First Steps
Whether there is something about your home that doesn't work for you, or a new home that you're dreaming of, I find that many people are intimidated by the process of working with an architect or how to even start talking about their projects. This article will help explain some things you may want to consider first and then what the process may look like.
When you first start thinking about a new building project there a few things you should do first:
Consider the urgency of your project, this will be important for architects and builders to understand. How quickly do you need the project completed? Are there certain time periods you need to work around? How soon are you looking to get started?
Think about your budget. How much money are you willing to spend to make this dream a reality? Try to set a number that is realistic to you without stretching yourself too thin. Your architect and builder will be able to help you understand the reality of your budget as the design progresses. It's very hard to put a cost estimate to something until some of the details have been figured out.
Spend some time thinking about what doesn't meet your current needs and what your ideal style might be. This is where Pinterest might be a useful tool, but don't get stuck on something that you see- your architect will help to design something that is uniquely yours and fits your needs best.
Next Steps.
After you've got a good idea of your timeline, budget, and needs- now you are ready to start talking to architects about your project. Check social media and websites to see what companies look like they might be a good fit for you and give them a call or shoot them an email!
The architect will most likely ask you a few questions to help get a better understanding of your needs and will then setup a meeting with you.
During the meeting it is helpful to show them the spaces of your home that you would like to change or the property you are going to build on. This will help them collect the information they need to understand what kinds of changes may be involved.
After the meeting, the architect will most likely send you a proposal if they feel you are a good fit to work together. The proposal will explain the work that the architect is proposing to do in order to help make your dream a reality and their estimated cost for doing so.
Once you've signed a proposal with an architect, you can do a little happy dance because your dream is coming true!
From there your architect will help guide you through the design process usually starting with some information gathering and field measuring of your existing home to start.
Architects really are here to help be your advocate along the process of building. They will help you design something that works for your needs, collaborate with builders to ensure your vision comes to life, and help guide you through the many steps involved.