Working with an architect on your residential projects

Collaborating with an architect is a worthwhile investment whether you are planning a comprehensive remodel or an extension to your home. If you are looking to tailor make your living space into a specific style and taste a professional specializing in civil and interior planning  would be able to structurally integrate functionality and beauty while remodelling.

As a professional design firm, the primary task is to draw plans and oversee the progress of its construction. They are also required to have their license number on plans that have been drawn up and can be held liable for the structural integrity of their projects.

The primary objective of real estate developers is to construct unique home designs that are in accordance to the building site keeping in mind the clients requirements and lifestyle. If you are planning on adding or altering your homes footprint, it is advisable to consult with an master-planner or an engineer before you commence with the construction.

Hiring specialists first begins with scheduling a preliminary meeting to get a look and feel of whether their previous work meets your needs, tastes and comfort. Many post a portfolio on their websites which is a good place to start while creating a short list. The ability to communicate well and problem-solving is one of the primary requisites you should look for in the preliminary stages due to the numerous unexpected events/challenges you may come across during the design and building process. Companies differ in styles and the type of projects they undertake, therefore if you are looking to renovate your household or are looking for an extension, a firm that is  able to merge your ideas with its experitise and experience is a perfect fit is what you are looking for.

The initial consultation involves a discussion to gather a clear picture on the objectives of the construction. Providing the right inputs and definite answers will assist the designer in bringing your vision to life. Photographs of referenced homes that appealed to you would be helpful in the architect understanding your preferences for the layouts and finishings. Based on these questions he would then draft a set of sketches keeping in mind structural and design principles.

The initial sketches would give you a better idea of how your concept has been grasped and would mark the beginning of bringing your vision to life. Making changes at this stage is much easier, as these are usually non-dimensional sketches which are then prepared in the next phase. It is important that you spend time on the construction site to get a better understanding of what the draftsman has laid out.

On acceptance of the preliminary sketches the next phase would involve finalizing plans that include all the nuts and bolts of the civil work. Be sure to get clarity on the floor plans if you have any doubts, and take the time to understand the functional characteristics of the design plan. These plans are usually two-dimensional and are meant to give a birds-eye view of the entire house. If you are new to reading plans it would be advised that you walk around the construction site holding the plan and virtually put yourself in the room. Keep in mind that plans include a legend that mentions the scale at which it was drawn, you also have the North arrow towards the right side of the drawing page that acts as a reference guide.

Depending on the type of build you may require government permits which you need to check with the planner. If you are not going to be hiring a home decorator you would also have to discuss the various finishing and fixtures that are needed. Many firms provide separate floorplans for plumbing and electrical lines which also would be required by the contractors on-site.