Why you shouldn’t tackle your renovation without the expert help of an architect
Some people ask us if they should just go it alone with their renovation, rather than hiring an architect. This is certainly an option, but before you undertake your renovation solo, have a read of these reasons you should use an architect because we think you should never tackle a renovation without an expert's help...
A design custom-made for you
Of course, one of the big benefits of working with an architect is the custom design they will develop for you. A good architect will spend time with you working out your brief and getting to know you and how you live so they can design the best renovation for your needs. Rather than simple solutions, an architect thinks outside of the box to find ways to solve your problems and fulfil your requirements within your budget and unique to your existing house. This is particularly important in tight inner-city sites where there's not a lot of space and there are numerous constraints on every property. Architects will find the best solutions by exploring all the possibilities and developing a custom fit for you.
Every home and every owner is unique, so we’ll develop a custom solution that works for you and makes the most of your existing home. When it comes to your home, a custom fit is best.
Navigate red tape
Red tape is getting more and more restrictive and homeowners can spend months awaiting approvals for their additions and building works. While we can't guarantee the process will be quick (that's in council's court), we know the regulations and understand what's possible for a property, we can prepare all the required documentation and lobby on your behalf. We'll help you navigate the red tape so you know what approvals you'll need and how to time them so that your project isn't delayed.
Expertise you need
If you were being sued for $600,000, would you represent yourself in court? Probably not, right? Now obviously renovating isn't the same as civil court, but lawyers and architects have a similar level of education, professional training and professional obligations. And renovating does involve huge sums of money, probably your largest single investment, so it's wise to invest in the expertise you need to get the job done right. Beyond helping you design your renovation, an architect can help the process run smoothly for you, keep you up-to-date and informed every step of the way, conduct a competitive tender to find the best builder at market rates, administer the contract between you and the builder and act as an independent third party to avoid disputes. That's why architects are so qualified and why it's worth investing in that expertise.
Let our experience and expertise help you avoid costly mistakes by ensuring all your bases are covered.
Avoid costly mistakes
We've seen a lot of costly mistakes made in renovations which could have been avoided if homeowners had an architect been on board. Underestimating the rectification works needed on the existing property, staging the project poorly, forgetting to get permission from key authorities, selecting a poor or under-qualified builder and being fleeced by unscrupulous builders are just some of the costly mistakes homeowners can make when they don't have an architect on their project. So, be sure to check all your boxes and invest in a registered architect before tackling your reno.