When beginning a building project, such as a new home, one of the first decision to make is whether to use an architect.
They’re not cheap but can add substantial value. Their building and design expertise can save you thousands of dollars in the construction phase and offer significant payback in terms of creating value in your asset through unique design and choice of materials.
They can make your dream home a reality. Their expertise and extensive networks can deliver design choices and materials that suit your desired lifestyle. Few builders and draftsmen have this capability.
However, it require a leap of faith to select an architect. You must be confident their skills will financially reward you in the short and long term.
Architects are university-trained and must be registered. They are professionals in the strictest sense, which means they must have the appropriate qualifications to call themselves architects.
Their fees will vary depending on the size of the project and the degree to which they become involved in its construction.
A good relationship between an architect and a builder will not only enhance the building process but take away a lot of your stress. They can guide you on project management and cost control, and can play intermediary if there is any on-site tension with the builder, which has been known.
Nine reasons to use an architect
Turning dreams into reality – An architect’s role first and foremost is to listen to their client and deliver a design that meets their requirements. This doesn’t mean they do as they’re told. Good architects will inspire and transform your ideas into something special.
Designs and Plans – Responsibility for these lies with the architect. They should know local council requirements, such as zoning and building codes, to guide you on what will and won’t be approved. Correcting rejected plans is expensive and you should expect your architect to avoid such an outcome.
Trends and technologies – These can be incredibly important elements of a project. Few are better placed than architects to know the trends in building design and the best, most efficient materials for construction and energy efficiency. Architects will also provide guidance on electrical power, HVAC loading and effective lighting, both for the interior and exterior.
Location and natural resources – An architect will guide you on the best site for your building. Often forgotten in the architectural process is the use of natural sunlight, such as ensuring a building is north-facing to capture the maximum amount of sunlight. They’ll also provide assistance on how to create ambience in the garden and the usage of any water features.
Budget management – You will have a more accurate assessment of building costs from an architect, as they will be best acquainted with the plans and the sourcing of materials.
Negotiator – An architect can work with you to select an appropriate, trusted builder and find a good price. While you don’t want to get ripped off, equally it is dangerous to drive too hard a bargain because a builder might seek more profitable work and take time with your project. An architect should know how to find the happy medium.
Construction manager – An architect can play this role if you want them to be completely immersed in the project. This would be an additional cost but can be an essential element for a complex or large build. You would empower them to approve additional costs and changes that stay within the remit of your building approval, and stop any work that over-stepped the mark. Most importantly, their role is to keep the project on schedule, which controls costs.
On-site teamwork – Architects work for you but also adhere to a strict code of ethics. Their presence should provide confidence for both you and the builder. They can deal with any issues or question that arises. This hastens the progress of the build and reduces labour costs. Where there is conflict, expect your architect to play the role of unbiased intermediary
Reduce your stress – You can’t put a value on a good night’s sleep. Knowing you have an architect on your team should reduce the stress of the project. Of course, there is always anxiety when hundreds of thousands of dollars are being spent. Nevertheless, an architect should not only alleviate day-to-day concerns but reassure you that your new home will be everything you dreamed.