Whenever you’re renovating your home, working with an architect can have significant benefits. An architect can turn your ideas into beautiful designs and will bring creativity and innovation to the renovation, providing unique solutions to maximise the potential of your space. Not to mention, they can help you manage the renovation process from start to finish too. When you work with a specialist, they can provide the expertise and guidance you need to ensure your project is completed on time, within budget and meets all expectations.
However, finding an architect for your project isn’t always easy. If you’ve never renovated a property before and you don’t know where to start when working with an architect, narrowing down the choice of professionals can seem like a daunting task. To ensure you choose the right architect to help you create your dream home, be sure to;
Get Recommendations and Read Reviews
When you have a friend or a family member who has used an architect in the past, you should speak to them about their first-hand experience. Word-of-mouth recommendations can be really useful and asking someone you trust about their experience can help you to choose an architect that you know you can work with well.
If you can’t get a personal referral, make sure you’re researching a few local architects with good reputations. One of the best things you can do is read their reviews online. These will give you an insight into what it’s like to work with the architect.
Check the Services Available
Once you’ve found an architect with positive reviews, double-check what services they offer. You may find that some architects only work on home extensions or retrofit projects, whereas others will also assist with things like new-build and self-build projects. To prevent you from wasting your time, make sure an architect offers the service you’re looking for.
Having a realistic budget from the start that includes the build cost, consultant fees, approval fees, contingency and VAT is fundamental to ensure you don’t come unstuck later on. If you subscribe to our newsletter we’ll send you a copy of our custom cost calculator.
Look at Previous Work
The majority of good architects will be happy to show off their previous work and they will probably have case studies or portfolios on their websites. Always take a look at these before making your final decision about which architect to use, this will give you a better idea of the quality of their work and how they manage their projects. It will also reassure you that an architect has experience completing projects similar to yours.
Speak to the Architect
It’s important to speak to an architect before choosing whether or not they’re right for your renovation. You can contact them to ask a few initial questions, but it can be really useful to book a project preparation meeting. During this meeting, you can discuss your project in much more detail and get some tailored advice about how to proceed.
Meeting with an architect face-to-face can help you to ensure you’re making the right decision for your renovation. You will also then have all of the information you need, from predicted costs to time-frames, so you can get started.
Once you’ve chosen them, we’ve compiled some top tips on getting the most from your Architect here.
Looking for Architects in Wakefield?
Hopefully, you will find it easier to choose an architect for your renovation when you follow these steps. If you’re trying to find reliable architects in Wakefield that can support you during your project, contact our team at HEM Architects. We have worked on projects of all shapes and sizes over the years, and no matter what your dream is, we have the knowledge and skill required to help you achieve it.
From assisting with initial drawings and applying for planning permission to overseeing the construction phase, we can support you with all aspects of your project. We invite you to explore our website to find out more about how we can help and why HEM Architects is the best firm in West Yorkshire to contact. You will always be in talented and safe hands when you work with our architects in Wakefield.