{"id":437,"date":"2021-07-30T10:28:43","date_gmt":"2021-07-30T10:28:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/whatblueprint.com\/?p=437"},"modified":"2023-04-14T09:39:10","modified_gmt":"2023-04-14T09:39:10","slug":"do-you-need-architect-to-build-garage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/whatblueprint.com\/do-you-need-architect-to-build-garage\/","title":{"rendered":"Do You Need an Architect To Build a Garage?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Home additions can be daunting and confusing, especially when it comes to knowing which experts to hire and the specific rules and regulations for building your specific locality. To eliminate confusion, one must be clear on the desired outcome for the building project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Architects are not an essential component of the building process for small projects such as garages and minor additions. General Contractors are usually able to bring a project \u2013 specifically of this scale – from initial concept to completion without the need for an architect.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether to hire an architect or not, however, depends on several factors well worth considering, including but not limited to budget, aesthetics, and local building regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do I need an architect or not?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While an architect is generally considered the first and last consult to be made in any building project, individuals may be hesitant to hire them for several reasons. This could include budgetary constraints, lack of faith in the profession, lack of understanding of what an architect actually does, or simply confidence in their own abilities to negate the need to hire a design professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In small-scale projects such as building a garage, a general contractor can consult on every aspect, from initial planning to completing the built project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They will be able to advise on costs, legal restrictions, and all other building considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some general contractors have in-house draughtsmen or architectural technologists who can do the necessary drawings to complete your desired project. This is often referred to as a design-build option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Architects are trained professionals who possess a vast knowledge of everything involved in a building project, including environmental concerns, local laws and regulations, historical concerns, and urban considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An architect is usually the only individual involved in a building project who understands the entire \u201cbig picture\u201d of the building project and all other factors influencing and influencing the project at hand. They are trained to give you, as the client, the best value for your money while at the same time creating a design that functions optimally and best suits the environment in which it finds itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If, for example, you are building in an environmentally sensitive area or a historical area, an architect will possess the knowledge and ability to navigate through those complicated scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If, however, the building project is extremely simple, and as the client, you know exactly what you want. Hiring an architect may be an unnecessary expense if a general contractor can deliver on what is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Important are Aesthetics to You?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you have a clear idea of how you would like your garage to look and are confident that your contractor will bring your vision to life, you are sure to succeed without an architect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are not at all concerned with the aesthetic aspect of your proposed addition, and you are happy with something that simply \u201cfunctions,\u201d then once again, you will get by without the need to hire an architect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If, however, you are concerned with how your new garage will tie in with your existing home in terms of aesthetics, then hiring an architect would be highly advisable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Architects are trained to consider all aspects influencing \u2013 and influenced by – the proposed project, including the best possible functional option, as well as the best use of materials and finishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A good architect will not only ensure that your new garage is aesthetically pleasing but will also ensure that the new addition does not detract from the design of the existing house<\/p>\n\n\n\n
in any way, nor detract from the future potential or functioning of the site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What are your local building regulations?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Depending on your locality within the US, different building laws will apply. The majority of cities and states have completely different sets of rules, so it is extremely important to check the building department website for your specific jurisdiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some states or cities may insist that an architect is involved in any building project, while others may allow general contractors to do all the work up to a certain size or height.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before embarking on any building project, all building codes must be met for your specific state, city, or municipality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Without code compliance, building permits can be temporarily, or even permanently, revoked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The codes that require compliance include but are not limited to plumbing codes, accessibility codes, electrical codes, and so forth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n