I sometimes think that an architect is one of the most underappreciated resources for home additions and major remodeling projects. A good architect along with a talented design team have the skills to combine your vision with the deviled details, right down to the last inch of construction.
Many people ask me, “What does an architect do?” Well, an architect is a professional designer and developer of commercial and residential real estate who possesses a college degree and safety certification. In addition to meeting your expectations of design and aesthetics, an architect must also meet the safety requirements of the property’s city or state. Most often, for home remodeling, an architect coordinates projects with city planners and structural engineers.
An architect will work with the remodeling team on your design, structural needs and budget. The architect will use a computer-generated sketching program called CAD (Computer-Aided Design) to create blueprints. Once the preliminary sketches have been agreed upon, the architect will create a more technical and detailed plan while meeting the safety requirements and aesthetics agreed upon.
At Dover, we’re fortunate to have Bob Standen, a state-licensed architect and CAD operator, on staff.
With Bob on staff we have the ability to help you:
- Design drawings to be submitted to your city for permit approvals
- Develop elevation drawings of the remodeling exterior, as well as details such as cabinet and tile elevations, so that you can really get a feel for what the finished product will look like
- Make changes to designs rather quickly and create working drawings to present to your City for approval
- Ensure that any addition is similar in appearance and style to your present home, which you can see through the exterior elevation drawings
- Take the guesswork out of applying for all City permits and securing all inspections by acting as your qualified and certified representative with the City
- Eliminate lag time and contractor delays and quickly handle any changes your City may require
I would say, without hesitation, that having an architect on your home remodeling team really gets to the heart of a project, and makes it run effortlessly, on time and on budget.
So much more than mere icing on the cake!
The best is yet to come,
Beth Orr
