Accessible Solutions: Residential Design and Construction

If you are contemplating construction of a custom home, you should consider hiring an architect to develop a design and prepare construction plans. If you are modifying stock builder plans, it is still a good idea to contract with an architect, perhaps on an hourly fee basis, to help with your design changes and to prepare revisions to the standard plans. In some cases, depending on the individual builder and project complexity, it may be sufficient to simply work with the builder or developer to make necessary plan modifications. Additions to or the remodeling of existing homes almost always requires an architect's services. In fact, renovations and additions often present the most challenging design problems. Most residential design and construction projects follow the same basic steps. Homeowners should: • Establish project requirements. • Develop an architectural design. • Secure necessary financing and building permits. • Select a contractor and start construction. A residential project should meet the needs of all family members. Even though the primary focus of an addition is accessibility, the design should be functional and enhance the existing home. In general these steps must be performed sequentially, although some can partially overlap. Contractor selection, for example, can begin once design is substantially complete. Some firms offer design/build services and provide plans prepared by their own architects or building designers, as well as conventional construction services. Although some design changes are inevitable during construction, homeowners should feel comfortable with their design before proceeding to the next step. If you don't feel the design is right, work with the plans until you are satisfied. If you cannot visualize the plan, question the designer or request more drawings. It is much easier to erase lines on a drawing than to move walls during construction. The Design Process Whether the homeowner elects to use an architect or a design/build professional, the design process should include the same basic steps. In actual practice, these steps may not be formally differentiated, but the client should expect that the design process will include: Schematic Design - This first step involves gathering relevant information and then developing a conceptual approach to a design solution. If the project involves an addition to an existing home, the designer will need a "plat" that shows the lot property lines, the location of existing structures, utility lines, and similar information. This information allows the designer to comply with local zoning requirements. Information requirements vary with the project. For an accessibility project that is located on a hilly site, for example, detailed topographic information may be required. Schematic designs should be diagrammatic in format, but they should be scaled drawings that represent realistic and practical solutions. Schematic design proposals should generate meaningful discussions between the clients and the architect. This dialogue usually leads to either changes to or refinements of the initial objectives. Several design alternatives should be considered before a final plan is selected for further development.

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