Working with an Architect

One of the most important people that you’ll work with on any project that you need to hire for around the home is the architect.  They’re the ones that are responsible for capturing your dreams and ideas and translating them into the kind of language that a contractor can understand. There cannot be enough emphasis placed on this relationship since the architect is the person that helps you to take all the talk about what you need and want in the renovation and visualize the project to avoid a lot of disappointment later. Even if you already have a clear idea of what you want the project to look like, the architect can help by acting like a lawyer who can write a brief   to ensure that the outcome will come out more smoothly.

Even a remodel can involve some preliminary steps and often it’s a good idea to get a series of professionals on the job to ensure that you’re on the right track. No matter where you live, you might want someone to look over the place before any work starts, and a home inspection in Staten Island can save you some trouble down the road if there are any situations that need to be looked after. Once you’re sure that everything is structurally sound, the project is usually a go and the next step is to decide if it warrants an architect.

For some larger projects there might not a be a choice. Often, local municipalities require that an architect draw up the plans for any larger work. You’ll need to check with the local authorities to see if that applies to your specific job. Basically, if there are design decisions that need to be made, I strongly suggest that you hire an architect. Of course that route is not always necessary. Some projects are more straightforward in terms of construction and design—these projects only require a simple set of permit drawings that can be provided by the contractor.

However, an architect can become involved once the owners decide to go ahead with any renovations. The first step of working with an architect is called the programming and pre design phase and this part includes establishing price and cost constraints and drawing up a measured set of drawings of the existing building.  The next phase is generally called the schematic design phase and this is quite like a meeting between the architect and the person ordering the renovation. Later, the chosen design that comes out of this process will be expanded during the design development phase.   

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