The Art of Renovation:
A Homeowner’s Primer.

Part One – The Architect’s Role

The idea of remodeling or renovating your home is something that should be well thought out and should be given serious attention. The entire process can be very stressful to the average person. Fortunately, this process can be accomplished efficiently and without a great deal of stress. How you might ask – that is where the architect “comes in”.

Why do I need an Architect for my remodel / renovate project?

The Architect is a highly trained professional whose primary responsibility is to guide and educate their Client’s in aspects of building design and construction. This may sound simple – but the task can be very daunting, when one adds in the restraints imposed upon the project by the building codes and/or zoning ordinances for the particular to the site.

The Architect will, upon interviewing the Client, determine an appropriate project scope (size) and will review the Client’s requirements to ascertain exact parameters for the design. Basically, the Architect will determine what it is the Client wants to obtain and try to translate these ideas into graphic representations that can be utilized by the building trades.

The Architect will take the information gathered from the Client and determine the best way to achieve the desired changes to the Client’s existing structure.

Once the initial design is completed; the Architect will review this with the Client and make and necessary adjustments to the design.

The Architect’s duties do not stop with the completion of these preliminary design drawings. Now, the Architect will help the Client determine if the Project is economically feasible. The best way to do this is to actually issue the design drawings to qualified contractors, who in turn will be invited to prepare preliminary estimates for the work shown on the drawings. Herein, is one of the most important reasons for using an architect.

Without the preparation of design drawings, the Client would not be able to entertain receiving estimates. In order to be able to obtain more than one estimate, and to have all the estimates for the exact same size and type of work – it is important to have a set of design drawings that anyone can use to determine size and complexity. Without such drawings, you cannot compare “apples to apples”.

Also, the Architect can be of service to the Client in qualifying the Contractors and making sure that only qualified, licensed Contractors are used on the Client’s project.

Once the cost estimates are submitted to the Client, the Architect can help the Client interpret the “numbers” and help with the decision on whether the Project is “ a go” or whether cost saving changes are required.

Once the “go-ahead” is given, the Architect will complete construction drawings that the Contractor will submit to the building department for a building permit. Once a permit is given, construction can be started. But, the Architect is still not “finished”.

During the construction phase, the Architect will assist the Client with selections for finishes and in helping to make any necessary decisions affecting the overall design. The Architect will also be available to help the Client determine if the construction meets “standards” and will be accepted as “complete”.

In conclusion.  It is important to note in the renovation and remodeling of your home – there is no such thing as a “standard” project. Each project must be viewed as a “custom” project and approached accordingly. Each structure is unique and will need to be treated in a manner that will retain the individual identity that first attracted you to your home to begin with. Keep in mind – this is your home. Do not approach its “change” with anything less that a customized approach – there are no “plan book” plans to a remodeling project. Therefore, an Architect can be an invaluable “tool” in helping the Client in achieving the desired changes, for an economical price.

For further information on how an Architect can be of service to you; please contact the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects or contact Rick L. Lawrence, AIA at Lawrence Architecture, Inc. at 303.794.8798 for a no obligation consultation.