Architecture
Pro Panel: How to Tackle a Future Reno Now With an Architect
Three professionals reveal how to get the architectural ball rolling now if you're planning a renovation later
There are many stages to a home renovation project, with the actual physical construction work right at the end, so it makes sense to get the preparation and planning done well ahead of time. Here, three professionals give their advice on how to work with an architect in advance of a future project, so it remains stress-free, on budget and on schedule. Houzz spoke to UK-based Emilie Mauran of EMR Architecture, Lior Brosh of Brosh Architects, and Miles Griffies of Red Squirrel Architects for the lowdown.
Gather information
The more details you can relay to your architect at the start of a project, the smoother things will be later on.
Griffies recommends sharing any information relating to utilities and below-ground services as early as possible. “Often the homeowner will have a copy of these,” he says. “If the project is more extensive, a copy of the title deeds can be helpful as well, to check for any restrictive covenants attached to the property.
“Be clear about the timescales for your building project,” he says. “Are there any events or key dates that are driving your project or mean work needs to be carried out between specific periods?”
The more details you can relay to your architect at the start of a project, the smoother things will be later on.
Griffies recommends sharing any information relating to utilities and below-ground services as early as possible. “Often the homeowner will have a copy of these,” he says. “If the project is more extensive, a copy of the title deeds can be helpful as well, to check for any restrictive covenants attached to the property.
“Be clear about the timescales for your building project,” he says. “Are there any events or key dates that are driving your project or mean work needs to be carried out between specific periods?”
Put together ideas
“Remember that even if you appoint an architect or interior designer, the brief and the vision is yours – the client,” says Brosh. “It’s always helpful to put together moodboards or save images you like to a Houzz ideabook. It’s basically putting your thoughts into ‘visual’ writing – and it’s fun.”
“People often think it’s easier to collate a moodboard for the whole house, but it’s best to do one per room,” says Mauran. “Also, create an ideabook for each item, such as joinery, the stairs, the tiles and even door handles. The details are always hard to decide upon, so it makes sense to do this early to avoid having to make a quick decision later.”
Struggling to articulate your brief and style? Find an architect near you on Houzz who can talk you through it
“Remember that even if you appoint an architect or interior designer, the brief and the vision is yours – the client,” says Brosh. “It’s always helpful to put together moodboards or save images you like to a Houzz ideabook. It’s basically putting your thoughts into ‘visual’ writing – and it’s fun.”
“People often think it’s easier to collate a moodboard for the whole house, but it’s best to do one per room,” says Mauran. “Also, create an ideabook for each item, such as joinery, the stairs, the tiles and even door handles. The details are always hard to decide upon, so it makes sense to do this early to avoid having to make a quick decision later.”
Struggling to articulate your brief and style? Find an architect near you on Houzz who can talk you through it
Identify issues
“Before you start a renovation, take the opportunity to plan in anything that needs doing in the rest of the house, as it can be difficult to get builders to come for small issues,” says Mauran.
“If you’re just about to purchase the house with the aim of renovating it, consider having a full structural survey report,” says Brosh. “This will give an overall picture of the condition of the property, and identify any issues that will need to be dealt with during your renovation.”
He also recommends commissioning a drainage report, if possible, which can identify any blockages or damaged drainpipes under the house.
“If you have a period property with original features, such as fireplaces, doors and cornicing, it would be wise to note them,” says Brosh. “This will enable your architect and builder to plan ahead and make the right precautions to preserve them.”
“Before you start a renovation, take the opportunity to plan in anything that needs doing in the rest of the house, as it can be difficult to get builders to come for small issues,” says Mauran.
“If you’re just about to purchase the house with the aim of renovating it, consider having a full structural survey report,” says Brosh. “This will give an overall picture of the condition of the property, and identify any issues that will need to be dealt with during your renovation.”
He also recommends commissioning a drainage report, if possible, which can identify any blockages or damaged drainpipes under the house.
“If you have a period property with original features, such as fireplaces, doors and cornicing, it would be wise to note them,” says Brosh. “This will enable your architect and builder to plan ahead and make the right precautions to preserve them.”
Find your budget
The cost of the project and the amount of money you can afford to spend are, of course, huge factors when it comes to planning ahead.
“It’s advisable to know your total budget and what you can afford in advance,” says Brosh. “Work out whether you have the full amount ready or whether you need to sort out your finances through the bank.”
Mauran recommends talking to a mortgage broker well ahead of time, as they’re a great source of advice. “People are often unaware of the options available to them,” she says.
“Experienced architects or quantity surveyors can often provide a ballpark figure depending on your brief, which will give you some guidance with regards to the overall cost (subject to specifications),” says Brosh. “Avoid getting advice from unqualified or inexperienced people. Do your due diligence and consult with professionals who will give you the true market costs and not just the budget you want to hear.”
“[If you’ve already hired an architect, he or she] may recommend the appointment of a cost consultant or estimator if the project is significant or complex, and this can be money well spent,” says Griffies. “The success of any good project depends on realistic budgeting and the careful allocation of your budget to the appropriate areas of your project.” This is also where builders and building designers come in, as they will likely provide the quote for your project.
Browse more contemporary open-plan living rooms
The cost of the project and the amount of money you can afford to spend are, of course, huge factors when it comes to planning ahead.
“It’s advisable to know your total budget and what you can afford in advance,” says Brosh. “Work out whether you have the full amount ready or whether you need to sort out your finances through the bank.”
Mauran recommends talking to a mortgage broker well ahead of time, as they’re a great source of advice. “People are often unaware of the options available to them,” she says.
“Experienced architects or quantity surveyors can often provide a ballpark figure depending on your brief, which will give you some guidance with regards to the overall cost (subject to specifications),” says Brosh. “Avoid getting advice from unqualified or inexperienced people. Do your due diligence and consult with professionals who will give you the true market costs and not just the budget you want to hear.”
“[If you’ve already hired an architect, he or she] may recommend the appointment of a cost consultant or estimator if the project is significant or complex, and this can be money well spent,” says Griffies. “The success of any good project depends on realistic budgeting and the careful allocation of your budget to the appropriate areas of your project.” This is also where builders and building designers come in, as they will likely provide the quote for your project.
Browse more contemporary open-plan living rooms
Approach an architect
“Once you have an idea of your vision and budget, you can approach professionals,” says Brosh. He recommends using Houzz to find a few local firms you think might fit you best.
“If you’re using an architect, take the time to meet three local ones,” says Mauran. “One of the most important things to consider is your relationship with the [person you appoint], as you’re going to be in touch for a while on a weekly basis.
“Have a chat either in person or on a video call,” she adds. “Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as possible. Find out who’s going to be working with you from the team and how often they’ll be on site, for example.”
“Don’t select an architect based only on their fees,” says Griffies. “It’s important to feel comfortable with your architect and have confidence in their ability to deliver your project. A good architect’s fees may be slightly higher than others, but their experience and professionalism may save you thousands of [dollars] further down the line.”
“Once you have an idea of your vision and budget, you can approach professionals,” says Brosh. He recommends using Houzz to find a few local firms you think might fit you best.
“If you’re using an architect, take the time to meet three local ones,” says Mauran. “One of the most important things to consider is your relationship with the [person you appoint], as you’re going to be in touch for a while on a weekly basis.
“Have a chat either in person or on a video call,” she adds. “Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as possible. Find out who’s going to be working with you from the team and how often they’ll be on site, for example.”
“Don’t select an architect based only on their fees,” says Griffies. “It’s important to feel comfortable with your architect and have confidence in their ability to deliver your project. A good architect’s fees may be slightly higher than others, but their experience and professionalism may save you thousands of [dollars] further down the line.”
Move to the next stage
“Once you’ve seen a few architects and know which one you’d like to work with, they can guide you through the entire process,” says Brosh. “They’ll advise you on which type of consultants should be involved based on the agreed design, such as a surveyor, planning consultant and structural engineer.”
Most – but not all – architects begin by outlining a brief and making preparations, which then leads to creating some concept drawings. These are followed by a developed design, which is then submitted to your local council for planning approval.
The final stage before construction is the technical design. “At this stage, the architect (and other consultants) prepare detailed information to enable [builders] to price and build the project,” says Griffies.
“Once you’ve seen a few architects and know which one you’d like to work with, they can guide you through the entire process,” says Brosh. “They’ll advise you on which type of consultants should be involved based on the agreed design, such as a surveyor, planning consultant and structural engineer.”
Most – but not all – architects begin by outlining a brief and making preparations, which then leads to creating some concept drawings. These are followed by a developed design, which is then submitted to your local council for planning approval.
The final stage before construction is the technical design. “At this stage, the architect (and other consultants) prepare detailed information to enable [builders] to price and build the project,” says Griffies.
Your turn
Are you planning a future renovation project and wondering when to engage an architect? Share your thoughts in the Comments below. And if you found this story helpful, like it, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Need more renovation advice? Don’t miss this Experts Reveal: The Dos and Don’ts of Designing an Ensuite
Are you planning a future renovation project and wondering when to engage an architect? Share your thoughts in the Comments below. And if you found this story helpful, like it, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Need more renovation advice? Don’t miss this Experts Reveal: The Dos and Don’ts of Designing an Ensuite
Give yourself plenty of time to understand what it is you’d like to change in your home, advise our experts.
“Before you start any renovation project, it’s always a good idea to identify areas you like in the house and what you’d like to get rid of,” says Brosh. “Notice which areas don’t work for you and what you’d like to change in order to get a better flow of space or simply improve natural light.”
“It’s useful to make a list of things that are wrong, such as a lack of light in a particular room, a corridor that’s too narrow, or a room that’s too cold,” adds Mauran. “If you’ve bought a new home, do the same list based on your old property with things you don’t want to have to experience again in the new one.”
Griffies suggests putting together a bullet-point brief of your key objectives and requirements. “Start by giving a more general description of the project and the feel you’re trying to achieve,” he says. “Then create a list of requirements for each area, space or room of your home as you envisage it.”