So, you’re contemplating renovating your Northern Beaches property. You might be wondering whether it’s worthwhile investing in an architect. Well, keep reading, because we believe the benefits speak for themselves.
Here are just some of the benefits of using an architect when renovating your Northern Beaches home.
You get a unique property
If you want your home to stand out from the crowd, we strongly recommend using an architect. An architect-designed home is created with style and sustainability in mind and bucks building trends. A timeless property will only benefit you down the road.
When searching for an architect (more on that below), keep an eye on their design style and experience, so you get a unique property that suits you. Architects are trained to respond to a brief and come up with something that meets it, so make a list of your priorities and a mood board of interiors and buildings you like to kick off the design process.
You get the house that you want
Working with an architect can help your dreams become a reality. They will work with your existing home’s structure and create a detailed plan and schematic drawings to your preferred specifications. This includes everything from the number of bedrooms and bathrooms to the style. They see the big picture and all the little innovative details to get there.
You will save money
Renovations are always a costly experience. But working with an architect can actually save you money. They’ll not only provide you with cost estimations but can even offer more budget-friendly solutions. They’ll also choose the best durable materials for your budget; from flooring to paint to structural materials. This will save you money in the long run and just think of the resale value!
Your home will be more sustainable
Another way architects will inevitably save you money is through sustainability measures. Architects are experts at natural light, ventilation, shading and orientation. They will use these skills to minimise costs and environmental impact and maximise sustainability.
They will act as your project manager
Architects do more than just design and draw the plans. They will basically be the project manager as they work on the renovation from beginning to end. They offer consistency as they oversee how each project connects. This means they’ll liaise with other contractors like builders, structural engineers, electricians and plumbers on your behalf.
An architect will also drawn up plans and liaise with the local council to help you get planning permission. This alone is definitely worth the investment for how much time, money and effort it will save you.
They will design your home safely
Architects understand local building codes and regulations concerning plumbing, electricity and structure. They will design your home so that it’s structurally safe, efficient and compliant. This is imperative if you decide to sell your home in the future.
How much does an architect cost?
According to realestate.com.au, an architect usually receives a percentage of the total build and construction costs. This can be anywhere from five to 15 per cent for full service.
Where do I find an architect?
There are plenty of online databases available, including a database of registered architects.
- NSW Architects Registration Board
- Australian Institute of Architects
- Houzz will help you find the best local professional, no matter the construction project.
Looking for inspiration?
Ready to get started? If you’re looking for architectural and interior inspiration, we recommend checking out these Australian publications that showcase the incredible work of our architects:
- Green Magazine. As the name suggests, Green focuses on sustainable design, both locally and internationally.
- Houses. This is Australia’s leading residential architecture magazine, with a strong focus on interior design. It’s published bimonthly by Architecture Media.
- Vogue Living. Australia’s premier interiors magazine, Vogue Living celebrates the very best in art, architecture, style and travel.
Are you looking to sell your home this year?
If you’re thinking about putting your home on the market, feel free to get in touch. We are always happy to share our market insights with an informal chat.
