by Kendra Lee
a remodel can rekindle that spark you once had for your home
SO, YOU LOVE YOUR HOME. But you’re not in love with it. You’ve been fantasizing about a new kitchen with ample storage, a huge island and a modern look. Or maybe you’ve been dreaming of a new primary suite large enough for your king bed and a seating area for relaxing in the evening—plus a luxury soaking tub, dual closets and an attached, private outdoor space. Whatever your home remodel dreams are, this guide will help you put together the right team to ensure a successful project so you can fall back in love with your home.
Some projects will require a whole team including an architect, structural engineer, general contractor, plumber, electrician and interior designer. These might be whole home remodels or home additions. And some, such as a “refresh” might only require an interior designer. But no matter how many pros you need, don’t skimp. They will save you money, time and headaches in the end. In addition, each one brings recommendations for other professionals, and some have access to materials you might not be able to find if you were shopping for products on your own. Also, when you hire these pros, they will ensure the project is properly permitted with the city or county as needed. This is an important step to ensure you don’t have issues down the road.
“The biggest problem with not getting a permit is the lack of an independent review to ensure safety. From review of the permit application through construction, inspectors verify the project is compliant and safe,” explained Land Clark, chief building official for Albuquerque. “Often the result of unpermitted work becomes problematic during resale. We’ve had homeowners needing to apply for permits after the work was completed because the required permits are needed to close the sale. Not having the work permitted can be extremely time consuming and costly.”
Here’s how each professional can help you get your remodeling project off the ground.
Architects
When your project is extensive and complicated, it might be best to first engage an architect. They plan renovations in response to the way a family lives, the solar orientation, environmental elements, views and more. An architect is necessary when you want to invest in a broader design solution, or if the project is complicated such as a complete floor plan reconfiguration or a second-floor addition.
“Architects work to balance the client’s needs while considering and integrating the existing conditions with the massing, fenestration, spatial connectivity, solar exposure, materials, energy consciousness, and the quality and function of a space and the home,” says James Lucero, AIA with Jon Anderson Architecture. “Based on the contract with the owner, architects are usually involved throughout construction to ensure the home is built per the agreed legal construction documents and original goals.”
That being said, you might not necessarily need an architect on your team. “The typical New Mexico home renovation does not require an architect,” Lucero says. “In fact, we often suggest using a home builder or drafting service for projects that don’t necessarily require the level of service an architect brings.” A consultation with an architect or a general contractor/builder will help you better understand your needs based on what you want to accomplish.
Structural Engineers
Another team member you might need for a complicated project is a structural engineer. They specialize in projects that involve moving walls, opening up a wall, adding square footage either out or up, or anything else that could potentially compromise the integrity of the structure. Unlike contractors and architects, structural engineers calculate the stability, strength and rigidity of a structure—the overall safety of your home.
Another consideration: If you have any sort of settlement, cracking or sloping issues, you will need a structural engineer. Your architect or contractor will be the best judge of whether or not one is needed, and he or she will likely have a contact and bring them into the project.
General Contactor/Builder
The typical home renovation requires a home builder or remodeling contractor. In short, a contractor assumes responsibility for the total project. He or she will either work with you to design the project—often bringing in a draftsperson to create the drawings required for permitting—or will follow the design plans provided by an architect. In addition, there may be plans from other professionals such as an engineering plan; electrical, plumbing and HVAC plans; and cabinetry plans by an interior designer or kitchen and bath designer. Depending on the services your contractor provides, he or she may provide cabinetry plans. Regardless of who does the designing, your general contractor or builder is the person who brings the drawings to life.
A qualified and experienced contractor will generally bring to the table an electrician, plumber and other trades as dictated by the scope of the project. “If one is going to endeavor in a remodel, always hire a licensed contractor,” suggests Doug Maahs of DMaahs Construction. In addition, you really need to have a good relationship with your contractor—you’ll be spending a lot of time together, especially if you remain living in the home throughout the construction.
Interior Designer
To really maximize your remodel and achieve that “magazine-quality” look, hire an interior designer. He or she can offer more than just a keen design ability. They also bring access to “to-the-trade-only” products, trade discounts and a wide range of knowledge when it comes to budgeting and planning. Not only can they streamline planning and logistics but having an active interior designer on-site to oversee quality control and navigate any problems that arise—and arise, they will—can help ensure your project stays on schedule and avoids costly setbacks. For example, your interior designer will work in concert with your contractor to solidify final items such as lighting or cabinetry details which might not be on the plans. An interior designer brings a different perspective to the project, too.
“We frequently suggest the retention of an interior designer,” said Maahs. “We proudly give full credit to Catherine’s Custom Interiors who we collaborated with on a recent Santa Fe condo remodel. Some of the changes made were elemental in the conversion. Our directive was to create a better use of the existing footprint and create a more open feeling. Cathy’s expertise and use of lighter tonalities, specialized lighting and contemporary touches, not only fulfilled the client’s desires but also retained the best of its Santa Fe style.”
Some firms like Jon Anderson Architecture view interiors as part of the architectural planning and scope but they often collaborate with interior designers when a client requests assistance with selecting art, specialty materials or furnishings that complement the architecture.
Ultimately, putting together the right team for your project will result in the finished product you’ve been dreaming of, and you’ll fall in love with your home all over again. And who doesn’t want to love the place they spend most of their time— especially these days?
resources
DMaahs Construction
Jon Anderson Architecture
