Using Designers For Remodeling & Renovations

Designing your home renovations yourself can be satisfying, but can also be costly.
Many people understandably feel that they want to “own” their home improvement project, and ensure they get exactly what they want.

To get the most from your design, you need to understand the materials you will be working with. Most building and furnishing materials come in set widths and/or set lengths. Designing your home elements to allow for minimal cutting and wastage can save an enormous amount of money.

In some countries is it compulsory to use registered designers for either the whole project or part of the design.  For instance, in New Zealand, from 30 November 2009, it may be necessary to use a licensed building practitioner to carry out or supervise your design work, depending on the type of project.

Remodeling and Renovations Design

Design and management costs for major remodeling or renovation projects are generally higher than for a new house. The architect or designer has to take into account the style and materials used in the existing part of the house.

In addition, it is not uncommon to find a few surprises once work actually starts. This may require the designer to return to the drawing board and start some of it over again.

Keeping Designers on Track With Your Ideas

The best way is to come up with a design brief for your builder, and ask them to review it for ways to save money. Expect your builder to charge you for this, as it can take considerable time for them to complete this task.

Alternatively you can engage a designer to draw up the plans and specifications of your own design. Design fees end up being a small percentage of the total cost of the home remodeling project, and can easily pay for themselves with cost saving ideas and innovative ways of achieving a similar concept to your dream ideas.

You have two options; use a qualified architect or an architectural draughtsperson.

1. Architect - A home designed by a qualified architect often has a perceived value-added factor andl typically attract a higher resale price
2. Architectural Draughtsperson - although they do not hold an architectural degree,many architectural designers are equally capable of producing distinctive and innovative design solutions.

Many architects and architectural designers prefer to oversee the home remodeling project, to ensure their designs are followed by the builder and subcontractors. This management role is known as contract administration.

Finding A Good Remodeling and Renovations Designer

Not all architects or architectural designers will take on remodeling or renovations work, due to the unforseen complexity the project may hold.

1. The best way to find a good designer is referral from friends who have been through the process themselves.
2. Check with local real estate agents, they often know designers that work for their property investment clients, and generally these designers have great quick and cheap ways to make a building look pretty good.
3. Watch from remodeling or home additions being done in your neigbourhood. Contact the owners and ask them how things are progressing. Many times, the difficulties they experienced are forgotten after the project is finished, so strike whilst the iron is hot.
4. Ask friends for contacts of anyone they know who have completed remodeling project recently.
5. House & Garden magazines usually include the names of designers of their feature houses.
6. Internet searches - most reputable architects and designers have good websites, with a showcase of completed work

Ask for referrals from any prospective designers. Realise though, that they are only going to give you the details of projects that were successful, and not all the disasters.

Design Fees

Choice of type of designer and design fees depend on the scope of the project and services required. Expect to pay less for an architectural draughtsperson, as they typically offer a narrower range of services. Budget between six to 15 percent of the total cost of the job.

Fees can be charged:

• By the hour - very expensive for a big job.
• A percentage of the total cost of building - this is the most popular method. The percentage can range from 1.5% for concept sketch plans up to about 15 % for full design and administration services.
• Fixed fees calculated on an hourly rate.

Fees vary among architects/designers and according to the complexity of the project. Don’t be tempted to just select the cheapest price – the fee should reflect the quality and value of the professional services being offered.

What You Get For Your Design Fee

Always ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs for each stage of the design process. ,This includes the initial design work and contract administration fees. Expect the design fee structure to be approximately:

• 15% - for initial sketches.
• 15% - for developed design.
• 40% - for final plans.
• 30% - for project oversight and contract administration.

Fees will not include incidentals such as printing, travel, additional work, or any additional engineering or surveying work that may be required to check the designs comply with local building codes. Fees are usually negotiable.

Research architects and designers on the various Institutes – See Design Services Directory

Contract Administration -involves monitoring the building is consistent with the design, handling builder and client queries during construction, discussing and approving variations to the contract, assessing and approving progress payments and inspection upon completion.

Specialists Fees - some architects/designers may want to contract in specialist designers to do the kitchen or bathroom, or lighting. Check what additional fees will be added for these services.

Engineers Fees

Sometimes the services of an engineer are required if:

• Remodeling involves removal of key existing support structures
• There is concern about the stability or compactness of the earth around the house
• The design has certain complexities, or to ensure key design elements are the most efficient.
• The house is exposed to extreme weather conditions. In this case the engineer would c calculate methods of developing sufficient lateral restraint, providing adequate support, and anchorage against wind uplift and snow loading, as well as overall stability.
  

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Next Step: Preparing Your Design Brief

Design Index | Getting Ideas | Home Plan Designs | Choosing a Designer | Design Brief | 3 Stages of Design | First Meeting | Choosing Colors | Interior Design | Choosing An Interior Designer |

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