Four Ways an Architect Can Save on Home Improvements

Say the word “architect” and what comes to mind? An expensive designer who can only be afforded by the super rich?

Think again.

Architects can save you big money on your home improvements by making sure the project stays on track and keeping a lid on costs. Not only that, they can help you get the home you want, combining the luxuries you’re looking with the best use of space.

Here’s the value that an architect brings to home improvement projects:

1. Architects will look beyond your immediate requirements and make suggestions for designs that adapt to the changing needs of your family.
2. Architects can identify costly mistakes before they happen. They also often know the costs of materials, and can make suggestions for ways of cutting costs before the renovations start.
3. Architects can make design suggestions that reduce the cost of operating your home. For example, they can make suggestions for making your home more energy efficient, so your heating, electricity, and water bills are reduced.
4. Architects can complement the role of the general contractor, coordinating things like permit applications, ordering of materials, etc. While this may seem unnecessary, giving these responsibilities to an architect can save you money (through mistakes you might otherwise make), and reduce your stress.

Need to find an architect? As in many areas of life, word-of-mouth can be a good way to find a competent architect. If you don’t know anyone who’s used an architect, check out the list on the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s website.