Month: July 2019

Figuring out the difference between an architect and an engineer is an important step in the remodeling process. Knowing what each one does and how they can help transform your home will allow you to have the most successful home remodel possible. Learn key differences from our experts at A-List Builders so that you can make the most informed decision possible.

Consider the Extent of Your Home Remodel

Do you have an idea for how you want to remodel your home? Some people may want a simple remodel with cosmetic updates or changes to the way the house looks. Others may want a more complicated remodel that involves moving walls or changing the layout of the home completely. 

After determining the initial vision and working to understand what you have in mind, this step is easy. Once you’ve determined what you want to do to your home, you can then learn the differences between an architect and engineer and make your choice.

What an Architect Does

Are you wondering how to choose an architect for the remodel? Learn about what they do first to help you make the most informed decision!

An architect typically focuses on the design aspects of a home remodel, producing the framework elements that will help your home look and feel the way you want it to. Architects are well-versed in design, style, and ways to make your home look better. They are professionals who understand the way different features of a home function and can help you determine the best style for your remodel. An architect’s detailed plans can help you understand the different zoning parameters for each part of your home and help map out a course of action for contractors to follow throughout the project.

While an architect does focus mostly on the framework of a building or a remodel, they also understand the way design features work. An architect can design a building and determine whether it will be functional depending on different building materials and grades of the building. In these cases, it’s less important to recognize the differences between an architect and an engineer since the architect can help you with the functionality of your design.

What an Engineer Does

Unlike an architect, an engineer can help you find what will work for the functionality and structure of your home. Engineers are less focused on aesthetics and more on what they can make certain home features do. They are better able to determine the way a remodel can affect your home in the long term.

There are major differences between an architect and an engineer, but their capabilities sometimes overlap. Even though engineers are not design-focused like architects, they will still likely do what they can to make the home look as aesthetically pleasing as possible. 

What a Designer Does

Typically, hiring an architect is a great way to get your remodel started. Once you’ve figured out how to choose an architect for your remodel, they can help you determine which layout will look and work best for your home. They may also be able to help you figure out which remodeling options are going to look good and last for a long time. 

A designer may be able to do similar things to an architect and an engineer. A designer may be able to do more than both of these specialties or may be able to take elements from each thought process and help your home remodel come together easier.

Designers often work alongside architects and engineers throughout the project. They can completely manage a project and help you communicate with the professionals who will be doing your remodel. A designer may also be able to help you with the aesthetics of your home after the functionality portion of your remodel is completed. A good designer will be able to help you with decor and other aspects of your home, should you desire that kind of help.

Learning about the differences between an architect and engineer is only one small step in the remodeling process! We have professionals who can help you make your house remodeling vision a reality, from start to finish and beyond. Contact us for your Los Angeles home remodeling consultation today.

When you’re thinking about moving, it may also be wise to consider staying where you are and remodeling your home instead. It is a tough decision, however, and there are a few things to consider. A remodeling professional can help you determine the cost of a remodel, whether you’re preparing your home for selling or looking to enhance your existing property.

The Remodel vs. Move Debate: What Do You Want? 

If you know what you want to happen with your home, you can then decide what’s going to work best when it comes to remodeling. 

If you want to change the structure of your home, you want to add a room, or you want to make major structural changes, it’s important to consider how these changes align with your goals as a homeowner and with your family’s goals. 

Consider things like whether the home has been in your family, if you’ve raised your family in it and other factors. Sentimental value can play a huge role in how to determine if you should remodel or move.

The Cost of the Remodel 

Cost is one of the biggest factors to consider in the remodel vs. move debate. While many people consider moving to a new home to be more costly, remodeling can also be very expensive. However, remodeling part or all of your house can feel like you’re moving into a new home.

You’ll also need to consider the value you get from a remodel and how that’s going to affect your house’s value for resale. Working with expert renovation contractors can help you map out the scope and cost of every detail, and doing so can help which option would be more cost effective for you.

Working with A-List Builders to Remodel Your Entire Home

If you are still on the fence about whether you should move or remodel your home, getting a professional opinion can be helpful. At A-List Builders, we can help you determine the cost of your renovation project, and how it can increase the value of your home. We can also help you determine the best remodel for your needs. Whether you want to make big changes to your home, we can help you with how to determine if you should remodel or move.

Are you ready to remodel your home? Talk with our experts today for a free consultation!

A home remodel has the opportunity to make or break the way your home looks. A good remodel can change the course of your home forever while a bad remodel can create headaches for years to come. Avoiding costly remodeling mistakes starts when you decide to work with experts who take care of all the details for you. Read on to learn more.

Hire Experienced, Quality Experts

The number one mistake people make when doing a home remodel is trying to take a DIY approach. Unless you are a professional, you should never try to DIY a remodel on your home. Hiring professionals like A-List Builders will make the process smoother and will allow you to have the peace of mind that comes with getting a high-quality remodel on your home. 

Many people choose a remodel because of the hidden costs of new construction, but it’s important to remember there can be unexpected costs with a remodel too. A professional will have an idea of what these costs are and can put contingencies in place for them, while keeping you in the loop the entire time.

Be Clear About What You Want 

Many remodeling mistakes are easily avoidable. They can be due to a lack of communication between the professional and the client, or they can simply be mistakes that happen because you don’t know what you want. Before you even talk to a professional, you should know a basic idea of what you want to happen during the remodel. Just knowing what you want can help avoid some costly communication mistakes. That said, we understand it’s sometimes hard to know everything right out of the gate; at A-List, we’re committed to collaborating with you on your ideas from the get-go.

Stay Involved in the Process

Once you’ve hired a professional, you can generally let them do all the heavy lifting while you sit back and enjoy the way your remodel is coming along. One thing you will need to do to help avoid remodeling mistakes is to stay involved in the remodeling process. 

Understand each step of the project and check often to make sure it’s what you want to happen during the home remodel. If you do this, it can help you stay on top of the remodel and make it easier for you to catch mistakes early on. Doing this can help you avoid the hidden costs of new construction when there is a mistake you don’t catch with enough time.

Check Your Expectations 

If you have very high expectations before you talk to a professional, you may be disappointed with the information they give you. While there are some times when you can change the layout of your home completely, it’s important to remember this can be costly and may not always be an option. Keep your expectations in check especially when talking to a professional. A good company will help avoid remodeling mistakes related to your expectations by letting you know upfront what you can get from the remodel. They will be upfront about the costs, what they’re able to do and what your home will look like after they’ve completed the remodel.

Are you ready to remodel your home and make it what you’ve always dreamed of, while working with a company that will help you avoid hidden costs and mistakes throughout the entire process? Contact A-List Builders to get a consultation on your home remodeling project in Los Angeles today!