Home Remodel Design Services
Home remodel design services can add significant value to a project. They help a homeowner to clarify and communicate their vision, while also providing a detailed scope of work.
Whether you’re considering an expansion, a kitchen renovation or a new laundry flex room addition, a well-designed remodel can be much more streamlined. Having remodel plans in place can prevent costly mistakes and delays that can occur during construction.
Architects
A remodel project without a professionally designed plan is an open invitation to costly unforeseen surprises during home remodel design services construction. Architects are highly qualified to translate your vision into actionable tasks for the contractor. They are also skilled at anticipating potential obstacles or challenges that may not have been previously considered, and then planning ahead to mitigate them.
Architects are typically full-time employees. They often work long hours and need to meet pending deadlines. They have a high degree of job flexibility, however, as they may choose to work on several projects at once or on different phases of the same project.
They must be licensed by the state in which they practice. They are also required to complete continuing education in order to maintain their license. Continuing education is important for architects because it keeps them abreast of changes in the industry.
Before the actual remodeling begins, the architect will visit the site to observe and assess the physical characteristics of the property. They will document the existing conditions, including structure; grading; topography; vegetation; and other factors. They will also study the orientation of the building to determine how it will interact with the sun throughout the year.
During the design phase, the architect will work closely with you to develop a comprehensive set of plans for the remodel. This includes the architectural and structural plans; electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems; communications systems; and landscape plans.
Interior Designers
Home designers can add a tremendous amount of value to a remodeling project. They are trained to think outside the box to identify ways to maximize a space’s functionality. They also know how to work well with architects and general contractors and can streamline communication between all parties.
They can also save homeowners money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes that might require Luxury Furniture Custom change orders later on. For example, a mistake in the placement of outlets can be expensive and take valuable time out of the project.
Interior designers typically have a bachelor’s degree in interior design, computer-aided design (CAD), or a related field. They must be able to demonstrate a strong problem-solving ability and excellent organizational skills, as well as an artistic eye and a keen understanding of proportion and aesthetics.
When hiring an interior designer, be sure to review their portfolio and check for references from past clients. Ask about their training and certification, as well as whether they charge an hourly rate or a percentage of the overall project cost. Also, make sure you understand their billing process, including what is included in the initial fee and how change orders are handled.
General Contractors
If you hire an architect or interior designer, they can convert your wish list into a complete design plan that includes detailed layouts and a rough budget. This gives the build team a clear, attainable goal from the start of your project and helps to keep costs more predictable.
Licensed general contractors are the lead professionals on major construction and remodeling projects. They oversee teams of subcontractors who perform specialized aspects of each job. They are responsible for obtaining materials, scheduling work and inspections, and ensuring that your renovation meets city specs and building codes.
When shopping for a general contractor, ask for references and carefully read online reviews. Look for reviews that include details about how responsive the contractor was. It’s important to find a contractor you can communicate with, as they will be working closely alongside you throughout the project.
Architects are best for structurally complex remodels, like adding on an addition or making a load-bearing wall change. They are certified to design elements that affect the structural safety of a home or business. They can also provide invaluable assistance with planning and executing more cosmetic changes, like figuring out how to match new sections of your home with existing ones.
Subcontractors
For major renovations, some homeowners choose to hire a full-service architect to provide design and technical services. Architects are licensed by the state and are best for remodels that involve structural changes. They can also help homeowners with design and aesthetic issues such as blending new areas into existing structures. They can create both existing and proposed drawings for submittal to the Department of Buildings (or similar local agency) for permits and approvals. Many architects double as designers or have designers on staff, which can save both time and money.
A designer could be an interior designer, landscape designer, feng shui designer or cabinet designer. While they may have certifications, college degrees and alphabet soup of acronyms, they generally don’t need to be a licensed professional to do their work. However, they can often be a valuable addition to a home remodeling project because they can offer creative solutions that might not come to the build team from just looking at a few photos or sketches.
While it may be tempting to cut costs by using an inexpensive self-taught CAD designer or going with a low-cost architect, this can be costly down the road. Designers with experience understand how to create designs that are both functional and beautiful, and they know how to value engineer a project so it gets the most benefit for your dollars.
