If you need to go to court, you could go to the courthouse, wait in line, fill out papers, gather evidence, take time off work, and argue in the courtroom trying to manage by yourself. Or you could hire a lawyer – a licensed professional who can help you through the process. Do you “need” a lawyer? No. Do you want a lawyer? Yes.
The same goes for an architect in most cases (single family residential construction). You could review your local zoning code and state building code, draw up your own plans and specifications, bid your work out to contractors, negotiate a fair contract, and oversee the work (while missing work to do so). However, hiring a registered architect will not only alleviate many of those hassles from your life, architects bring experience and can help add value to your project. So when do you “need” an architect? Ask your local building department. When do you want an architect? Always!
An architect can offer a multitude of services besides drawing your plans that you may not think about. Example: If you are looking at buying a new house – don’t trust the real estate agent who tells you you can knock down certain walls or that you can put on an addition – they most likely have no idea and are pushing the sale. For an hour of an architect’s time (fees vary) you can get a much more educated opinion on what can and can’t be changed and what those changes may cost. I get so angry when I see House Hunters on HGTV and some real estate agent who obviously has never even been in the house before starts talking about what walls can be knocked out.
One of these things is not like the other... oh wait, yes it is!
That big “custom” home you want won’t be as impressive if your neighbor also chooses “Plan #4, the Homesteader” from the same plan book, will it? Sure you can start with the plan books, but your home should be your own, right? Meet with an architect and talk about how you live in your home and they can make sure you end up with a house that better suits your lifestyle – even if you start with a plan from a book.
So you’re not going to build that million dollar home anytime soon, that’s reasonable. But you may decide to renovate that powder room or convert the attic into a funky modern office space. Whatever the project, the same holds true – an architect can help you decide what will best suit your needs/taste/etc. Even if you don’t need drawings and permits, you can always get a consultation, a little advice, and some direction for your next project. (And yes, to some extent, I am trying to make the sale!)
 Before..... |
 After |