Building an extension onto your home can be a huge undertaking. Not only is it costly, but it’s difficult to know what types of problems will pop up along the way.
Renovating an existing space is much more difficult than creating a new home from scratch. You will need to consider how the addition will look alongside the existing structure and if the materials used will match. An older structure, even if it is only a few years old, will have settled and shifted slightly. With all the things to consider when building a new home extension, you may want to bring in an architect to help with the project. An architect can take your vision of a home extension and make it even better.
How Can an Architect Help?
An architect is someone who uses both their technical and creative skills to design your extension. They understand the process of adding something new onto an older building and can integrate the two seamlessly. They will answer all the questions that you may not even know to ask. They also understand the different building materials and how they settle over time. An architect is quite familiar with the necessary permits and what is and isn’t allowed in your area.
Another thing that architects bring to the table is their ability to take a vague idea and turn it into something beautiful. They often work with clients who bring them a rough drawing on a napkin, or a general concept. They then ask you the questions they need to better understand your vision. From there, the architect can take your idea and turn it into a full plan that can be given to the builders. This is a unique skill and one that can save a lot of time and frustration down the road.
Working With Older Buildings
When you are adding something new to an existing building, you are likely to find a number of problems as you go. As buildings age, they shift and settle which often means that lines that used to be straight are no longer straight. This can pose a challenge to the builders who are building the home extension.
An architect can survey the structure and draw up plans that take the shape of the older building into account, even if they’ve changed over time. These plans that keep the property’s nuances in mind will help the builder save valuable time. They don’t need to experiment to find the right fit.
There may also be structural issues that need to be addressed, such as a foundation that isn’t strong enough to hold the additional weight of an extension. An architect will use their knowledge of how homes are built and will make recommendations to ensure the new structure is safe. The safety of the end product is essential.
Keeping the Aesthetic
A new addition to the house can be rather noticeable if it doesn’t match well. If you are hoping to have your extension seamlessly match your home, the architect can use the style of your home to build a design that fits. Particularly with homes that are older than 20 years, an extension can look incredibly out of place if the overall look of the home is not considered.
With older buildings, you may also want to change the material used but are not sure how that would look. For example, if you have an older stone home and would like to add a sunroom made of wood and glass, it may seem off. If you were to build it without bringing in an architect to help with the design, it could look quite odd and stand out. By utilising an architect’s knowledge of materials and design, you can create an extension that looks like it has always been a part of the home.
Sticking To a Tight Budget
An architect can advise you on the types of materials to use for a tight budget. They can work within the budget, selecting materials that will work best for your space. They will give you options so that you can make the right decision for your unique budget and style needs.
An architect can also make adjustments to the overall design to bring costs down. For example, extending an extra 6 inches in some designs will mean having to reinforce beams to hold the weight. By keeping this in mind and adjusting to stay within the parameters, an architect can remove a lot of cost from your budget. Removing those six inches won’t make a big difference in the size of the space, but it changes how much you need to spend.
Things To Consider When Adding a Kitchen Extension
Different types of extensions will require different considerations. When you are building out a new kitchen extension, there are a lot more factors to include than a room that doesn’t have plumbing and gas to consider.
A kitchen extension must hold more weight than a regular room. The appliances, in particular the stove, are often quite heavy and will require additional reinforcement in the floor beams to safely hold them up. You also have to consider the placement of gas and water lines. Having an architect help you navigate the placement and design of these makes it an easy adjustment. All you have to do is pass the plans to the appropriate people and they can set up the lines exactly as they should be.
Things To Consider When Adding an Upstairs Extension
When you are building an extension that is not on the ground floor, you have to consider how much weight the existing structure can hold. Whether you are building an additional floor onto your home or adding on top of a lower-level roof, building an extension higher up can be a little bit trickier. An architect can help you figure out how much load the beams and foundations can hold. They can make recommendations for adding supporting beams or upgrading the foundation if needed.
Another thing they may advise on is how to change the shape of the roof to accommodate the new extension without changing the style of the home too much. They can plan the new roof to seamlessly match the old one so that the new section doesn’t stand out. By making it blend in, you extend the time you have before you need to replace the entire roof. Anytime you change the structure of a roof, it is important to have an architect take a look and ensure that the plans are safe and pass inspection.
Things To Consider When Adding a Sunroom Extension
A sunroom or conservatory extension requires a lot of consideration in terms of the types of glass and framing you will need. Building a room that is mostly windows can mean that you have to change the overall structure to hold those windows securely.
You want to make sure the space is securely built to ensure your family’s safety and to keep your electric bill lower during the winter. An architect has studied these types of rooms extensively. They will be able to design a sunroom that fits your aesthetic and will pass all of the inspections. All you will have to do is sit back and enjoy your new space.
Integrated Designs & Associates
Utilising the expertise of an architect will save you time, money and frustration. A home renovation project is already a high-stress event. Spending the money on a professional who can walk you through step by step is a must. They can help you realise your vision and turn it into reality. Your architect can work to make the extension add value to your home and will often anticipate problems before they arise.
To find an architect who is the right fit for you and your home, there are a few things to consider. Look for someone who has experience with the style of home that you are in. They should also be aware of the bylaws and permits needed in your area.
An architect should have good communication skills and know what questions to ask so they understand your vision and make you feel heard. When you find the right architect to take on your project, you will not regret bringing on their experience and expertise to make your home extension project a success.
Ready to get started designing your home extension? Integrated Designs has architects waiting for the project.
