Planning a Home Renovation with an Architect (Step-by-Step Guide)

Renovating is the ultimate opportunity to get your home working for you. You’ll be able to create a visual appeal you enjoy seeing every day, improve function, and increase your property value in the process. An architect will boost your project by bringing experience, creativity and oversight. However, if you have not worked with an architect before, this step-by-step guide will help you know what to expect and what you’ll be expected to do alongside them.

Step 1: Decide on Your Needs and Preferred Outcomes

The best way to start here is to make a list of why you want to renovate and what your ideal outcomes would be. Next, walk around your current property and consider what’s not working. Would you like more space, improved style, to integrate technological advancements, or some combination of all of those? Gathering some inspirational pictures will help your architect understand your vision, and having a list of your needs and preferred style elements will help them when they start designing.

Step 2: Decide on Your Budget

It’s key to be realistic about what you can afford, as costs can vary hugely when it comes to renovations. You’ll need to consider architect fees, material and construction costs, permit and inspection fees, and ensure you have allocated around 15% of your total budget for a contingency fund, which will cover you for any issues that may come up later.

Step 3: Choose the Right Architect

Speaking of your budget, when choosing an architect, one of the key things to look for is one who will work with your budget and be upfront about what your budget will cover and any areas within your ideal outcomes list that you may need to compromise on. You’ll want to look at their previous portfolio to ensure they have worked in your ideal style previously, and ensure you choose one with positive reviews and testimonials, so you’re likely to have a positive outcome. You could also ask friends, family, or contractors you’ve worked with previously for their recommendations.

Step 4: The Initial Consultation

Many architects offer a free initial consultation and should give you time to ask questions to ensure it’s a good fit for both of you. They will want a rough outline of your renovation and your ideal timeline for completion. You could also ask about their fees and payment options, and how their design process works. Other questions you could ask are for details about previous renovation projects and what method they would use to communicate with you throughout the project. After this consultation, you’ll get an idea if you’ll work well together and will hopefully feel ready to sign up for their services, but don’t feel afraid to take other free consultations if you’re not sure.

Step 5: Developing the Design

The first important document your architect will create is called a design brief, which lays out your renovation’s goals, budget, and any restrictions or constraints. It will be used by other contractors further down the line to make sure everyone stays on task.

To create the design brief, your architect will need to come to your property for measurements and to see any potential issues at the site. This is the time to reiterate your expectations with the architect while reviewing the document to make sure it fits your vision.

Your architect will then take this brief and create design sketches. These are a way to explore different styles and layouts, as well as material suggestions, and they’ll send you a few options and explain the pros and cons of each. It’s best to remember that they’ve done this more than you and therefore they’ll come up with things you hadn’t thought of, so you should come at each sketch with an open mind.

Once you’ve chosen the sketch you like the most, the architect will turn it into more detailed plans. At this stage, what you review can vary between architects but will likely include floor plans, 3D renderings, and finish examples for floors, walls, and counters. By now, you’ll have a clearer idea of the expected outcome of your renovation and will start making decisions on materials, appliances, etc, that fit your budget.

Step 6: Planning Permissions and Final Design

This can be a confusing part of the process, but your architect will be able to guide you, and they’ll likely be the one sending in the paperwork. Not every renovation requires permission, but significant changes and expansions will. Keep in mind that these approvals can take time, and you won’t be able to start construction until they’re through; delays are possible.

Once the necessary permissions have been granted, your architect will create the final design, called construction drawings. These are detailed technical designs that guide the contractors to ensure the outcome matches your vision.

Step 7: Finding the Right Contractor

You can start on this while you’re waiting for the planning permissions to come through. Just like choosing an architect, you can get recommendations from friends and family, and make sure you see reviews and previous work. Speak to a few to ensure you’re getting a good price, and your architect will be able to recommend one they’ve worked with before if you’re having trouble deciding.

Step 8: Construction Begins

As your architect’s design begins to come to life, they will oversee the process to whatever extent you’ve agreed upon. They can work on your behalf to answer the contractor’s questions, approve material changes, and ensure the project stays on track so your timeline isn’t drastically changed.

Step 9: Completion and Handover

The exciting moment has finally arrived; your renovation is complete. You’ll likely go through your new home with the renovation architect and contractor to make sure you’re happy before everything is officially finished. You’re allowed to be critical at this point to ensure any small adjustments are made now, and you can happily enjoy your newly renovated home.

At BY Projects Architecture, we’ve designed and overseen many home renovations with our signature collaborative atmosphere and emphasis on energy efficiency.