As an architecture firm, we know that renovating or building a new home is often associated with tremendous stress, especially during the construction phase. We’ve all heard stories about all sorts of unforeseen problems arising during this stage, dramatically increasing the project’s timeline and cost. The worst part is when the homeowner is no longer sure the finished project will match their original vision. 

Thankfully, our experience has allowed us to see what typically causes this all-too-common scenario. In many cases, it’s the practice of architects who consider their role in the project finished once all the necessary permits have been obtained.  

At Debowsky Design Group, we don’t subscribe to that approach. Instead, we stay right by your side throughout the construction phase to ensure the project is going according to plan. 

To clarify why this is so important, here are a few reasons you should work with an architecture firm that has your back from start to living in your updated home:

The GC Will Have Questions About the Design

You’ve just spent several months working with an architect during the design phase, and now you’re bringing in a General Contractor who is seeing your design for the first time. The GC has plenty of experience and comes highly recommended. This person should have no trouble bringing your design to life, right?

They’ll have no trouble as long as they can get their questions about the design answered. Even the most qualified GC will have questions about the design. Why did the architect choose X material instead of Y? Do we really need to use that special grout or can we use the normal stuff?

The homeowner isn’t an architect and can’t answer these questions on their own. The homeowner has no choice but to do whatever the GC wants, instead of respecting the original design. 

Hiccups are Inevitable Moving From Design to Construction

The shift from the design phase to the construction phase is a bumpy road. There’s only so much you can predict. For whatever reason, your GC might tell you that a certain aspect of your design plan needs to be revised. Likewise, your GC might suggest doing something differently to save time or money. 

As a homeowner, you don’t want to just say “no,” but you also don’t want to deviate from the original design. This is why it’s so helpful to have your architect by your side during construction. They can work with your GC to find a happy medium that addresses the current circumstances but not to the point where it compromises key aspects of the project that you fell in love with.

Another Voice to Solve Problems

Speaking of time and money, the desire to finish a project in a reasonable time frame without going over budget puts a lot of stress on GCs. In fact, GCs can become so stressed out by these constraints that it inhibits their abilities to solve problems and catch small errors. 

Fortunately, your GC has a trusted expert they can turn to when a problem arises: your architect! 

When your architect is present for the construction phase, they can provide creative solutions your GC may not have considered. Your GC will be very pleased to have another voice of expertise who can help them solve problems and catch small errors before they have to go back and redo work that they thought was already completed. 

At Debowsky Design Group, we don’t just design projects. We work with you throughout the entire process because let’s be honest: the job isn’t finished until you move in. So, if you’re looking for an architect who stay by your side during construction, contact us today. Our team of experts is ready to help you from Day 1 to Day Done.