Important to choose suitable architect
THE prospect of being able to build your own home is one we all dream about, but it is important to remember that making this dream a reality is as much about choosing the right architect as it is about affordability and other considerations.
After all, the architect is responsible for creating a concept that combines practicality with the home owner's vision, which at times can lose sight of what will work and what won't.
Searching for an architect online, as with other home service providers, has become immensely popular, but it is still important that you weigh up a number of considerations when selecting the architect best suited to you.
Paul Meyer, chief executive of Assist247, an online directory that helps people find architects and other home and vehicle service providers, has vast experience in the South African construction and property industry.
"I always recommend that people should look at existing houses to see what they like. We all drive past a house at some point or another and say, 'I love that place, I wish I lived there.' So the ideal thing to do is to find out the name of the architect responsible for that dream house, get their details and make contact."
Meyer says it should be remembered that architects tend to stick to their own styles and often were not in the habit of veering away from their "bias" when drawing up plans for a new home.
"Some will like Mexican styling, others Italian and others traditional. That has to be borne in mind before approaching the architect. Of course they want to give the client what they want, but their own interpretation will come into it at some point or another."
A common mistake, Meyer said, was that people seeking to build their own houses often did not factor in practicality in the layout of their homes.
"A good example is one where people have their kitchen area at the opposite end of the house, away from the exterior braai area. When entertaining, logically the kitchen should be near the braai area because that is where the fridges are or salads are prepared. A good architect will relay that to the client."
Another piece of valuable advice is to always pay attention to details. In respect of building a new home, one should not merely glance at existing examples, but ask the architect questions about the types of materials used and how past projects have dealt with ageing.
"People are justifiably excited about building and moving into a new home, but in this excitement they may forget they may also want to sell their house one day. That is why it is important that they find the right architect, one who can look at both a home's short-term and long-term prospects."
