For many home remodeling projects you can get by without the use of an architect, as long as your builder (or someone you know) can produce plans that satisfy your local building authorities.  It helps if your builder has a talent for design and you have a clear idea of what you want.  If your remodel does not involve any major structural or layout changes, a detailed, hand drawn set of plans is often sufficient to obtain your permit.  However, you may find that there are many benefits to hiring an architect.

They Can be Great at Problem Solving – They are licensed by the state in which they practice.  Their education gives them a high level of expertise in both design and building.  Therefore, they can be great at problem solving and finding the most efficient solutions to changing your layout.  For example, are you trying to move laundry from one floor to another?  Are you trying to add a bathroom without adding square footage, or a whole room without an addition?  Architects can help you change your layout to be more efficient and then create a detailed plan that a builder can easily follow.

They Can Make a Project Run Smoother – Anytime plans are rejected or an inspection is failed, it delays construction. When you are adding rooms, there are not just structural changes being made.  When adding outlets, the city may require a detailed diagram of the entire electrical panel.  When branching off your HVAC system to add an AC duct, the city may require load calculations to make sure your condenser and air handler are big enough to handle cooling the separate space.  An architect will usually have knowledge of what level of detail is or is not necessary for the city in which you live based on the scope of work.  Additionally, if you are removing walls (especially load bearing ones), you may need more than a support beam.  Architects work with structural engineers who can tell you whether or not you will need additional foundation support.

They Can Help You Operate Within Your Budget – An architect may cost a good amount of money but they can also help you budget for your project realistically.  As you can see in the above- mentioned scenarios, unexpected changes can add up quickly!  An architect can help you recognize areas where unplanned costs may arise.  Your contractor may not have thought they were necessary and therefore, did not include them in the estimate and scope of work.  Hiring an architect to identify these potential problems before you begin construction can help you determine if your budget is realistic or not.

If you do decide to hire an architect, you want to make sure that he/she is skilled in the type of remodel you desire.  In addition, you want to make sure that they communicate well with both you and your contractor.  How quickly can they get you plans?  How quickly can they do revisions if the city requires them? Taking your time to hire the right architect will help your project stay on track.  Remember time is money too.  Talk to your contractor to see if there are architects they work with regularly.  A renovation can be stressful but when everyone is on the same page, you are more likely to enjoy the process!