There are many
misconceptions about why you would need an architect and how they can help
you with your project. Here a just a few...
All I Need Are Four Walls and a
Roof...I Don't Need An Architect.
Not True.
Architects help make
decisions. After talking with an architect, many people are surprised at
their own definite ideas in what they want in a house. Architects help you
think about how a building functions. They can design a house that is
flexible enough to grow with a young, working couple and who expect
children later. They can design an inexpensive, energy-efficient, fully
accessible home for retired people on a fixed income. They can show how a
house built for one family can be remodeled into apartments.
Anyway, All I Need Is A Builder Or
Contractor.
Not True.
The architect is the
single professional who has the training and experience to guide you
through the entire building process. The architect serves as the owner's
agent. As the head of a team of specialist (engineers, landscape
architects, contractors, etc.), an architect's first obligation is to look
out for your interests. Architects' drawings and construction documents,
which tell the contractor precisely what to build, set down your exact
requirements. Your architect follows your contractor's work to make sure
there are no surprises - you know what you will get.
An Architect is A Luxury I Cannot
Afford.
Not True.
Architects' fees are not
just added on top of your project costs. They can save you money in many
ways. An Architect oversees your budget and negotiate to get the best
materials and workmanship at a good price. Much more importantly, an
architect's design can greatly reduce your energy and maintenance costs,
which add up to many times the purchase price of the home over time. They
can turn a difficult lot into a successful building site. They can spend
time planning and developing your ideas fully to avoid costly refinements
after construction is underway. They can make sure that bids for
construction are based exactly on what you wanted and expected so you
really do get the best price. They can find parts of the project that you
can do yourself, or show you how to act as your own contractor.
Architects Just Do Blueprints.
Not True.
Today, the best answer to
the question, "What do architects do?" may be "What do you want them to
do?" Renovation? Energy analysis? Site selection? Interiors? Cost analysis?
Construction management? In designing your project, architects can add a
porch, a skylight - or design a complete house. They can adapt an old
building to a new use and keep its character. They can provide a cost
estimates. They can make a building safe for occupancy. They can fit a
building to a difficult site. They can find skilled craftspeople. They can
enlarge your present house so you no longer need to move. Or they can just
talk to you about how you want your house to be.
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