Do you really need an architect or draftsman?

Renovations and extensions are costly endeavours, so it’s natural to think of ways to save during the process. But should you really skimp on the services of a professional architect or draftsman? 

Renovations and extensions

You might think that hiring an architect or draftsman isn’t as important during a renovation or extension compared to building a new home. However, while you can probably get ready-made plans for a new home, your renovation project is most probably unique. Even if you want to remodel your room to look exactly like something you’ve seen in a magazine, you’d still need the expertise of an architect to make sure that it will suit the structure of your existing home.

For major renovations and extensions, an architect can ensure that your plans will be met building codes and regulations. They can even help you secure the necessary planning and building permits. In most cases, hiring a professional architect or draftsman is actually more cost-effective and will make your renovation less stressful.

The design process

If you are renovating, chances are you already have certain design ideas in mind. However, unless you actually have experience in drafting, you won’t be able to translate those ideas into reality.

Sure, you can always hire a contractor and just tell them your design, but this method doesn’t always yield the best results. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a contractor who knows much about understanding abstract designs, but this isn’t always the case.

If you’ve got great drawing skills, you might also try your hand at preparing the plans yourself. However, you have to make sure that your drawings can be understood clearly by your contractors as well. Poorly made plans often result in botched renovations, and if your project needs council approval, amateur plans might not cut it.

On DIY jobs

If you plan on doing most or all of the renovation yourself, you might still need an architect or drafter. If your renovation only involves a paint job or some minor fixes, it’s okay to go on without hiring an architect or draftsman. However, if the job involves laying a new foundation or rewiring, then you definitely need professional help to make sure that your home remains structurally sound.

Basically, if your renovation project needs approval, then you need professionally made plans, whether you’re going to perform the renovation yourself or not.

Which one do you need

Both architects and draftsmen can make approval-ready plans for you. If you’ve already got your mind made up about the design, maybe all you need is a competent draftsman. Many drafters are knowledgeable enough to know if something’s wrong with your initial plans and can help you make the necessary adjustments. On the other hand, if you feel that you need more advice on the layout of your renovation or extension, hiring a licensed architect is the way to go.