Firstly, it’s crucial to know what an architect actually is. Architects are the trained and licensed experts in the planning and building of all buildings. Plenty of people correlate architects with just the blueprints, and as much as it’s true they’re involved in the design phase, not many are aware that architects are truly committed throughout the entire process — from the concept, to the understanding of their drawings and plans, to building, and finally, to maximise your returns. Not all architects work on the entire scope of your project, however, if you hire our architects to build your house, you can expect them to bring years of expertise to the table.
Well, sort of, but, will everyone know the ins and outs of design and technical aspects, and find opportunities to make the most of your home? With their seven years of study, architects have invested time and effort to be able to advise you in areas you might not realise need consideration. If it’s this important to study for so long to get their degree, there's a great reason - they're there to help you to understand what your home needs.
Decent architects should always apply that impartial and creatively different thinking to a project, small or large. The added value they bring isn't limited to just magazine-quality design, but they'll help you out with maximising light and space, adding the functionality you need, or advising you how to get the best return on your investment. We've identified six ways we can get you precisely the returns you want from your asset.
Now, as we all know, the cost of building your dream home should be consistent with the real estate values of your property's surrounding neighbourhood.
Here are a few questions an Architect may press you on:
Options, right? Here’s where an architect can help you decide.
Planning laws and regulations may considerably affect what you are allowed to build and develop on your property. Your building’s height, how much of your property is covered by the building, and how far it must be set back from the property line are all dictated by Planning Regulations. An architect will help you determine how these and other restrictions apply to your design project and can assist you in filing applications and obtaining the necessary permits if necessary.
Your property may even have the potential for unique design opportunities – possibly a great view, or good sun exposure. It may also hold unusual hidden hazards which you may not be aware of – weak soil, poor drainage, or too steep of a slope – nevertheless, your architect can assess these factors and take them into account, avoid obstacles, and really make the most of your assets.
With their experience, your architect can help you make quick and smart choices on your home’s design that can assist and save you in remarkable ways. It’s crucial to have a genuine understanding of the potential – and limitations – of your project’s budget to be able to maximise your returns. By balancing your budget, square footage, and level of finishes, an architect helps you to prioritise your requirements.
Your architect can provide flexible design opportunities to adapt to your changing family size, reduced mobility, or changing priorities. Not forgetting, by suggesting design approaches for lowering energy usage or maintenance, or by recommending specific amenities, your architect can help you see the bigger picture and maximise your returns - whether in terms of design solutions, or long-term rental value or resale.
Remember, an architect works alongside YOU. They are constantly watching out for your best interest throughout the entire process. And once you and your architect establish exactly what is to be built, the architect can help you visualise the design opportunities via a number of means, including rough sketches, computer renderings, or even physically staking out significant dimensions directly on the site.
No handshake or letter of agreement is firm enough to cover all the roles, responsibilities and commitments that must be carried out in your building project. Your architect can both prepare and complete construction documents, detailed drawings, and specifications that the contractor will use to establish construction costs and later build the project.
But, an architect’s engagement doesn’t end with preparing the drawings for construction work. As both your adviser and agent, an architect will visit the site to protect you against work that is not according to the plans. With them accompanying and observing construction, you get informed reports of the project’s progress, a trained eye for quality control, and a check on the contractor’s monthly invoices.
Who wouldn't want to save more money? To maximise your returns you need to save every penny on your hard-earned investment. This said, putting money towards an energy-efficient property can mean saving you money on fuel bills down the road. Investment in designing a building to make the most of heating from the sun, cooling from wind circulation or ventilation and letting in natural light will reduce your heating, cooling, and electricity bills over time well into the future.
Now we've shown you what we do to maximise your returns, we'll break down how the project really works.
An architect’s services are a wise investment. A well-conceived project can be built more efficiently and economically to maximise your returns. Architects don't like to plan your project with you not on their own (unless you prefer it that way) – as ideas evolve, changes can be made on paper much less expensively than later when construction is underway! Thorough drawings also make it easier for a contractor to get the lowest, most accurate cost. An architect strives to make sure you get the utmost from your project budget by reviewing all the possibilities, deciding suitable suppliers and providing the greatest quality design.
Hopefully we’ve given you some insight into how an architect can help you in unexpected ways to get the most from your property, whether it's to rent, renovate your own. Now you've seen how we can help you, so take a look at some of our work to see exactly how we’ve done it!
