Posts

What Are the 3 Main Functions of an Architect?

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  Architects  are involved in the entire homebuilding journey. From the early stages of conceptualization all the way through to the final product, an  experienced residential architect  will ensure exactly what the homeowner wants at each step. If you’re  ready to design and build your own home , choosing the right architect is crucial. You’ll be working closely with this person and their team on a near-daily basis, so it’s important to find an architect who succeeds in these three key roles:   Role of Architects in Construction During the construction phase of your project, your architect is responsible for many elements, including: The artistic and functional design elements Ensuring the foundation and frame are constructed properly, and are stable Working with the contractor to source the necessary materials Keeping track of timeline and budget Maintaining close contact with the client to ensure they are happy as construction progresses Role of Architec...

Renovation Vs New Build – Which One Is Best for You?

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  If it’s time to upgrade your home, you’re probably contemplating a  renovation vs a whole new remodel  and wondering which is the best option for you. Before making a decision, it’s good to be aware of all the considerations. For instance, which option is more cost-effective and less time-consuming? To help narrow it down, we recommend you speak with an  experienced home renovation architect  who can help you understand the best way forward for your home.  Which is the Most Cost-Effective? This depends on the design of your current home and what you want the end result to be. Many people think that new builds are more expensive, but that isn’t always true. For example, if your current home is two bedrooms, two bathrooms with no garage, and you want to remodel it into a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home with a large garage, there may be space limitations on your current property that make selling and building from scratch the most cost-effective option....

Which Architectural Style Is Right for You?

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Are you planning to build a home but having trouble deciding which   architectural style   is right for you? With seemingly endless choices when it comes to style and design it can be difficult to choose, but there is more to take into consideration than what looks nice. Things like your budget and the size of your family will also factor   into the architectural style that works   best. Here are some common architectural styles, including features that might make them the best choice for you.  Cape Cod Simplicity, clean lines, and affordability are the main features of Cape Cod-style homes. These homes are recognizable by their rectangular shape and open floor plans, and they’re mostly built using wood. With slightly sloped roofs and symmetrical lines, Cape Cod-style homes are a classic choice.  Craftsman Craftsman homes have at least one feature that  makes the home unique , and if you want a house with character and charm, this style may be for you....

What to Expect From a Commercial Architect

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If you will soon be hiring a  commercial architect , but you’re not sure what to expect it’s not drastically different than working with a  residential architect,  however there are usually more things to consider because commercial buildings are larger and have different regulations. In this article our team will walk you through the process of working with a commercial architect so you can be prepared and know what to expect. If you have any questions please  contact us.   Initial Consultation All  architectural projects  begin with a consultation. At this stage it’s likely that you haven’t yet decided on an architect and it’s normal to hold several different consultations with different firms. This is your chance to discover if the architect will be a good match for your project and we recommend bringing a prepared list of questions to your consultations, such as: Can you tell me about your experience with commercial projects similar to mine?  ...

The Top Three Advantages of Hiring a Local Architect

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Hiring a   local architect   is one of the keys to building your dream home. Perhaps you’ve started your search for a   residential architect   and you’ve found firms with impressive portfolios, but they’re not based in your area. Or maybe you’ve received recommendations via word of mouth from friends who live in different parts of the state. While there’s no doubt that these architectural firms do great work, it’s important to ask: do they have experience building and designing in your local area? Here’s why it’s so important to hire someone local.  Knowledgeable of the Area’s Geography and Terrain, as Well as Local Building Codes and Regulations Local architects will know important specifications about your area’s geography and terrain. For example, if your area receives a lot of wind, or has extreme weather during certain times of the year, it’s important to incorporate these factors into your home’s design. Elevation levels are also important to consider, be...

Design Fails That an Architect Will Help You Avoid

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Are you ready to design your dream home?   Hiring an architect   is a key part of the process, because an architect will ensure you avoid common design fails that can quickly turn into costly mistakes to repair later on. Designing a house is a complex process and working with professionals – from an architect to a designer to a contractor – is essential if you want to avoid common mistakes. Here are some of the design fails we see frequently. Unnecessary Demolitions Demolishing an existing home  should only happen if the building has been deemed unsalvageable. Demolitions are expensive and use a lot of resources, and we recommend consulting an experienced architect before deciding to demolish a building. For example, if you buy an old home, you may think that the only way to start fresh is to knock it down and start all over again. But with the help of an architect you may be able to work with the structure as-is.  Wasting Space Space is always an issue, particularly...

Signs that it’s Time to Build an Addition to Expand your Kitchen

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The kitchen is often the liveliest room in the house. While everyone has their own separate bedrooms, your kitchen is the place where you and your family come together to eat, to catch up at the end of a long day, to entertain guests, and to simply sit together with a refreshing cup of tea. Perhaps your family has grown over the years and your small kitchen is no longer suitable for your home. Are you ready to  build an addition to expand your kitchen ? Here are some signs that it’s time. Normal-sized appliances don’t fit… If your smaller fridge and stove are no longer sufficient for your family’s needs, but you don’t think any normal-sized appliances will fit, it’s probably time to  expand your kitchen . Although you think your space might be too small, an experienced residential architect can work with your space and create an addition that makes the space feel more open, suits your family’s needs and is well within your budget.  …and neither does your family Does it fe...