According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there was a 0.5% growth (or 6,713 dwellings) in townhouse dwelling stock in the June 2022 quarter. During that same period, it was reported that townhouses in Victoria experienced a dwelling growth rate of 0.6%.Furthermore, the ABS reported that townhouses in all Australian states and territories experienced an increase in cost (approval to completion). In Victoria, the cost to build a townhouse development grew by 1.3%, with 44.8% of townhouse dwellings seeing an increase in building cost.
Why do townhouse developments continue to grow in popularity? This is because developing townhouses are more affordable alternative to detached houses. Plus, they offer more indoor and outdoor space compared to apartments. Today’s townhouse developments are also being built in master-planned communities, which means that they offer better locations that tend to be close to amenities like retail establishments and transport hubs. For townhouse developers looking to tap into this opportunity, starting a townhouse development entails a big investment. How can hiring an architect make a difference?
Why hiring an architect for townhouse development?
When you hire an architect for a townhouse development, they can aid you in the following:
Determining project viability
Building a townhouse development means building multiple townhouses on a large block of land. A project of this scale entails major investments, which is why it’s important to ensure that your project is viable in the first place.
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By determining a project’s viability, an architect can help mitigate any risks that may creep up during the design and construction process. They can conduct a feasibility study based on the goals you’ve discussed with them.
They can also give you insights into opportunities, as well as potential limitations or issues that your townhouse development project may come across.
Streamlining the design and construction process
Whether it’s a side-by-side townhouse or something else entirely, an architect can help streamline the entire process, from design to construction, and even provide support in project execution. Furthermore, they’re capable of handling risks and anticipating needs and other requirements that may arise, given their extensive experience in the field. Should a problem come up during construction, for example, architects would be able to handle them professionally without having to make drastic changes to the original plan.
Building townhouses that can fetch higher prices in the market
Architect-designed townhouses are unique and timeless structures. Plus, they can increase the value of your property. They can also future-proof your townhouse development by implementing heating, cooling, and maintenance solutions that can help make your project more sustainable and cheaper to operate in the long run.
Achieving your specific needs and goals
Architects are trained and highly skilled to manage construction projects regardless of their scale. They’re there to help ensure that your project becomes successful. They take your needs and goals in mind to create a design that fits your lifestyle and changing needs best. Furthermore, they can lend their expertise when it comes to selecting fixtures, fittings and building materials for your project.
They’re also skilled in incorporating the neighborhood character, maximise views, orientation, as well as the site accessibility and amenities into the design.
Potential Risks When You Don’t Hire an Architect
What could happen if you don’t hire an architect for a townhouse development project? Below are some of the biggest risks that could potentially hamper your project when you don’t hire an architect:
Your townhouse development may not be up to local building codes and regulations
Without an architect, your townhouse plan may not be compliant with local building codes and regulations. Hiring an architect also helps ensure that there is a regulatory body in charge of the works and standards delivered in developing townhouses.
Your project may go over budget and over time
Working with an architect can often seem like an additional expense but not hiring one can open a can of worms.
Without an architect’s professional guidance, your townhouse development can run the risk of not only going over the budget but also over its intended timeframe. Factors such as miscommunication with the builders and errors in planning can incur extra costs. Furthermore, without proper guidance, the project can go off track, causing delays.
An architect can come up with an estimated cost for the project or, if you’re working on a tight budget, create a design that fits your budget without sacrificing the project’s quality, features, and value.
An architect-administered contract is an impartial contract that ensures the contract price and program gets adjusted as unexpected events or laten site conditions impact the cost and time of delivery and can also apply liquidated damages on the builder to enforce that the builder gets penalized when running over time.
You end up with a townhouse development that’s poorly designed
Not working with an architect can lead to compromises, which can end up with your townhouse development not meeting your occupant’s needs. When you hire an architect, you’d be able to discuss your ideas with them. Thus, you can share your preferences and ask them to prepare a design that meets your needs.
They have a keen eye for detail, which can help you optimize not only your project’s aesthetics but also its functionality and convenience.
An architect also adds another layer of professionalism to the project. They help ensure that your townhouse development follows all of your requirements and they can communicate with the builders and other professionals on your behalf.
You may end up working with the wrong professionals
Working with the wrong professionals for townhouse developments can end up costing you a lot of money. In the end, you may be saddled with issues such as structural problems or faulty electrical systems. Architects have access to professional networks and they can help you connect with other reliable and trustworthy professionals, such as builders and contractors, that can take on your project.
Wrapping Up
When you hire an architect, you can enjoy peace of mind while actually saving money. Townhouse developments in Melbourne can be very expensive to build. However, an architect can create cost-effective designs, provide accurate pricing, and oversee the entire project to make sure that it’s finished on time and within your budget.
A townhouse development is a major investment. Make sure that you have the right people on board. Get in touch with SQM Architects today and start building the home of your dreams without cutting corners.
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.
