Over the years at hpd architecture + interiors, we have led many remodels and new homes projects. While every architecture and interior design project is unique with different challenges and solutions, at the same time, there are common questions that our clients often ask either before or during a remodel, new home construction, or renovation.
We’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions below and invite you to send in your own using the form on the Contact Us page.
before a home project begins
Whether you are planning to design and build a brand new house or refresh the interior design of a single room there are questions to ask before the project begins that will ensure that everything goes smoothly.
What do I need to know about choosing an architect?
This is a great question and one that we discuss in detail our how to find the best architect for you post. The key takeaway is to approach finding the right architect for you as if you were searching for a partner on a dating site. It’s a given that you will narrow down your selection depending on the quality of their past work but you’ll be spending an awful lot of time together. It’s important that you have chemistry and that you are confident and comfortable in their company.
What questions should I ask an architect before designing a house?
We often receive phone calls from homeowners looking for information about what to expect when designing their new dream home or renovating their current one. Before we can start sketching your gourmet kitchen or new master suite, we need to gather some information.
Please read questions to ask before designing a house where we go over each question in detail.
What if my requirements are simple?
To ease your mind, we are NOT the type of architects who insists on over-the-top design. We are focused on learning how YOU want to live in your home. Our goal is to develop the design that is right for you and your family, not to get glossy photos of the finished project published. We will give our input on where we think simple improvements can be made. Our recommendations will be related to buildability, cost, material lead time, and maintenance of your home. At the end of the day, we want your home to work for you, be comfortable to live in, and a good investment.
How can I find out if a property has renovation restrictions?
You will want to investigate the property on three levels: County Appraisal District, City Zoning and Property Survey. Find out more about these in our Renovations Road Blocks post.
Should I be my own contractor?
Hiring a general contractor (GC) has its pros and cons, just as being your own GC has its pros and cons. We, as architects, have participated in many projects built by contractors and quite a few by homeowners. We have written about the important points to consider when making this decision in our post: to be or not to be your own general contractor.
How much does it cost to build a house?
Not surprisingly, this is a question that gets asked a lot but there is not a one-size fits all answer. There are many things that impact the final costs of a new build, including:
- where are you building,
- what is the size of the house,
- what raw materials are being used,
- how complex is the architectural design,
- what contractors or specialists are on board?
Find more details about these and other considerations that have to be taken into account in the blog post: how much does it cost to build a house?
how can I clean and disinfect my home without damaging surfaces?
It is important to know how to keep your home clean while at the same time, not damaging the different surfaces of your home.
Cleaning and disinfecting bathroom tile is quite different from doing the same to your beautiful walnut kitchen table. View our blog post, disinfecting and cleaning surfaces without damage for some valuable tips.