Getting the best home design when wanting to build a house requires a good architectural designer. Architectural or Home design/drawings are documents, diagram or a graphical representation which are drawn either manually as a sketch or by CAD to be used for the construction of a building.
When one has a good architect, how do you work together to make sure your demands are met and that you get the best home design? This article gives you tips on how to achieve just that.
Before we begin, one thing you must know is that for an architect to meet your demands and relay what you want, your relationship with him or her can go a long way. Finances is also another major factor that would go a long way as it will also affect your home design.
For instance, if you want to design the type of modern houses you see in Lekki like contemporary mid luxury properties with modern structural designs, it is achievable but note that it will all be controlled by your budget.
The following are some of the steps you can take to help your architect get you the best home designs.
Send Your Architect Pictorial Representations of What You Want
To get the best home design, you would have to do your own research as well. Gather pictures of buildings that catch your fancy and send to your architect. Even if you don’t like certain things in the buildings, I you find yourself liking a few features or characters send to your architect and let him or her know so as to incorporate them into your home design.
You can also go through the internet and search for plans on the net like www.eplans.com for designs. Although the designs mostly are for other climes and culture and might not be so applicable to Nigeria, however your architect can gain an idea of how you want your building to look like.
Communication Is Of The Essence
For clarity and information sake, there needs to be clear communication between yourself and your architect. Communicate constantly with your architect especially through emails, so you can criticise and also ask for his own opinion on most of the issues you have. That way, the both of you would be on the same page.
Have A Budget And Let Your Architect Stick To It
It is also important to have a budget and stuck with it, let your architect be aware of it also. This would help him or be careful to not make mistakes nor go for complex and confusing designs that can end up wasting hard earned money.
Pay Your Architect Well
Of course a well paid architect would deliver the best. Pay your architect well and also give him or room to inject some new ideas especially when it falls in line to what you want. Giving room for flexibility is of importance as well.
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Do A Comprehensive Drawing
By this I mean you should contact your architect to get a structural drawing from the structural engineer, the mechanical(plumbing) drawing from the mechanical engineer and the electrical drawings from the electrical engineer. With this you are bound to have a very functional design and you’ll save money especially when you have capable hands supervising the project and there is synergy.
Use Professionals And Quality Materials
Quality is of the essence here. Using quality materials especially in finishes is important although more expensive. It lasts longer and so it is advisable. It is also strongly advised that you use only professionals on your site to supervise the project. Most buildings are well designed but get messed up during execution because of quacks.
Do Not Be Carried Away With 3D or Picture Drawings
Clients can easily get distracted or carried away by 3D or picture drawings in the process of design. When this happens you would pick that design and always be constrained to it. Rather than begin the designs from 3Ds, let your architect begin with the floor plans to help you critically look at the flow and ask questions and contribute before the picture representation is brought out.
