Should You Engage A Builder Or An Architect When Renovating?

by | Feb 23, 2021 | Renovations

With international travel of the cards, thousands of kiwis have decided to invest their travel savings elsewhere.

Naturally, as we have spent more time at home, there’s the desire for home improvements and renovations, with updated bathrooms and kitchens, improved outdoor areas, or some extra room to move.

Now is the perfect time to put that extra cash to good use and improve the value of your home.

But before you commit, you need to know whether you should engage a builder or an architect.

Let’s dive into the answer and find out what’s best for your renovation project.

Should You Engage A Builder Or An Architect When Renovating?

What Do Architects Do?

To help answer the question, it’s helpful to know exactly what an architect does.

Architects have a considerable amount of education behind their degree, with at least five years of university study, and several years of practical work experience. To practice in NZ, they must be registered with the New Zealand Registered Architects Board (NZRAB) and meet the requirements of continuing professional development.

Architects know their way around the Building Code and are experienced in a wide range of areas – from landscape design to structural engineering.

There is a range of ways for an architect to be involved in a home renovation project. They can create a design that works for you and your family within the constraints of an existing house – and help you navigate building regulations. Beyond providing the blueprints, they can also help oversee the construction process to ensure the building is functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Some architects may offer assistance with budgeting, applying for permits and consents, provide a building report, and managing the entire project. Still, it depends on the work involved and the architect you use.

For complex design jobs, the expertise they offer is essential.

You might also want to consider hiring an architectural designer or draftsperson. These careers usually involve around three years of study, focusing on the technical side of design and drawing. If your renovation job is relatively straightforward, they can help you gain the right consents and make a solid plan for your project.

Does My Home Renovation Job Really Need An Architect?

It entirely depends on your renovation project. A basic deck or carport build is unlikely to require architectural expertise. But if you are converting your garage into your dream home office or tearing down walls to create an entertainer’s paradise, it can be a good idea to engage an architect to help bring your vision into reality.

The best way to know for sure who you need to bring into your home renovation dream team is to have a chat with a quality professional builder that you trust.

The team here at Maintain To Profit will be able to let you know what consents you might need and advise you on whether an architect is a good idea. Plus, as we are a full-service company, we are able to recommend some great architects that we work alongside.

Will Hiring An Architect Blow My Budget?

This depends on the scope of your project and how much involvement the architect will have. While you probably will need to think carefully about your budget, it’s helpful to consider your long-term return on investment. Using an architect may even help save you money in the long run.

A well-planned and professionally designed home is more pleasant to live in, more marketable, and more valuable. Plus, excellent design can end up saving you money by utilizing space efficiently, and potentially reducing ongoing maintenance or running costs.

During your initial consultation with an architect or architectural designer, they will look at what you want to do and advise whether you will need their input moving forward.

The initial concept drawings should cost as little as a few thousand dollars. Even if you choose not to go in that direction, those drawings are an added selling point when it comes time to list your property.

Do You Need An Architect Or A Builder?

So, the bottom line is, you may need a builder, an architect, or both – it all depends on the complexity of your renovation project.

If you have a small, straightforward job, chat with a builder. It’s unlikely you will need to involve an architect. If you are going to need plans, you will need an architect.

And if you’re not sure? Contact us here at Maintain To Profit and we will be able to assess your project to give you the full picture.

At Maintain To Profit, we are renovation experts and can help you figure out the best solution for your project. Contact us today for more info.