Those of us in business long enough to have weathered several recessions are familiar with the arguments for and against to either staying in your home and renovating to get what you want or to move to a new home to gain what you're looking for.
On one hand it is sometimes more attractive to just move and not get into the whole design and construction process. But in reality, it is probably more cost effective to stay in your current residence and address those issues you would like to have in your residence. Besides the upheaval of selling and moving, assuming that you are happy with your neighborhood, schools etc. and have the room to improve, there are many expenses to moving such as financing the new purchase, closing costs, moving expenses, redecorating every room in the new home when those rooms might be finished in your present residence and it is only the renovated space that would be affected.
If you decide that to get what you want would be accomplished by renovating your present residence,(or even if you move and your new place is still missing something that you are looking for) what to be steps you would you take to begin the process. First, you must decide what it is that you want (new kitchen, new family room, additional bedrooms, master bedroom suite, etc.)You must also decide what your design style is. Do you like colonial architecture, tradition detailing, contemporary lines? Next, you must find out what can be construction wise to your residence. Do you have the space on your property to expand? What are the setback requirements in your neighborhood (how close to the lot line can you build)? To answer your first questions to see what's possible both physically and for your pocketbook, you need to find an architect.
Most towns and state building codes require an architect's plans for any renovation involving structural changes to your home. In some states like New York, any changes, such as renovating a bathroom, need plans filed with the local building department and the issuance of a building permit showing how the changes will be done under the rules in the building code.
How do you find an architect? These days most people are turning to the internet first to get some ideas. Many architects now have websites which display their portfolios with pictures. Do you like the style of the architect as portrayed on their sites? Each architect has a particular style. Some are only contemporary designers, some have worked primarily on commercial projects, some have no work to show that reflects what you like in a home. Your home is one of the sacred spaces in your life and when done must be a place where you retreat to and recharge. Once you see the kind of work that the architect has done that you like, you need to schedule a meeting and get a feel for this professional. You will be involved on a very personal basis with this person over many months and there has to be a good level of comfort between the architect and the clients. Is the architect a good listener? You have conveyed what you are looking for - does the architect seem to understand and ask the appropriate questions to reflect your needs, or are they pushing their own vision or agenda. Listening to you is extremely important since the architect must then translate your requests into a plan that works for you and your family.
Getting references should be the next step in choosing an architect and visiting several projects goes along with that. Take the time to speak to their clients and ask if you got what you first set out to accomplish with your renovation. Again, did the architect listen carefully to your criteria? Did the architect design within your budget? Anyone can give you a grand design, but you need to be able to afford it. The architect should have a good grasp of construction costs. See what the references have to tell you and look at their projects.
Questions to ask about the Architect:Was the architect good to work with? Did the architect design a project close to your budget? Did the architect fulfill your requirements? Did the architect work well with the Contractor? At what point are you left on your own? Does the architect stay with you until the project is complete or do you have to then deal yourself with the contractor without input from the architect? Many people like the design build concept and the architect is also the builder and therefore has intimate knowledge of building costs since they not only spec the materials, but also buy them and pay for them and know currently what electricians, plumbers, framers, sheetrockers, roofers, excavators, finished carpenters are charging these days. Most architects will not truly understand these costs and therefore a design builder might have a much more realistic cost analysis of your project.
It is most important for you to visit some projects completed by the architect and talk to past clients. It will help greatly in picking the correct architect for your project.
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