Do I need an Architect for my project?Hiring an Architect can save you money and ensure you end up with the home you planned for at the quoted price. Architects see the proverbial forest through the trees offering the design leadership necessary to complete a project with fewer headaches. An architect listens to you and advocates for you throughout all phases of your project. They incorporate your ideas and how you will use your house, guided by the building code requirements and zoning restrictions into a unique, custom design. They coordinate with the town officials, Engineers, Contractors, and other design consultants to ensure a faithful build. They oversee and inspect work in progress in order for it to reach your aesthetic and goals by the deadline.
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What does an Architect offer?Architects offer as many of the following services as you find necessary for your project:
• budget analysis, refinement and monitoring throughout project • site evaluation for a potential new home • zoning analysis for design options • coordination with zoning officials • Applications for permitting • Existing Conditions plans • Schematic Design with your needs in mind • Design Development with more focus on flow and functionality • Contracts and insurance • Construction Documents • Design Details during construction when requested by a contractor • Construction Administration, following the project through to fruition An Architect can overcome seemingly impossible hurdles with aesthetically pleasing and functional solutions. The first step is to set up an initial meeting to give us an idea of the scope of your project, the desired outcome, budget and time frame. From there, we will propose an initial design as well as how to proceed with planning: budgeting, finding a builder, working with the zoning officials in your town, obtaining permits, consulting Engineers (if needed), and locating an interior designer and landscape architect that are right for you. |
How much will it cost?The expense depends on how big a project you are willing to take on. Our Architects are knowledgeable in energy efficient designs including Passive House standards which far surpass those required by local building codes. They know how to build a house with low maintenance building materials and mechanical products that keep future energy costs down. They know how to design efficient and functional spaces that can reduce overspending due to unnecessary square footage. They know how to develop your ideas fully and produce finished designs before construction begins to avoid costly changes during construction. They oversee construction progress to keep it on track regarding aesthetics, budget and time. They help you choose the finishes or can coordinate with design consultants. We offer services based on hourly rates or you can agree upon a stipulated sum; the choice is yours. If you have a tight budget, we'll help you value engineer your project and set a firm budget including contingencies for both design and construction. Our fee is typically a very small percentage of your total building cost; well worth the expense.
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