The Importance of Using an Architect
If you are building an extension or even planning to construct a house from scratch, the idea of hiring an architect has no doubt crossed your mind. While you can extend and build without an architect, it is also true that they provide an important service that offers a lot of benefits to homeowners. Here we discuss the importance of hiring an architect and how they can help you with your home project.
Professional qualifications and accreditations
Full qualified architects (those who are registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) have spent many years in training before becoming qualified (a minimum of 7 years full-time training is required) and have passed all the necessary exams to be able to practice with this prestigious title. Only once they are registered can they legally call themselves an architect.
After becoming qualified and registered with the ARB, many architects continue on to become chartered members with professional bodies such as the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). This adds another layer of professional accreditation to the architect and also a layer of assurance to a client. Both the ARB and RIBA each have a ‘Code of Professional Conduct’ which an architect must adhere to and is in the best interests of the client whom the architect is providing services to. This ensures the standard and quality of the architects services and that the expectations of the client are met.
Improved planning
While you must spend money to hire a good architect, one of the biggest benefits you’ll get from working with one is the ability to reduce project costs.
Architects are not only qualified designers but also expert planners, due to years of experience working on similar projects. If you hire a local architect, it’s highly likely that they have worked with your local authority, which can prove invaluable when it comes to managing the administration aspect of the project.
Poor design and mistakes with the build can easily add unnecessary costs to your budget. But with the right guidance provided by an architect you can make better use of your money, so you can minimise unexpected costs and higher bills.
Maximising space
Architects are experts in design, which involves much more than just the aesthetics. They are also highly skilled in maximising space, which brings obvious benefits to houses that want to renovate existing spaces or build extensions.
Even the smallest of projects can benefit from the involvement of an architect. Whether it’s something as simple as knocking down a wall to open up the space, or moving an access point, an architect’s involvement gives you a clear-cut objective view of your available space and how it can be best utilised to suit your lifestyle. And the more space you have, the more value it will offer to prospective buyers in the future.
Budget management
Extending a property or building a new home from scratch will be on of the largest financial commitments you will make in your life. So, it’s imperative that you make the most of the money available to you and a good architect will help you achieve that.
That means looking at all the costs involved – including the architect’s fees and those charged by tradespeople who will be working on the project. The architect can help you plan for all the costs involved with the project and provide alternative design options so you have a good range of options to decide how you want your home to look.
Better planning
As we mentioned above, working with a local architect will usually mean they have experience working with the local planning authority. This should make it easier for you to secure planning success, as doing it yourself, or with someone not familiar with the area, can lead to a lot of delays that will impact your budget.
Whether through mistakes or poor design, these rejections will cost you money and ebb away at the money you have available. Investing in an architect at an early stage will save you money on admin costs that can be surprisingly high, especially if you are forced to reapply. The faster you can get the green light, the sooner you can start work and put your money towards tangible returns.
Professional connections
An experienced architect will have an established network of professionals that could be used to support your project. Structural engineers and contractors will be needed at some stage, and an architect may be able to secure favourable rates and high standards of work based on relationships they already have in place. Of course, you are under no obligation to use any contact they suggest, but it is worth considering, as it could free up money to be used elsewhere on the project.
Another benefit of using a professional recommended by an architect is they can manage the agreed points of the work contract. This ensures you can stick to your schedule and that building regulations and health and safety matters are maintained throughout.
Planning an extension or new build home?
Get in touch with us today to speak with a local architect in Cambridge, and we can advise you on approximate timeframes for your project, along with a free consultation, site visit and quote. Call us today on 07984 760 920, send us a message here or email us at info@tereynarchitects.com and we’ll get right back to you.
