By Kathy Woodard
Special to Shop4Contractors.com
Using an architect or an engineer for your home improvement project is becoming more common, and not just for the wealthy. Sometimes your home may require more extensive projects that your contractors may not be able to handle. Whether you need an architect or engineer when building or remodeling is a question all homeowners should ask. Here is how to decide if these professionals are needed for your job.
Which professional do you need to consider?
First, there is a distinct difference between an architect and an engineer, and how they can help you with your project.
Got a structural issue? An engineer is the way to go. Tom Lenchek, an architect at Balance Associates in Seattle, says, "I would suggest you hire an engineer only to solve a particular problem: my floor is sagging, I need a retaining wall or something similar."
Many believe an architect is useful in small projects that might seem easy to tackle on your own. "Few people realize how complicated it is to build or remodel until they find themselves lost in the maze of design options, building codes, zoning laws, contractors, and so on," says Lenchek. "In addition, architects are trained to bring 'vision' to a project."
So, it's really up to you as far as your comfort level on whether to hire an architect. However, depending on where you live, you might need architectural plans to do a more complex project; check with your local building authorities.
How an architect works:
An architect can make the difference between a construction project succeeding or failing. In essence, they will supervise the entire project. Some of the things they might handle for you include:
• Getting your building permit
• Creating a design for your project to your specifications
• Finding a reliable contractor
• Reviewing your contract and estimates from your contractor
• Ensure the project proceeds as intended
"The architect is the one professional who has the education, training, experience, and vision to guide you through the entire design and construction process," advises Lenchek.
How you can find an architect or engineer:
You can find the name of a qualified architect or engineer by looking through architectural magazines, asking friends or coworkers for referrals, or requesting recommendations from your local American Institute of Architects.
Remember to make sure the architect you are considering is licensed. "The advantages to hiring a licensed professional is that through education, internship and licensing the individual has demonstrated core knowledge of the design and construction process," says Lencheck.
Hiring an architect or engineer is no different from hiring any other professional for a construction project: Obtain references and check them. Interview more than three, and make sure you can work well with their personality -- remember, you will be spending a lot of time working together to produce the best results possible.
What if you choose not to hire one?
If you choose not to hire an architect or engineer for your construction project, there are a couple of options.
• You can purchase stock building plans off the Internet, a building plan book or from your contractor. This can be a money saving option, but there are a few drawbacks. You will not have the same ability to customize your plans as you would with an architect. Also, you will have to trust your contractor to make any revisions for you, and to follow the plan accurately.
• You can look into hiring a certified home designer. This is similar to an architect, although they do not have the same level of training and education as an architect. This could save you money, but might also limit the complexity of your project.
Depending on your experience and comfort level, any home construction project can benefit from hiring a professional to assist in the process, whether you need an engineer for a major structural change in an existing building, or are looking for a one-of-a-kind dream home.
Kathy Woodard is a home and garden writer, author and consultant and is the home decorating expert for LifetimeTV.com. Visit her for more home and garden ideas at http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com and
http://www.TheGardenGlove.com.