FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About Home Design & Construction
Clients often have questions about working with a residential architect.
Here are some common concerns and their answers.
Please feel free to contact us with your own questions.
START your home project
ANSWER:
Design and construction is a complex and often expensive undertaking that requires professional training.
Creative design, an understanding of construction technologies, structural design, a mechanical & electrical engineering design team, knowledge of pricing, and ability to coordinate lots of complex technical information with a diverse team of people is what an architect will bring to your project.
It is the time-proven best way to get a building designed and built.
Staying with in your budget and schedule has to be coordinated by an experienced design professional.
Without an architect, you will be unlikely to meet your goals and you will be subject to a lot of risk during this process.
Still have questions? Book your FREE architect call now
ANSWER:
Because of our 20+ years of experience, we provide a lot more information and value in an initial consultation than other design professionals. We call this initial consultation a Home Project Review. During the home project review, we help with defining the scope of work, preparing budgets, give design advice, discuss zoning requirements, detail information on the process of design through permitting, customize services, share pitfalls that could impact the project, and other information customized to the your project’s specific needs. This information is yours to take to any design professional you meet and will give you a jump start on your project and help you define realistic goals. We also offer FREE phone consultations if costs are a concern.
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Home Architect Studio accepts cash, checks, home equity checks and money orders. We also provide payment options for credit cards, yet need to charge a 3.5% credit card charge to cover the transaction costs.
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A designer is not licensed.
An architect is licensed by the State and must have completed a minimum of 8 years experience of education and internship, extensive testing and regular continuing education to receive and keep their license up to date. Architects are also required to have a working knowledge of building systems, such as structure, heating & cooling, plumbing, electrical, and many more.
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Compensation for architectural services varies greatly, and is the same as asking “How much does a car cost?”
The rate of compensation really depends on the complexity of the project; as a rule of thumb, most projects have fees that range anywhere from 3% to 15% of the construction cost. The first step in understanding costs is to have a conversation with an architect before any design is initiated. Our phone consultation is an option if you are still in the early phases of your project.
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You need an architect and a contractor because each brings separate and necessary skills to make your project a success.
An architect provides creative design skills, an engineering team, detailed documents for bidding and construction, and is the owner’s eyes and ears on the project to ensure quality construction as well as protect the owner’s interests. An architect is your representative and minimizes your risk in all your interactions with the contractor and subcontractors. In residential architecture, this is often crucial to the success of the project.
In addition to designing your project, we can also provide construction management services where the questions between you, the builder, and the architect disappear as we will manage your project from the beginning until the day you move in.
Looking for more proof that hiring an architect is worth it? Take a look at this Popular Mechanics article for great insight.
And if you ready for a chat? Schedule your FREE Architect Consultation. We would be happy to help with your project.
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Have any other questions about your home project?
We can help. Click here to schedule your FREE Architect Consultation.
ANSWER:
Have any other questions about your home project?
We can help. Click here to schedule your FREE Architect Consultation.
ANSWER:
Compensation for home architectural services varies greatly, and is the same as asking “How much does a car cost?”
The rate of compensation really depends on the complexity of the project; as a rule of thumb, most projects have fees that range anywhere from 3% to 25% of the construction cost. The first step in understanding costs is to have a conversation with an architect before any design is initiated.
Our free phone consultation is an option if you are still in the early phases of your project.
ANSWER:
- Commercial architects are specialists in commercial spaces.
- Residential architects are great in designing homes.
A quick online search for a nearby architect or reviewing a website like Houzz can serve as an important first step in your search; you should also seek referrals from those you know who’ve worked with the architect in the past.
Looking for an architect who specializes in home design?
We can help. Click here to schedule your FREE Architect Consultation.
ANSWER:
Unless you would like your architect to chose your finishes. 😊
You should really have an architect assist you in its design and construction documentation. And if you are fortunate enough to live near an architect who can help with the construction (like us 👷♂️) then he or she can also build the project for you.
Have any other questions about your remodeling project?
We can help. Click here to schedule your FREE Architect Consultation.
ANSWER:
You will save a lot of money with a good set of architectural drawings and specifications.
The contractors will have very clear and complete information to enable them to prepare a very competitive bid. Vague or incomplete drawings will leave too many items unclear and result in higher prices, delays, and change order costs. You will usually save most of the architect’s fee when you open your contractors’ bids because a complete set of plans and specifications has eliminated virtually all of the unknowns that drive your costs higher.
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Yes we can! To protect our client’s privacy, we only provide references upon request.
ANSWER:
- Do I want to fix my own car?
- Do I want to write my own will?
- Do I want to replace my own roof?
- Do I want to install this beam by myself?
- Do I want to cook my own meal every night?
All of these tasks you can technically complete by yourself. But do you want to?
If the answer is yes & you have the wear withal, then we wish you the best of luck on this great task.
Just remember one very important thing; if anything goes wrong you can blame only blame YOURSELF.
Not really interested in drawing up your own house plans?
We can help. Click here to schedule your FREE Architect Consultation.
ANSWER:
- Do I want to self-medicate myself?
- Do I want to fix my own car?
- Do I want to write my own will?
- Do I want to replace my own roof?
- Do I want to install this beam by myself?
- Do I want to cook my own meal every night?
All of these tasks you can technically complete by yourself. But do you want to?
If the answer is yes & you have the wear withal, then we wish you the best of luck on this great task.
Just remember one very important thing; if anything goes wrong you can blame only YOURSELF.
Not really interested in drawing up your own house plans?
We can help. Click here to schedule your FREE Architect Consultation.
DESIGN your home project
ANSWER:
Click here to schedule your FREE architect phone consultation.
ANSWER:
Because of our 20+ years of experience, we provide a lot more information and value in an initial consultation than other design professionals. We call this initial consultation a Home Project Review. During the home project review, we help with defining the scope of work, preparing budgets, give design advice, discuss zoning requirements, detail information on the process of design through permitting, customize services, share pitfalls that could impact the project, and other information customized to the your project’s specific needs. This information is yours to take to any design professional you meet and will give you a jump start on your project and help you define realistic goals. We also offer FREE phone consultations if costs are a concern.
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A variance is a “variation” from the local township’s Zoning Code for a certain type of construction or use.
Variances are typically granted by a Board of Adjustment or Zoning Board.
Variances are only granted in special situations, as they would essentially provide a basis for future variances. They should be viewed only as a last resort option, due to costs and time. Variances basically allow the applicant to be permitted to violate a city zoning ordinance while all other citizens must still be required to abide by it. That is why variances are only granted when conditions at the property are so unusual that they warrant such a special treatment.
For example a typical variance is to allow someone to construct a new home closer to the rear property line than is permitted by the Zoning Code because the land configuration does not permit them to build any other way.
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- Modifying a wall.
- Changing material types
- Adding a room
- and any major changes.
Small changes like reversing a door swing would be minor in our opinion, and made without any additional costs. 😊
Have any other questions about your home project?
We can help. Click here to schedule your FREE Architect Consultation.
ANSWER:
- Any drawings of your existing home.
- A property Survey
- Ideally within the last 10 years
- Having it in Autocad format would also be great
- Inspiration images of what you would like your home to look like when its completed.
- Quick FYI. Creating a pinterest board is a good way to collect them.
- and any other documents you think would be useful to communicate your vision.
Have any other questions about your home project?
We can help. Click here to schedule your FREE Architect Consultation.
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- ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLING SUBCODE (NJAC 5:23-3.21)
- BUILDING SUBCODE (NJAC 5:23-3.14) (Typically for larger residential, and all non-residential)
- PLUMBING SUBCODE (NJAC 5:23-3.15)
- ELECTRICAL SUBCODE (NJAC 5:23-3.16)
- ENERGY SUBCODE (NJAC 5:23-3.18)
- MECHANICAL SUBCODE (NJAC 5:23-3.20)
- FUEL GAS SUBCODE (NJAC 5:23-3.22)
- REHABILITATION SUBCODE (NJAC 5:23-6)
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Note: Having a design in mind already, will help speed up the process.
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Home Architect Studio issues invoices on a regular basis two week basis for larger projects, and immediately upon completed completion of smaller projects. Initial retainers are used as a credit toward the final payment. Feel free to contact our billing department for further information.
ANSWER:
First drafts take anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks. The speed to draw up house plans depends on:
- The size of the project
- The complexity of the project
- Availability of the client to review the progress
- How quickly decisions could be made
- The details needed to build it
- Defining who will build it.(General Contractor, DIY, Construction Manager, etc)
- The project plan on how it will be build
Looking for a more realistic timeline to draw plans? We can help.
ANSWER:
Absolutely whenever we can. With our principals being LEED professionals, we strive to provide our clients with the most sustainable design when possible. Here’s a quick list of what we generally put in our homes:
- 95% efficient furnace
- 2×6 exterior walls
- dual-pane vinyl windows
- R-50 fiberglass insulation for ceilings
- R-23 fiberglass insulation for walls
BUILD your home project
ANSWER:
The best home builder is the one who is most organized, experienced, and the best to work with.
As every construction project can be stressful, we’ve seen the best builders act as trusted advisors who you could depend on when things get rough.
So how do you find the best builder? Usually we recommend asking your closest friends/family or an architect for their top recommendation.
And if you are one of our neighbors here in New Jersey, we’d be happy to help with your home construction project especially since we’re architect builders. 🖊️+🔨=😊
Schedule a call today so we can learn more about your home design problem.
ANSWER:
General Contractors should carry at least three types of insurance:
- New Jersey state Home Improvement Contractor license
- Workman’s compensation
- Comprehensive general liability (CGL).
You should require proof of insurance before allowing a contractor to begin work on your property. As an architect led construction management firm we can manage all of the license proof and insurance proof before your home project begins.
To help verify your contractor’s license, feel free to use the NJ License Verification tool.
ANSWER:
The process to obtain a permit is similar in most towns.
Step 1. Client should consult with an architect, who will help guide them through this process. Once an architect is retained, then he will need a survey and your zoning.
Step 2. Zoning Analysis. Once an architect is retained, he or she will need a survey documenting your property’s zoning information. If you don’t have the zoning information, your architect can call the town to find out what it is. The architect will then perform a zoning analysis, and see what you will be permitted to do with your property. Every town has different requirements, so it is an important step to make sure the design doesn’t go down a path where the project can’t be built. You can ask the town for a zoning variance, if your property has issues, or a design MUST be a certain way, or you desire to make a building which does not conforming to its zoning requirements. Some towns are easier than others when trying to get a zoning variance, yet application for a zoning variance is never guaranteed.
Step 3. Design Phase. After zoning analysis, there will be a design phase. Your architect will go over your space needs for your building or house. When the design is complete, the architect will move the project into the construction documents phase. The construction documents are what are used by the the contractors to build the project as as well as to obtain a building permit.
The architect can then offer you permitting services, or you can take the plans to the town yourself. There you will need to fill out all the required paperwork, and upon the building department’s approval you will obtain a permit. The permitting process can take anywhere from 1-4 weeks to obtain, depending on the building department’s work load. In the event you will need a variance, a denial letter will be required from the building department prior to going before the planning board for a variance.
ANSWER:
The construction process will vary greatly based on the following:
- Size & scope of project
- Contractor availability
- Materials used for the project
It also really depends on your selected construction team members. For example if one of the construction team members is very busy, their start date will be farther than a similar team member who is not as busy with work. The materials used will also vary the construction time frame due to associated labor intensity. Brick houses typically take longer to build than a vinyl sided house. The more labor intensive the home’s materials, the longer it will take to build. A typical residential addition on a house can take about 2-6 months to complete, if the proper project management is in place.
Having a proper construction schedule in place with all team members committing to it from day one is the best way to have a successful project completed.
ANSWER:
The first thing you should know is whether your home project requires a permit. Most towns & cities have their building permit requirements on their website. If not, a phone call to your local Building Department is the best first step.
Generally, cosmetic work you perform inside your home doesn’t need a permit. Things like flooring changes, painting and updating bathroom fixtures don’t usually require special permission.
Any major remodel to a kitchen or bathroom may need one, especially if you move plumbing, gas lines or electrical lines. If you want to finish a basement a building permit is definitely required.
Outside work such as roofing projects and siding may need a permit. Although, recent legislation in New Jersey may have permitting removed from roofing and siding.
Decks may also confuse homeowners. Most towns require permits for a deck attached to a home, or a 30 inch and higher unattached deck.
To avoid confusion over whether or not you need a permit, take a few minutes and do your homework. Building without one would cause trouble down the road in the way of code violations, fines, and possibly preventing you from selling your home. Good Luck!