All set to develop your new property while wondering this time whether you should hire an architect or not, or is it worth it?
Let’s find out in this article the benefits of hiring an architect!
If you are a developer, Planning and Building your new property is pretty simple until you get swamped by building limitations, different design possibilities, contractors, zoning regulations and building codes.
Surely, it’s challenging to turn your property imagination into reality is challenging because besides hiring a builder, there are a few other essential factors to consider before starting your project. That’s why it is preferable to hire an architect!
How to gain professional insights for FREE, no strings attached
Unsure about your next building project? Get expert advice, no strings attached! Take advantage of our FREE consultation at SQM Architects. We’re here to answer your queries and bring clarity to your vision. With our transparent process and reputable track record, your project is in capable hands.
If you are still unsure why architects are important, let us give you a little background check.
The architect is a licensed professional with formally accredited education and years of practical experience and knowledge about construction and design. Developers should collaborate with the architects first before meeting with the builders because Architects are responsible for holistic building design, and they have more in-depth knowledge about design theories, building compliance, project management and building contracts.
For instance, they know what and how the material will be used, what construction material is made of and what design to use. They are famous for resolving town planning challenges for clients.
Let’s debunk in this article why developers should collaborate with the architects before going to the builders!
10 Benefits of Hiring an Architect
There are many benefits of working with an architect. They are cost-effective and can deliver creative spaces without being destructive to your imagination, needs, and style. They possess highly developed skills like attention to detail, troubleshooting skills, and knowledge of operational performance.
Besides the key benefits of working with an architect, we are mentioning a few crucial yet neglected benefits of hiring an architect for developers that they should know:
Benefit 1: Expert Advice on the Best Use of the Land & Maximising the Potential of the Development Site
As a developer, it is important to have an in-depth knowledge of the site. You need to be aware of the possibilities of constructing on a site and whether it is practically and financially viable.
Here is when you need to hire an architect!
Architects prepare a site feasibility report based on the analysis. The report includes data like the site’s characteristics, surrounding area, source of water and electricity, soil nature, cost analysis, zoning details, technicalities of the structure and more factors. A feasibility study plays an important role for developers in deciding whether or not to start a project. With the help of a preliminary investigation of the site, developers can understand the use of space, be aware of the risks of building a project on that site, and decide if the planning constraints are set down by local authorities.
Moreover, feasibility studies help developers, contractors and architects decide on key construction stages during the pre-concept stage. It makes a sure assessment of overall financial viability and cost estimation accuracy.
Benefit 2: Originality, Exclusivity and Customisation
Undoubtedly, the building process is a long, messy and disruptive project, especially when you are living or working in the area under construction. The benefit of hiring an architect means finding ways to make the working process go smoothly.
While a project comes with a lot of hustle and bustle, the idea of a unique design is another complex issue. Before the start of the project, you will be asked about your preferences, whether you want your home functionally or aesthetically, the time frame for occupying a new home and your requirements about indoor and outdoor space, etc. The answers to these questions will provide an insight into living conditions, and they will use this to design your home specifically for you and your lifestyle. Not only this, but they also know how to provide you with the best ways to keep your pocket light when it comes to customization, originality and exclusivity!
For instance, if you want to increase the footprint of a building, it will bump up the price. Architects are experienced creative professionals who can reduce the footprint by meeting your budget, being creative with the unique form and functional design, and putting money back in your wallet!
Benefit 3: Compliance with Council Laws – Building & Safety Regulations
The Building Regulations are a collection of government guidelines and policies that govern most construction projects. They cover all areas of the construction project, such as people’s health and safety in and around buildings, energy conservation, disability access and provision, structural standards, etc.
The biggest benefit of hiring an architect for property development is compliance with council laws and building regulations. Architects are trained professionals who are familiar with the building code and can design your development project to comply with all the relevant regulations. This can save you a lot of time, money and stress in the long run, as well as ensuring that your development project is safe and up to code.
Architects is able to arrange building work and get building approval to ensure that the building is compliance to standards.
Benefit 4: Cost Management
The budget is the main headache when working on a building project. Developers often seem worried and ask about the cost. But with architects, leave all your worries behind! Architects strive to manage, position and maintain costs according to your budget, including the budgeting of current and future utility costs. They act as a conduit between you and the sub-consultants to monitor your expenditure.
For instance, the services of a structural engineer, electrical engineer and mechanical engineer are generally coordinated and managed by the architect. You can hire these sub-consultants in two ways:
Traditionally, architects act as prime consultants and hire engineering sub-consultants responsible for the project’s design, including all the work carried out by these sub-consultants.
Sometimes, clients hire these engineering experts directly and require architects to coordinate and manage their services. You should discuss these arrangements with the architect in further detail.
Benefit 5: Sustainable Solution
Nowadays, architects now implement more sustainable architecture strategies in public building designs. During civic building planning, the cost is always a top consideration, but remember, the more you spend on sustainable strategies, the more you will have more significant savings and a positive impact on air quality and wellbeing.
Sustainable architectures sustain your environment with design strategies that help reduce the negative environmental impact of a built environment. While planning, architect experts consider the energy management, site landscape and stormwater management to use environmentally friendly building materials and friendly systems during construction.
For example, for an energy efficient house design, the architect can design the spaces with correct orientations, enough insulations and good circulation to achieve a passively operating house that save the environment and your energy bills in a long run. Higher Resale Value
Benefit 6: Higher Resale Value and Increased Rental Income
Architects know how to play with their creative thoughts and bring beautiful, creative and unique designs to your table. They can design your home to the next level, providing you with a great living environment and higher resale value.
Properties that have been designed by an architect tend to sell for significantly more than those that have not.
Buyers will be willing to pay more for a home that has been well-designed and executed, and an architect can add real value to your development project.
According to studies, when you design a home by architects, it increases 17% of the resale value as compared to standard houses.
Another top benefit of hiring an architect for property development is that it can help you increase the rental income from your development. A well-designed and well-built development will always be in high demand from tenants, which means you can charge higher rents and achieve a better return on your investment.
Increased rental income – Well-designed properties can command higher rents, giving you a greater return on investment.
Benefit 7: Construction Documentation
During construction documentation, an architect will prepare drawings and schedules and specifications for the detailed building construction requirements that will be used in the construction process. Drawings are the illustrative elements of constructed documents. At the same time, specifications are written requirements for building equipment, material and construction systems that will outline the standards to be met and define the finishes, material quality and work, errors, and mistakes to be submitted for approval.
Benefit 8: Architects Are Trained Professionals To Solve Problems
Extra storage areas or large multifunctional spaces; two are the desired needs of any developer. But how will you turn your wish into three-dimensional space or square meter?
This is what architects are made and trained to do. They know the fun of solving problems in creative ways! With their broad knowledge of planning, designing and constructing, they can show you multiple and alternative options that you can never think of on your own.
Benefit 9: Know Common Questions & Mistakes
While looking into the images of a building project, an ordinary man would point out simply the space of a living room and its furniture. But an architect will surely tell you about the walls, space, and the living room’s direction. This is because of three reasons:
- They see missing pieces.
- They detect the problems.
- They can design the room and add the floor outlet in an amazing place that will cost you less.
Architects have the skills to spot problems to solve on paper. They can sort out your problem before it is too late! They think about the solutions and solve them on paper at the proper time.
Benefit 10: Project Management
During construction, the architect’s role is to examine and approve building drawings, answer any questions the builder may have concerning construction techniques or procedures, and assist in guiding the project to a successful conclusion.
Although it is not included in the typical contract, an architect can take on a more important function during construction as the contract administrator for an additional charge. For developers unfamiliar with the construction process, hiring an architect as the contract administrator can be advantageous. They work closely with the general contractor and represent the owner in reviewing and approving payment requests and additional charges and keeping the project on track.
How to Choose an Architect?
The right choice of architecture can prevent you from future headaches of building home projects. Your wise decision can help you live in peace in the long run. Therefore it is crucial to decide once and early before starting a project.
Leave everything aside and narrow down your research about the right architect.
Read about our services and reviews about the best architects in the town. Once you are satisfied, you can call us for interviews at your desired interviews, where you can ask about our portfolio. No matter what type of project you want to get done for your home, SQM Architects are here for you!
Whether you want master planning, designing, 3D modeling or tender contract administration, we are experienced and skilled in providing different services to our clients. Our clients are always our priority, and we do our best to meet their expectations regarding home projects!
Wrapping Up
You do not need to wait for the winter to take advantage of new windows and doors. Whether you are building your home or simply want to renovate it, with the expert architects, you will never steer wrong!
Whatever your brief is, SQM architects can transform your vision into a reality!
How to gain professional insights for FREE, no strings attached
Unsure about your next building project? Get expert advice, no strings attached! Take advantage of our FREE consultation at SQM Architects. We’re here to answer your queries and bring clarity to your vision. With our transparent process and reputable track record, your project is in capable hands.
About the Author
Sammi Lian, the founder of SQM Architects, has dedicated over 15 years of her career to the architectural industry. She works diligently with property developers, builders, investors, and homeowners, using her skills and knowledge to facilitate their building design needs.