Could I ask a reputable Architect to work with a modest budget
ame_28_1924
7 years ago
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Finding the right architect in Melb - advice?
Comments (7)Asking friends, colleagues and relatives is often the best place to start as you get the warts n'all version. As you note, if the spaces are small then design becomes even more important. The cost of producing drawings and time needed resolving design/technical issues tends to be similar on most jobs (up to a point). This does translate to a fees becoming a higher percentage on a smaller budget job. Remember it is all part of the investment you make in your home so you need to be confident that you are getting both the best physical outcome but also financial outcome. Next weekend is Sustainable House Day, a great opportunity to go and look through some great examples of design that are working on many levels, you may find you designer/architect through that.... Good luck finding your 'one'...See MoreDraftsman or architect
Comments (8)Many people make the same mistake that believing an architect will give them something special (or perhaps 'smart' as you noted). Wrong. Many say a draftsman will only design what you tell them. Wrong. Unfortunately the problem is with the poor choice by the homeowner. I've seen terrific work all designed by draftsman and absolutely poor work designed by architects. I've also seen rubbish by draftsman and stunning work by architects. But, is the final design the only reason of what the decision should be based? Absolutely not! No use having a great design that you can't afford to build or is difficult and frustrating to have approved by council amongst other things. It's like choosing any one to do specialist for you; can you talk with them easily about your ideas and not feel 'railroaded', do they give advice freely without feeling like they're not telling you the whole story, do they mention budgets, possible problems along the way, have they investigated site specific issues, etc..... Architects aren't greedy and just wanting more money, they provide a larger range of services that others don't. If you're a developer would you go to the local draftsman and tell him how to design a high-rise project for Melbourne's CBD..... of course not you'd go to an architect to look after the project for you. Just as you wouldn't go to a world renowned award winning architect to design a timber rear deck area that the local builder is going build.... Know what each professional provides and decide from there don't base it on a qualification only....See More4-5 bedroom house 1 large bathroom or 2 small ,very low budget ?
Comments (17)Hi maryprior892 Thanks for posting the extra information it all helps in gaining some understanding, I think it is possible to improve this existing house in a cost effective manner. Just a minor item that I picked up in regards of equipment - I think you mentioned that the existing STORAGE is actually a covered internal courtyard - I also notice that you have a hot water unit in this space - you should check that the hot-water service (if it is a gas unit) that it has sufficient ventilation and is not an external units that has been closed in - any plumber will give you this information - enclosing gas units that are designed for external use is not a good idea. I think that if you are going to make changes it not only should suit you, but also have a good resale opportunity - considering your upstairs areas it might be better to add a decent En-suite and walk in robes and getting two or three bedrooms downstairs - in this way you would have parents areas separated from children - this might have better resale and use that a tiny ES. The third bedroom downstairs could be gained by enclosing the RUMPUS room and providing access to bathroom areas by a corridor to existing bathrooms. This would also aid in getting containment areas for heating - at the moment the plan shows one open space including the upstairs - lots of heating in winter in Tasmania for all that area - some compartmentalization would probably help in combating yearly heating costs. The existing living area are certainly ample, so the loss of the rumpus to a bedroom does not detract greatly to the overall house, and in the meantime you could use the new downstairs bedroom/rumpus room as you have already mentioned as a library. I think this is achievable, but before doing a physical change, I would have a fully developed plan which includes all existing and proposed furniture to scale, with a few 3D views to enhance the concept. (It easier to change drawings than walls - a lot less dust and much cheaper) I would then obtain the opinion of a Real-estate agent (the Real-estate agent you bought it from is not a bad place to start) and maybe two others. This might help in making long term decisions in regards to investment for the future. Staging your proposed renovations is also another approach that you might investigate. Above all I would retain and obtain as many ocean views that you can possibly get, I assume that the ocean views are at the front of the house (" revealed an open fireplace in the front lounge which also has ocean views so that is fabulous.") If possible you might consider developing an external eating/sitting/entertaining area with ocean views - I certainly would be a buyer, and I would assume that it might be supported by the real-estate agent. I hope this is of some help, I would be happy to comment further on this design as more information becomes available. Michael Manias Manias Associates Building Associates mm407p@gmail.com...See MoreArchitect vs FIY Floor plan
Comments (15)There's opportunity for a more interesting extension concept that integrates split level design to help differentiate/effectively separate different zones within a relatively small house and also better connect main living/dining/kitchen to external space to do away with the steps down from a deck and potentially overlooking issues (??), as well as achieve more impressive feeling of space with increase ceiling height. Reading between the lines, have you had a bad experience/had something drawn (possibly blown the budget??) and so you're trying now to pick it all up and take it forward yourselves?? What you've drawn is an extensive and relatively expensive project, but not necessarily making the most of the investment & opportunity with a lot of awkward planning aspects that in reality will not work/function well. You've got the right idea in investing in your own property, but in order to spend wisely you best invest in a professional design process, even if it is a 2nd crack. Really need to understand the context, brief and budget conditions in order to be able to provide more appropriate & specific advice PD...See Moreame_28_1924
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