Why Should You Use an Architect?

By: Christopher Timm

If you are planning a project that involves new construction or significant building work (i.e. moving or removing walls) you are probably wondering whether to find an architect to help you. A registered professional architect will have over seven years of training, which covers all aspects of the creation or alteration of a building. When this is combined with the experience they have gained during professional practice, you end up with a lot of knowledge at your disposal!

The cost of using an architect can be significant, but done well you should recoup all or more of that cost by the savings you can make in other areas.

Saving Money:

Your architect will have an awareness of, and experience with, the latest construction techniques and materials, meaning build costs for your project can be significantly reduced by using economical design.

Your architect will have an existing network of contacts within the construction industry – landscape architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, interior designers, builders etc. and because they provide a consistent source of work for these trades, they are able to engage them at preferential rates.

Your architect will also be able to save you considerable time and therefore money by managing the project, and those specialist consultants.

Finally, a well designed building can have an immediate impact in reducing utility bills.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes:

Architects are trained to identify potential problems in the concept or design phase of a project, and can solve those problems creatively, before they become costly mistakes.

Of course surprises do happen and problems do arise, but a your architect will be able to call on his or he training and experience to overcome them creatively and cost effectively, often providing a range of possible solutions.

The architect will handle the planning application process on your behalf and get it right first time!

However, don’t be tempted to use an architect for planning and then hand over the drawings to a builder for construction. Planning application drawings are different from detailed construction drawings. Don’t cut the corner and hope for the best – you’ll end up paying in the long run.

Adding Value:

A good architect can design flexible buildings that can adapt with the changing needs of your life or business, maximising both space and light. Also, an attractive and distinctive design can increase the long term value of the building.

Of course, all of this relies on you finding the right architect, as it is largely the relationship between you and your architect that will get the best results out of them.

About the Author

www.findarchitects.co.uk is a site designed to help people find, hire, and get the best results from architects in the UK. For help on finding an architect, hiring and architect, and getting the best out of your architect, look out for future articles or visit www.findarchitects.co.uk

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