When Do You Need an Architect During your Home Renovation?

From stamping approvals to full service, the role or architects and their capabilities.

As you begin planning your budget for your renovation, the question if you will need an architect is inevitable.  Typically if your project is a whole-home project, a total interior make-over, or involves removing or moving walls, you will need to consult and hire an architect, after all, you need to ensure that those load bearing walls aren’t removed because “it would look better”.  Let me tell you, how many times I’ve heard that particular line, without evaluating understanding the structural requirements of our homes.

An architect/architect technologist work with a variety of builders and contractors, so their value is, definitely, beyond those “oh so simple drawings” that we take for granted.  Given the scale and complexity of these projects, the money spent on an architect is well worth it and minor in the grander scheme of things.  Not only can they guide you in the retaining the appropriate trades, design ideas, but they are trained to create an optimal and thoughtful design to suite your family’s lifestyle.

When you hire an architect; what kind of services can you expect?

Planning and Development, which includes an initial consultation, walk through of your current, creating a “wish list” of your desires, initial schematic design and drawings, further refinement to design and plans through the process

Referral: some may be able to assist you in the bidding and hiring of the contractors and subcontractors; at the very least refer you to one that is reliable in the industry.

  Permits and Approvals: obtaining building approval and all required city permits

Not to say that these are the only services that your architect would be able to provide you, for example, our collaboration with Huis Design Studio, also provides their clients to a discounted rate for flooring, custom cabinetry, countertops and our other services offered.

Costs?

All of this sounds great, you say, but how much will it all cost? 

When it comes to fees, such as permits or application fees, these are required fixed fees that are determined by the City of the dwelling.  However, some additional fees that may be incurred; servicing fees, development fees, additional fees if the applications require an amendment etc.

While some architect/designers may charge a fixed rate, an hourly rate, or a cost per square foot; what our clients appreciate most about Huis Design Studio is their transparency in their rates, their efficiency, and spectacular designs.