Dreaming of a new home? Hoping to renovate your existing home to create something better? In either scenario, you’ll likely need the assistance of an architect, and for many people today, choosing one who specializes in creating energy efficient designs tops the list of must-haves. How do you connect with energy efficient home architects to design something better? Here are five things you absolutely want to look for as you search for the right person.Â
Make Sure You Love the Firm’s Design Philosophy
No matter what other criteria you use to select an architect that specializes in energy efficiency, the one thing you’re certain to want is one with a design philosophy you love. Some utilize classic styling. Others believe in something more modern. You need to ensure their typical approach is one that will meet your needs in your new build or your remodel. As to see the firm’s portfolio to ensure that their existing designs meet your wants and needs with this project.
Learn More About Their Involved Services
Some firms offer full-service options so they work with homeowners at every stage of the process. Others, though, only provide initial design services, then the homeowner must connect with a contractor for any additional services. While one option isn’t necessarily better than the other, it’s important to understand what may be right for you. After all, how much time and energy do you want to spend connecting with other contractors to achieve your vision? If you’re not sure that you have a lot of additional time on your hands, you may want to work with a full-service firm.Â
Understand the Timeline Involved
As you search for the right architect, don’t forget to ensure your timeline aligns with the firm’s timeline. If you’re building a customized energy efficient home, you likely have a proposed completion date in mind. If that doesn’t work with the architect’s schedule, though, you may have some issues. Discuss your timeline with your potential new team and ensure it works for everyone involved.Â
Don’t Avoid a Discussion of Costs
For architectural firms, every home is different, and so are the costs involved. Don’t put a discussion of those costs off. You’ll want to talk about how the project fees will be broken down before you get started. It could be that you’ll pay a single flat rate for your project. It could also be that you’ll pay an overall hourly fee. The most important thing you can do, though, is discuss those costs at the outset. That can help both of you understand what you’re looking for, how involved the firm should be, and what you have to offer in terms of budget for the entire project. Â
Choose A Team That Understands Designs in Energy Efficiency
Energy efficient new home construction is changing fast. What was once a niche market is now an entire field that is growing and changing on a regular basis. Do some research to choose a team that has experience within the market. You want a team that has worked with energy efficient home designs in the past and one that knows what will work best for your lot and your budget. There are so many options an architect can incorporate into your home that will help make your footprint far smaller, and choosing a team that is aware of all of those options is key to building the home you truly want.Â
If you’re looking for the best in energy efficient new home designs, consider Synergy Homes. We believe in high-performance, energy efficient designs that mean more value for homeowners as well as the beauty you want. To learn more about our unique home designs, contact us today.
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