Trust in contractor is key for building a team for big reno
In leading the charge, they can help find architects, engineers when required
I always say to bring in a pro when doing work around your home. There are some exceptions for small tasks, or if you’re particularly handy, but generally taking on any renovation, you’re going to need the expertise of a contractor.
Having a contractor you trust is key, because they’ll be leading the charge when it comes to working on your home. They’ve got the relationships with the necessary subcontractors to get the job done properly. A good contractor will give you a detailed contract outlining details about the job, including the materials, products and subcontractors used.
But in the case of major construction projects, before they get started, they may tell you to contract the services of an architect. As a contractor, I depend on the work of architects all the time. The right general contractor should be able to get you every single person you need to get any job done right, from licensed electricians and plumbers to architects and engineers.
DO YOU NEED AN ARCHITECT?
An architect is trained in engineering, zone regulations, and site planning. They know how buildings work and what they need to look like. It’s more than putting a pretty picture down on paper. They figure out how to use space, design the layout of your home, and determine how it will function.
Whenever your renovation requires building permits (like in an addition), you’re going to want to bring in an architect. I wouldn’t want to submit plans that haven’t been stamped with an architect’s approval.
The right architect won’t take over your project like some homeowners fear — they’ll work with you. They’re trained consultants, so they can help you figure out the realities of your vision, and how to make it work — and if it can’t they’ll help guide you in a direction that will still make you happy.
If you’re concerned about maintaining the style of your home (especially in a heritage house), you’ll want an architect. In building an addition, your architect can help blend the style of the addition to match the rest of your home.
If you’ve got a good general contractor that you trust, chances are, they’ll know a few good architects you can interview. Usually, if a contractor is recommending another service provider to you, it’s because they have a good relationship with them, and they work together well. This is a good thing. But don’t stop there: ask the architect for references from previous homeowners. You want to hear their account of what it was like to work with the architect as well. Ask them how quickly they obtained the proper permits based on the drawings. Did many modifications need to be done to the original plans? How well did they walk homeowners through the plans? You want to gather your clues to find out how easy (or difficult) it is to work with them.
WHEN DO YOU NEED AN ENGINEER?
Your contractor may tell you that you also need to retain the services of a structural engineer. Well, if you’ve already got the architect, what do you need the engineer for? The engineer uses the architect’s designs to figure out what elements the building requires to stay strong and stable. They’ll review the plans to make sure your home can stand up to whatever’s thrown at it — wind, snow, rain, gravity — and choose the right materials to ensure that your home remains sound.
With major structural work, you’re going to need an engineer to make sure your building will meet code and stay strong, even if you choose not to hire the services of an architect. Engineers are professionals who must carry liability insurance, so having their stamp on your drawings protects you as well.
At the end of the day, the relationship between contractors and architects is an important one. If you really like a contractor’s work, ask them about architects they’ve worked with and how happy they were with the final results. There should be a separate contract between you and the architect — in addition to the one you have with your contractor — that clearly outlines the terms and conditions of the entire project, including a payment schedule.
Don’t get overwhelmed when a contractor suggests bringing in a different type of pro. It means you’ve found someone who is committed to doing the job right, and in the end, that’s the most important thing.