So many times we get asked the question “Do we need to find an Architect to design and draw our home?”, and my answer is NO. Most builders can design and draw your home for you. Why pay all the extra fees? Personally, I know if we design and draw your home, we give you that as a credit back if you have us build it. And if you don’t use us to build, we do invoice for the design and drawings. Do all builders do this? No. That is why you should get a couple quotes from several builders. I also think you get a more personal touch with the builder doing this.
Bring all your ideas, pictures, chicken scratch, and whatever else with you when you are ready to sit down and start talking with the builder. The builder will take all your stuff and add it together to create that dream home. If you already have a set of plans, they can be altered too. Your builder will be glad to explain the process. Baby steps, is the motto. The builder will start with your ideas, get them on paper/computer, modify…modify…modify until you are happy with the design. Don’t be afraid to change something at this stage. It will be much easier to add that sink and additional plumbing, a utility room, attached garage, etc. Some things are not a big deal later, like a detached garage. Just ask your builder what you need to include.
If you are building the house yourself, you might want to get an architect to make sure your plans will work and that they are engineered correct. If you decide to use an architect, interview them just like you would a builder. Are your personalities compatible? What are their costs? What all will they do for you? How much will changes cost you? Just a few questions to ask.
There are programs you can buy for your computer to help you design your home. Beware of these too. They can help you get the general concept down, but for the final consult your builder. We once had a client that used one of these programs and they proceeded to tell us what materials to use, how many nails it would take, and more. Was it accurate? No. Did it tell where to use treated wood and not? No. So be careful. This will be your home and it is the one place you really do not want to skimp on.
Your builder will go over the pros and cons of an architect. Just ask them to tell you why or why not you might want to use an architect. Happy designing!
For ALL Your Real Estate and building needs or questions, call Debbie at (830)833-4249/(713)818-6658 or debbie@vallonerealestate.net
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