​HMSArchitectures, LLC
Why & How
10 Reasons - "Why Hire an Architecture Professional?"
1. Does your project make sense?
The cost of building should be consistent with real estate values of the surrounding properties. Is your primary objective to make your house more livable for yourself, or to make it easier to sell to the next owner? Do your needs warrant building a new home? Is an addition the most effective way to get that extra space you require? Do you need to make your business more profitable by re-branding or by adding more floor area to expand your business operations? HMSA can research feasibility and potential to help you decide.
2. Site potential:
Your building site presents distinct design opportunities – perhaps a great view, or good sun exposure. Perhaps there is a distinctive rock or tree that you want to include. It may also hold some hidden restrictions and hazards – weak soils, poor drainage, or zoning. HMSA can analyze these factors to make the most of your site and avoid potential pitfalls.
3. How regulations affect your project:
Zoning ordinances and other regulations will effect what and where you are allowed to build on your property. Your building’s height, how much of your property is covered by the building, and how far it must be set back from the property line or stream are some factors that are dictated by land-use regulations. HMSA will help determine how these and other restrictions apply to your project, and can assist you in filing applications and obtaining the necessary permits.
4. Analyzing your wants and needs:
We highly encourage you to share everything you can with HMSA - not just your budget & schedule, but your thoughts, expectations, notes, sketches, and photos from magazines. Anything that can convey your dreams will help. What are your routines? How do you work in your current home or business? How many spaces and how big do you need in your new place? Are you building for yourselves or for future buyers? HMSA takes this information and outlines your project scope. Each detail helps us to understand your priorities, develop successful design strategies and ultimately control project quality.
5. Assuring practicality:
HMSA will help you make smart decisions that serve and save you in surprising ways. It’s crucial to have a realistic understanding of all the potentials and limitations of your project - budget, schedule and quality. By balancing every expectation, HMSA helps you to prioritize your needs and maximize your benefits.
6. Designing for your future:
HMSA can provide flexible design options that accommodate your changing needs for increased space, new uses, or reduced physical mobility as you grow older. We will also propose methods to lower your energy use, reduce maintenance needs, and improve other efficiencies. By explaining certain ideas, HMSA can help you see a bigger picture and provide design solutions that enhance your Life, long-term, and your home's value.
7. Visualizing the design:
Once you and HMSA decide what’s to be built, we can help you visualize the design possibilities through a number of means, including illustrations, sketches, computer renderings, models, and even field-staking dimensions directly on the site.
8. Documentation and the contractor:
No simple handshake or letter of agreement is firm enough to cover everyone's role and responsibilities for your building project. HMSA prepares complete construction documents - detailed drawings, technical specifications, and contracts to firmly establish everyone's obligation for and preserve a mutual understanding of the project.
9. Construction administration:
HMSA’s involvement, as your advisor and agent, will include visits to the site assuring work is completed according to the plans and specs. With HMSA principals observing construction, you get experience and trained eyes to assure construction quality, create detailed reports of the project’s progress, and a knowledgeable review of the contractor’s obligations.
10. Reducing costs:
HMSA’s services are a wise investment. A well-conceived project will be built more efficiently and economically. HMSA will plan your project with you, so you know what to expect before it gets built.
Ideas evolve over time, changes can be made on paper, much easier than when construction is underway. Our thorough documentation also makes it easier for contractors to develop accurate cost estimates.
HMSA principals work with you to make sure you get the most from your project budget - reviewing all options, selecting appropriate approaches and materials, and providing assurance of the highest quality of design.