Do You Require an Architect for a Residential Remodel?

After dreaming about all the changes you intend to undertake in your home, it’s now time to start the remodeling process. Obviously, you prefer to make the most of your budget.  Some design build remodeling contractors like Melton, have an architect on staff . Some design build home remodeling contractors do not. Instead, plans are drafted by the remodeler’s in-house designer, not always trained or supervised by an architect or they use an outside architect. With an experienced, professional remodeler, the design build process can work fine without involving an architect, especially on smaller remodeling projects that involve just one room and little structural change.

But often, even on smaller projects, an architect makes a crucial contribution to the design process. For example, the architect can frequently suggest very creative structural solutions or materials selection that the design team would possibly not think to consider. So, we are back at the original question: do you require an architect for a successful remodeling project? Here are several situations that you really do want to make an architect a part of your remodeling team.

1. Are you interested in “green” remodeling? Architects have embraced the popularity toward using eco-friendly materials and designs and can be quite valuable in suggesting both practical and creative ways to lower your home improvement project’s carbon footprint and long-term energy and maintenance costs. Your most knowledgeable ally is definitely an architect who is LEED certified – credentials that reflect the architect’s mastery of today’s best sustainable designs, green building practices and alternative materials.

2. Are you going to remodel multiple rooms or make structural changes? If you do, an architect’s professional eye can spot opportunities to add living and storage space, efficiency and “wow” to the plans. Often, an architect’s expertise might reward you with little changes in the location of a wall or the use of materials that will make a huge difference in how the spaces will flow and how well the new spaces integrate with the existing rooms and also exterior lines of your abode.

3. Is extremely creative design a top priority? Some desire a “basic” remodeling job or they simply want to copy a room or layout they’ve seen somewhere else. But if you want superior design and functionality that is geared to your specific preferences and lifestyle, the creativity of an architect can reward you with a remodel that meets or exceeds your highest expectations.

Best of both worlds: design build with an architect just as we have at Melton Construction.

We provide architectural design services to all our clients, residential and commercial  including those in Boulder, Louisville, Lyons, Lafayette, Longmont, Niwot,  Gunbarrel, Erie and Superior, CO.

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