Building inspectors can uncover problems that should be addressed in remodeling and also monitor compliance with building codes during construction.
Guide to Remodeling Design Professionals
Most homeowners starting out on a remodeling project have an idea of what they want it to accomplish - and what they want to see when it’s complete. Many can even make plans and sketches that convey the design concepts and intentions. Nevertheless, for all but the most superficial home facelifts, it’s a good idea to involve a design professional in the earliest planning stages.
For projects that involve enlarging a house and/or making changes to the plumbing, electrical or heating and air-conditioning system, most localities require plans stamped by a licensed architect or engineer as a prerequisite to issuing a building permit. Other types of design professionals can be helpful, too.
Who’s Who in Home Design
Depending on the size and scope of your remodeling project, you may wish to consult with one or more of the following design professionals:
- Architect: A building design professional who has completed all required university training in architecture and passed state licensing exams. The initials AIA and FAIA following an architect’s name indicate membership in the design industry’s primary professional organizations but not necessarily licensed status.
- Building Designer: Generally an unlicensed professional (license not required for practice) who, by experience, is competent to design homes, prepare drawings and write specifications. Building designers often work in association with licensed architects.
- Design/Build Firm: A practice that provides both architectural planning and general contracting services. Design/build firms offer a form of one-stop shopping that may facilitate coordination between design and construction and avoid some of the contention that often arises between designers and contractors.
- Interior Designer: A specialist in decoration and furnishings who usually has some experience in space planning. The initials ASID following an interior designer’s name indicate membership in a professional association, for which training and passing tests are required.
- Kitchen and/or Bath Designer: A specialist in designing these rooms. The acronyms CKD and CBD following the designer’s name indicate certification by a professional association, which requires training and successful performance on tests.
- Landscape Architect: A specialist in landscape and garden planning. A landscape architect’s primary concerns include site preparation, grading, access, drainage and protection of existing habitat. Licensing is required for practice in most states.
- LEED-AP: A professional trained and certified by the U.S. Green Building Council who can assess an existing site and building, and contribute to design and building strategies that promote low environmental impact, safety and health, energy efficiency, minimization of waste, and durable construction approaches.
- Professional engineer. Engineers often specialize, although many PEs are competent in more than one discipline. For a large-scope remodeling project, you may wish to consult with a structural engineer, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer for plumbing, heating, cooling and ventilation issues. The initials PE after an engineer’s name indicate that he or she has completed required academic training. Licenses to practice engineering are granted by individual states.
What Design Professionals Do
Your overall goal in working with a design professional should be to develop plans that serve your goals and tastes while also satisfying the requirements of your local building authorities. If you’re borrowing money to remodel, the plans may need to satisfy the requirements of the lender in terms of assuring that the project is well planned and organized, and likely to add value to the home. The plans must provide all the information the general contractor and subcontractors may need to prepare reliable, detailed bids.
Good Designers Listen
Most architects and building designers start out by talking to clients to find out not only what they want but also how they live. In addition to listening to your ideas about room layouts, expect your designer to ask questions about your tastes and lifestyle. How many people are in the family? What are their ages? Is an elderly family member likely to join your household in the future? Are you working or retired? Do you often work at home? Do you entertain frequently? Do you cook much?
Good Designers Add Value
Besides listening, design professionals should be able to provide ideas of their own based on their talent and experience. And designers must also be good communicators since they must often need to defend their designs or alter plans in response to criticism by the building department. They must work with the builder through all construction phases, including inspections while the job is in progress to assure that plans are being followed and quality is acceptable.
Good Designers are Thorough
To fulfill his or her primary obligation, the designer must submit a complete, detailed set of plans which, depending on the scope of the project may include:
- Site plan
- Utilities plan
- A demolition plan
- Floor plans
- Elevation views
- Foundation plan
- Framing plan
- Electrical and lighting plan
- Plumbing plan
- Heating, air-conditioning, and ventilation plan
For smaller projects, details of some of the separate drawings listed above may be combined.
How to Choose Design Professionals
For a large-scope remodeling project, an architect or design/build firm might be your best bet for the primary designer. Architects and design/build firms who specialize in residential remodeling often have associations with engineers and specialty designers like CKDs and CBDs to contribute expertise and flair when needed.
When you’re choosing one or more designers for your remodeling project, consider the importance of professional credentials and licensure for your project. Also consider their level of experience with the kind of projects you have in mind, along with their ability to listen and communicate. Remodeling projects breed a kind of intimacy among those involved. Make sure that you feel comfortable with the candidates at both a business and personal level.
Ask to see examples of the design candidate’s work. Experienced, successful designers will be able to show you portfolio pieces that are pertinent to the kind of project you’re planning.
A designer’s references and reputation should be key to your selection. Word of mouth and referrals from building professionals can provide a good starting point for developing a list of prospects.
After an initial interview, check the candidate’s references. Ask former clients how it was to work with the individual. If possible, visit their project sites and have a look for yourself.
Make sure that you’re comfortable with the fee arrangement. Some designers charge by the hour, others a percentage of the total project cost. Make sure that you get assurance of a firm ceiling for the designer’s fee and can negotiate an acceptable payment schedule.
