Whether you want to add a large two-storey extension to your home or simply convert the garage, an architect can turn your ideas into reality. TV shows, such as Grand Designs, have helped to demystify the profession as they follow people building their dream home, but their projects often go over-budget and over-time. How can you brief an architect to get the very best result? The success of your project depends largely on your ability to communicate your vision. Before meeting the architect, take time to ask yourself questions as this will help to set a clear brief. Explain your reasons for embarking on the project. Why do you want to extend or remodel your home? Is extra space needed for a growing family or to add value/ update your home? What kinds of new spaces do you need, for example, bedrooms, bigger kitchen-diner, utility room, family room, bathroom etc? Take a moment to think about your existing home, what works, what you like about it and similarly what doesn’t work, and you would like to change. What functions or activities will be housed in the new space, for example, cooking, dining, watching TV, reading, playing musical instruments? How much time will you spend there? Communicate to your architect what your new space must have as opposed to nice to have. For example, do you need it to be wheelchair friendly? Does the bathroom need a walk-in shower and a bath? How concerned are you about it having a sustainable or ecological design? Do you need space for a 12-seater dining table for big family get-togethers? Ultimately, the biggest factor in shaping your project is the budget. Start by figuring out how much money you are willing to spend on the project by the time it’s finished. Your architect could waste a lot of time and money sketching grand designs that won’t ever be built or skimping on the design when there is no need.
Contact Ashleigh Clarke Architects today to assist you in developing and delivering a functional, yet suitably beautiful design.