The debate on whether to hire an architect when constructing or renovating often comes up for many people. This is mainly because many people see them as an added cost that isn’t worth paying for. However, what they don’t know is that architects add value to a home, and the cost of paying them pays itself back in the entire lifetime of a home. Furthermore, a home is a huge investment. The more reason homeowners should strive to get it right. Moreover, working with experts such as architects who have a massive knowledge of home construction is a sure way to not only get the home of your dreams but one that will give you back the value for your money. That being said, here are 5 ways an architect can add value to your house.
1. Enhanced functionality and efficiency
When designing your home, an architect will put consideration to your behaviors and workflows to create spaces that align with them. That way, your home helps you to carry out your tasks with ease and effectively. For instance, an architect can create a kitchen layout that minimizes the distance between your most-used appliances so you don’t waste so much time commuting. By laying out the space efficiently, it can lead to the reduced square footage of your home, translating to reduced maintenance costs. In addition, an architect can use the clever placement of windows to reduce or increase ventilation and heat penetration. This can ensure that your home gets ample sun in the winter and a limited penetration during the summer. This level of efficiency is invaluable in reducing energy costs.
2. Improved quality of life
The least you would want in a home is comfort and happiness when living with your family. An architect can design a home that gives you more than that – the enhanced quality of life. They can design spaces with the right amount of light to protect your eyes, as well as spaces with adequate air circulation to ensure that the air you breathe is free from toxins. Architects also put the safety of dwellers in mind, designing spaces that reduce the risk of slipping and falling. In addition, a good architect designs homes that can serve your needs now and in the future, making flexibility and adaptability easy. It becomes easier to incorporate features that support people living with physical and mental disabilities as well as the elderly.
3. Improved curb and street appeal
Attractive houses are important for two things. One, it feels good to live in an attractive home, which is essential in enhancing the dwellers’ wellbeing. Two, it is a marketing tool to attract potential buyers in case of a resale. An architect can help design a house that has both curb and street appeal. They know which elements to add at the front to enhance the attractiveness of a home. Trendiest right now are stucco foam trims that architects are using to add more elegance to your house. In addition, an architect works with other experts to make valuable changes to a home that enhances curb and street appeal. For instance, an architect could work with a siding contractor to make changes on the siding of your home, something that is not an architect’s field of expertise.
4. Ample backyard space
The value of a big backyard keeps increasing as the years go. As more people desire to grow their own organic food at home, a sizable backyard becomes necessary. In addition, a spacious backyard allows you to extend your living space, which comes in handy when entertaining guests or during the hotter months. When working with an architect, the size of your site doesn’t matter. He or she can come up with a clever design to ensure that the land is used efficiently, leaving a sizable backyard.
5. Trending design
With their extensive experience in the real estate industry, architects know the designs that are bestselling in your area. They know the exact elements in a home that not only attract buyers but also make them pay top dollar for a home. They will advise you on the areas to capitalize on in order to get a good price in case you want to sell. For instance, one of the trendy and crucial things to keep in mind nowadays is ensuring that your house is following sustainable remodels and is leaning towards eco-friendly home improvement ideas.
Conclusion
You might think that working with an architect is a luxury and a waste of money. However, working without one can prove expensive in the long term with increased maintenance costs caused by high-energy bills and space inefficiency. An architect can be expensive now, but you will see value in the ways listed above. Furthermore, it is in your best interest not to compromise the quality of your home if you want to stay for generations.
