Are you on the search for a second home? Whether you plan to buy or build one, the process can be a little daunting because there’s so much to figure out. An architect can help with these tasks by finding a location, sketching home designs that fit your preferences, and coordinating the building process.
Why a Second Home ?
Purchasing a second home or building one from scratch yields a variety of benefits, especially during this troubling time. With more people being able to work remotely, many have more flexibility about their location. While each person will be looking for a second residence for their own reasons, some of the most common are more privacy, closer proximity to grown children, fewer folks nearby, better access to recreation, and the desire for a change of scenery. A second home in a more remote location can get you closer to nature and provide you with beautiful, flexible work-from-home space.
Architects can evaluate existing prospective homes before they are purchased. They can also recommend potential alterations during that process.
Architects can also help you build your dream home from scratch, working alongside you through every step of the process to ensure that the home will fit your needs and be a place you will love spending time in.
How Architects Can Assist with Building a Dream Home From Scratch
If you’re interested in constructing a home, an architect can assist you in numerous ways.
Architects Help Find the Best Plot of Land
An architect can discover the best plot of land for your second residence. They’ll ask for your ideas about where you want to be and search out at plots that will fit those criteria. An architect will review online land listings, consult local builders, talk to real estate agents and travel around the selected area to find the most desirable plots of land. While on the search, an architect will make sure that the land matches the required zoning and wetlands criteria. This will ensure the home is built in an area which allows new building while also protecting the environment.
Architects Find the Perfect Home Site and Orientation
Once the land has been selected, the next challenge is locating the new structures on the land. Access routes, existing vegetation, water features and views all play a part in this siting decision. Finding the right orientation for your new home is crucial. An incorrect placement could result in too much or too little light. Sunlight, wind direction and available views all factor into the orientation of the home. An architect is trained to pick the right position to build your home based on your preferences and the opportunities presented by the site.
Architects Understand the Logistics of Site Utilities
Once the home site has been chosen and the orientation set, an architect will envision the best way to install site utilities. These include where to place wells, sewer lines, septic systems, generators, solar panels, electric wires, and driveways so that these utilities connect the house to the grid and meet local codes. Off the grid independent dwellings are also an option. They’ll find the utility combination which works best for the home and allows most of the utilities to be concealed.
Architects Plan the Home for Both Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
The form and organization of the home are at the heart of the design process. Translating your program into indoor and outdoor space is the key challenge. For second homes, architects often focus on planning the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. For example, they might suggest building a sunroom that connects to a garden or screened porch that leads to a pool.
Along with implementing your ideas, they will have many of their own based on their experience. These might include installing the same type of flooring both indoors and outdoors for a consistent look, adding a louvered canopy, or being creative with lighting. This iterative design process is exciting and rewarding, resulting in your unique second home.
Architects Work Alongside Your Contractor
As a homeowner, it can be overwhelming trying to work with a contractor. An architect can do most of this job for you. They’ll communicate with the contractor to get updates on the building process and ensure everything is being built correctly according to the planned design.
The sooner an architect joins you in planning for a secondary residence the more you can benefit from their expertise. Professional advice will help you avoid common pitfalls that can be costly, or sometimes impossible, to amend. Starting the relationship with an architect early in the process is key to a successful outcome.
Contact Harrison Mulhem Architects today for a free consultation on your project.
Some examples of “built from scratch dream homes” by Harrison Mulhern Architects in several states.
