When people find out I’m an architect, they almost always want to talk about their projects. Whether it’s a home remodel, a new retail space for their business or a new commercial building, one of the first questions that usually comes up is, “Do I really need an architect for that?”
In some cases, the answer is an obvious “yes,” while in others, the need for professional architectural services is less clear. Most people are – understandably – looking for ways to save money, and forgoing the architect and her fees may seem like an easy way to do that.
Here are some scenarios, both obvious and surprising, when you really need an architect if you want to make sure your project goes smoothly.
You Probably Should Use an Architect for New Residential Construction
This one seems obvious, but some people who have construction experience, or have family or friends in the business, are tempted to skip the architect and do all the designing, planning and construction themselves if they’re doing what seems like a simple project.
But even experienced builders aren’t always familiar with all the considerations that go into designing, planning and permitting a new structure. It often becomes a case of “you don’t know what you don’t know,” and finding out when work has already started can cost time and money you weren’t counting on. If you’re spending all the money to build, make sure you are building what you really want and need.
For just one – often expensive – example, there may be zoning or other local, state or federal regulatory issues that apply to your site that the you or the builder are unaware of. When this happens, at best, you’ll have wasted time on a design that needs to be altered; at worst, you won’t be able to build the type of structure you envisioned at all.
You Will Need an Architect if You’re Changing a Site’s Business Type
Most business owners will need to make tenant improvements before moving into a new space, whether they’ll be using it for retail, a restaurant, office or another purpose. If you’re moving into a space that’s been in the same business (and zoned with the same classification) – say, moving your clothing boutique into a space previously occupied by another clothing store – the changes might be simple and primarily cosmetic, so you won’t need an architect.
Unfortunately, it can be tough to find a pre-leased space that’s perfectly suitable for your business without some significant renovation. If you are changing the use type, you will need to bring the whole space up to the applicable code. That often includes new accessible bathrooms, special doors and thresholds, as well as other accessibility requirements. An architect can help you plan for making the most of your new space with what’s already in place and advise you on the most cost-effective ways to change what you must.
You Might Need an Architect for a Simple Residential Remodel
If have some design skills, you might be thinking about doing your own home without going to the expense of consulting an architect. Depending on the extent of the work you’re planning, this could end up costing rather than saving you money.
Every municipality has building requirements that you must follow if you want to get permits. (And yes, you want to get permits.) For example, in your area there may be building regulations that apply to projects that cost over a stated amount. Other regulations may stipulate the amount you’re allowed to expand, how close to the property line you can build, how much additional parking you’ll need to create, or locations that have requirements related to the types of materials that you can use. In California, there are requirements for seismic upgrades that may kick in when you plan certain types of project, and some areas require special adjustments for flood remediation.
While it’s possible to navigate these on your own, it will definitely save you time, and it may very well save you money, to consult an architect familiar with your area at the start of your project to alert you to anything in the often-complex building code that could affect your plans. Moreover, a local architect will have contacts, both in the construction business and the permitting office, that can help streamline the process of getting your plans approved and built.
You Will Need an Architect to Prepare Plans for Your Commercial Project
Many states, including California, require a licensed architect to prepare plans for projects that reach a certain level of complexity or serve the public. Unless your project is very simple (like new paint or wallpaper or changing the flooring), most likely you will need an architect to prepare plans to submit to the city for approval. Check with your local building department or contact an architect to see which regulations may apply to your project.
You Probably Don’t Need an Architect for Cosmetic Changes
If your remodeling plans only involve changing cosmetic elements like paint, counters or carpeting, you might not need an architect. The key is knowing when a remodel moves from purely cosmetic to something more complicated, like adding on to an existing room, changing a floor plan or knocking out a wall, that could affect the integrity (and safety) of a structure.
The bottom line is that if you’re doing anything more than adding a new coat of paint or putting in some beautiful new flooring, it’s probably worth your time to consult an architect as you begin planning your project. Most architects will be honest with you if they don’t think you need their expertise, and many (like me!) offer a free initial consultation. Taking advantage of it can save you lots of time and aggravation down the line.
This post first ran in 2019.