But applicable zoning may limit the number of units permissible to two. Likewise, you may be planning an addition to the rear of your house, but you may find that you'll have trouble getting a permit for the addition because of required setbacks. Should special approval or waivers be necessary, you should be aware of them and plan your project accordingly. We have lamented with many a house owner who expected to save money by forgoing the services of an architect or contractor, but instead spent far more than budgeted for an inferior product. Hiring an architect for planning the work and a contractor to execute the plans eliminates many of the pitfalls and risks of tackling the renovation of an old house.
Architects are invaluable in the planning stage of the project.
They can Help you navigate existing codes and regulations. Help you plan your project in order to avoid expensive changes when construction is in progress. Generate drawings that serve as the basis for contractors' bids, making it simpler to compare them. Generate construction drawings that communicate to the contractor what should be built and with what materials, reducing the chance of disappointing, expensive and time-consuming miscommunications. Act as construction manager, an important liaison between you and the contractor.