Building your own home can be a daunting task, but with the help of a residential architect, it can be a smooth and exciting process. Architects are trained professionals who can turn your dream home into a reality. In this blog post, we will discuss the steps of building a house and the benefits of working with an architect.
Your architect will ask you about your preferences and take note of your ideas, as well as your budget. They will also help you understand the building process and guide you through the various stages of construction. They will be there to answer any questions and provide guidance on materials, finishes, and other design elements. The architect will also help you make the best decisions based on the constraints of the site and the local building codes and regulations.
People sometimes wonder when it’s best to contact an architect and we feel it’s ideal to start working with an architect at the outset of the project-when you decide you’d like to build a new home. This way, the architect can help you through the entire process from conceptualizing through project construction, close out and move in. In our own experience at Slade Architecture, as trained professionals with experience in all phases of the process, we can help you avoid potential pitfalls and make the process as smooth and seamless as possible.
Understanding Your Needs
“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” Antoine de Saint Exupery
The first step in building your ideal home with an architect is to have a clear understanding of your needs. Take the time to think about what you want in your home. Consider your lifestyle, family size, and budget. This will help your architect create a design that meets your needs and expectations.
When we work with clients, we often start our relationship at this point-to help them envision what they want in a home. With something so natural and visceral, it is sometimes difficult to quantify specific requirements. We work with clients in a series of exploration exercises to help turn their goals and feelings about HOME into specific needs and a Program Document. This will serve as the north star for the project.
Designing Your Dream Home
“The details are not details. They make the design.” Charles Eames
Once you and your architect have a clear and shared understanding of your needs, you are ready to move forward. If you are starting in new construction, one of the most important parts of the process is selecting the best site for your future home. You should certainly bring your architect in to help you review the site before you buy your land.
There are many things to consider as you choose the best plot of land to purchase and even as you choose the optimal orientation within the specific plot
Starting with a solid Program Document, you should work through a creative process which flows through phases: Schematic Design, Design Development, Contract Documents, Bidding, Construction/Contract Administration. This process involves creating a detailed plan that includes the layout of the home, the materials to be used, and the timeline for construction. Your architect will work closely with you throughout the design process to ensure that the final design meets your expectations. They will also provide you with models
and 3D renderings of the design, so you can see what your home will look like before construction begins. In our piece “Hiring an Architect for Your Next Residential Project”, we go into detail about what you can expect in each phase.
Safe, code compliant construction requires coordination across many jurisdictions, utilities and responsible parties. A professional architect is the person trained for that role. Once the land is purchased and the building site located, it is critical to analyze governing codes and zoning as well as logistics of local utilities you are looking to tie into. The process of obtaining relevant permits can take time. We always start the process of coordinating with local jurisdictions and utilities while we are in design. This way, as soon as our design is completed and documented, the process of obtaining building permits is smooth--since we started the communication with the local building department and utilities while the design was being developed and their feedback is reflected in the completed filing documents.
Managing the Building Process
“Measure twice, cut once.” Proverb
Once the design is complete, your architect will act as your project manager: sourcing contractors, comparing construction quotes, and reviewing project schedule. The architect administers the process from start to finish and acts as the owners advocate. They will work with contractors and builders to ensure that the design is executed correctly and on time in accordance with the design that you and your design team came up with.
Managing the budget and payment schedule, the architect is responsible for reviewing Requests for Payment requisitions (billing from the contractor) and ensuring that the owner is paying for the completed work promptly but is also retaining sufficient funding to complete the project in their own pocket. The architect will conduct regular site visits to ensure quality control, review design compliance, make any necessary adjustments to the design and review all contractor material submittals. This way, the architect ensures that the materials and finishes selected are the actual materials and finishes that are installed.
During construction, your architect will liaise with the contractors and builders, answer any questions or concerns, and supervise the progress of the work. As the client, you can be part of this communication or you can step back and let the architect funnel up selected highlights to you as the client.
The amount of day-to-day construction exposure varies widely by client preference. Regardless of the choice you make, the architect is charged with acting as your advocate and administering the contract so that the project is built as it was detailed in design.
At Project Closeout, the architect conducts final inspection and determines if the project is Substantially Complete. In turn, this triggers the Certificate of Occupancy. Items that are outstanding are added to the Contractor’s Punch list and addressed before contract retainage is delivered.
Building your ideal home with an architect is an exciting and rewarding process. With their expertise and guidance, you can turn your dream home into a reality. By understanding your needs, designing your dream home, and managing the building process, your architect can help you create a home that meets your unique needs and exceeds your expectations. The architect will be your ally throughout the entire process, providing you with professional guidance and advice, making sure that the project is executed seamlessly, and that you are satisfied with the end result.
We would love to discuss how we might work together!