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HOW
TO WORK WITH AN ARCHITECT |
If you plan on adding a subdividing wall to your Westchester living
room, or want to open your Bergen County kitchen so that it smoothly
flows through to the dining area, you’re going to need an
architect. In fact, any time a remodeling job requires structural
changes to your apartment or home, you’ll need to consult
an architect for advice.
By trade, an architect is a licensed professional who understands
all the rigors of modern day construction. Even on a basic level,
an architect is an essential asset to your home renovation team.
At his or her best, however, a truly talented architect brings creativity,
flair, and sophistication to your remodeling project and can either
supplement or improve your project in ways you might not imagine.
Ingenuity coupled with meticulous training allows an architect to
help you translate your dreams into reality.
But working with an architect—or any remodeling contractor—can
be frustrating if you don’t educate yourself about the process
beforehand. So here are a few tips about working successfully with
an architect—either in tandem with the MyHome Create Your
Dream team or with an outside contractor.
Know What You Want
An architect can’t help you realize your dream if you’re
not really sure what you want or need yourself. So before you even
have an initial meeting with an architect, spend some time thinking
carefully about your needs and looking at home design and architecture
magazines for ideas. Clip photos of designs you like and keep them
in a binder or folder. Take notes about elements you like and those
you don’t like. Browse the plethora of home design websites
online and print out articles, guides, and pictures that you feel
may be relevant to your particular project—whether it’s
a kitchen redesign or a bathroom makeover.
Before you have your initial meeting with your architect, think
about how you’re going to explain what it is you’d like
to do. The more clearly you can articulate your needs, your lifestyle,
and the demands of your family’s daily life, the more likely
the architect will be able to help you make that a reality.
Know Your Budget & Discuss Fees
Think carefully about your budget and what you’re willing
to compromise on and what you’re not. Make sure you and the
architect openly and clearly discuss any associated fees. A frank
discussion beforehand will avoid awkward misunderstandings down
the road.
Listen
Once you’ve explained your thoughts to your architect, listen
carefully to his or her ideas. He or she may have an interesting
twist you hadn’t thought about. On the other hand, certain
features you’ve got your heart set on may not be feasible
given your budget or the building’s existing structure. The
more flexible and open you are the more likely you and the architect
will be able to find the perfect balance between what you envision
and what your pocketbook and environmental restrictions allow.
In the end, developing a good working relationship with your architect
is the key to a successful remodeling or building project, and an
open and honest dialogue is the foundation.
Review Architect’s Drawings
Make sure you carefully review drawings with your architect and
retain at least two copies (with the architect’s seal) for
your records.
Discuss Deadlines
Make sure you discuss the project timeline as well as any snafus
you run into along the way that may delay completion.
The MyHome Way
MyHome can easily find you an architect in New Jersey or Westchester,
but we also have years of experience working with outside contractors.
We’re happy to provide one of our own or to work with the
architect of your choice to better facilitate your perfect renovation
project. Finding the right architect to supplement your own creative
flair can be difficult, but once you bridge the gap between idealization
and actualization your project is ready to shine. While MyHome has
worked with many architects over the years we are always looking
for new and innovative talent if your project demands it. If you’re
on a deadline, however, we also recommend working with a MyHome
architect to streamline workflow and increase expediency. With all
parts of your project under one brand, and roof, so to speak, the
lower the margin of error and the happier you will inevitably be
with the final result. |
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