Leslie and Steve- there are definite times when having an architect will help you both figure out, and GET exactly what you want. That said, there are often projects that can be handled equally well by Kitchen specialists, or Closet manufacturer/design vendors as well as DIY with IKEA or similar. I always suggest looking at various types of home magazines, and websites such as apartmenttherapy.com, starting a cuttings file of elements you love, and deciding whether the scope would be better supported by hiring a professional, or going another route.Also, as Tia says above –word-of-mouth recommendations are best. Gilly Youner, New York
Melissa on December 3, 2008 9:34 am
As a homeowner who has been working with an architect for the past 9 months, I can say that having an architect has been extremely valuable. My husband and I are very creative and design-minded people, but having an architect has opened so many more doors for us. I cannot imagine doing a project of this size (1800 square feet of addition) without her. She only does residential design and does not need to take on large commercial products to make more money. It’s the same reason why some people choose to do family law as opposed to corporate mergers and acquisitions.
I am writing about these issues and otheres related to our addition in my own blog - http://arlingtonhomeaddition.blogspot.com
Great blog. Thanks.
Deen on January 17, 2009 11:08 pm
Truly speaking when you are sick you go to the doctor.So when you need to build your dreams, only the Architect would be able to transform your ideas, emotions, expressions in drawings, plans, and designs. The Architect is being taught and through experience the Architect has the skills to get design solutions for different environmental situation. The Architect has the responsibility to design, monitor progress, supervise and spend within the client budget.
Andrei Akimov on February 4, 2009 1:28 pm
If anybody realy need ARHITECT please contact me
Andrei Akimov on March 19, 2009 1:41 pm
Building - sale makeup design service. From old view to new perspection… You can add $$$ but spend ….little)))
kathleen on May 14, 2009 3:10 pm
You need an architect for all of the reasons stated above, but also an architect is an expert at the building code and a good architect will know the requirements of the municipalities in his or her area and will be able to create a set of plans that will be submitted for a building permit without getting kicked back with comments, therefore requiring revisions and a re-submission. It is the responsibility of the architect to make this happen for his or her client. Get recommendations and find a knowledgeable architect in your area and it will save you in the long run.