Building and Renovation Professionals
While not every project legally requires the participation of a registered design professional, an Architect can provide a broad range of services that increase the finished value and make the renovation process easier.

• Skills and Knowledge – Through education and practice, architects learn the ins and outs of the renovation process. An architect can help you make sure that things get done how and when they need to be done as well as ensure that applicable building and historic codes are followed. A complete and accurate set of construction documents helps contractors estimate accurately, helps you acquire the appropriate permits, and provides you with a legal foundation if disputes arise.

• Time Commitment – An architect can assist you through decision-making processes and save you time in permitting, contractor selection, and construction administration.

• Technology and Experience – Today, computer aided drafting can greatly speed the design process. Architects use CAD to produce accurate and complete construction documents in a time-efficient manner.

• Design Talent and Idea Source – Architects are spatially oriented people. They became architects because they love creating interesting and unique spaces. The architect can help you make decisions that help increase the visual impact usability, and resale value of your home.

Architects and firms that focus on renovation do so because they believe that adaptive reuse of our existing building stock is key to rebuilding and maintaining a vibrant urban core. Architects can also perform a broad range of services throughout the renovation process. Some of these include:

• Design and Construction Documents – An architects’ primary job is design and production of construction documents for bidding, permitting and construction of your project.

• Feasibility Study – Feasibility studies are used to give a client options or help establish direction if a client is unsure of what they want or what is possible to achieve with a project. Architects can perform a wide range of studies for clients that include:
  • What will need to be replaced vs. retained in a deteriorated building
  • What options are available for adding on to an existing structure
  • What type and how many residential units can be put into an existing structure

• Tax Credit Applications – Some architects are experienced with the requirements, forms, and processes of application for Historic Tax Credits. Neighborhood Preservation Tax Credits can also help offset the cost of a renovation project. If your project is located in a designated historic district and could qualify for tax credits, make sure you understand the potential implications on design and construction budget.

• Contractor Selection – The process of selecting a contractor is as important as selecting your architect. Architects experienced with rehab work can assist with this process and help ensure that the contractor is properly qualified.

• Construction Administration – This component of architectural services typically includes site visits to review the progress and quality of work being done. In addition the architect can verify that work is being preformed as indicated on the Construction Documents.