IS your kitchen too small? Do you need an extra bedroom? Is storage space a little thin on the ground? Do you feel that the existing space in your home is wasted? Is your home too dark? Are you planning a small extension/ renovation/ remodelling of your existing home? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then you need an architect.

Extending or renovating your home can be a challenging and expensive undertaking, probably the biggest thing you’ll do since buying the place. Whether you are adding a small extension or just remodelling existing spaces, it is important to get it right first time round and that is why you should engage an RIAI registered architect.

Homeowners that have lived in their homes for a number of years will know what they like and dislike about their homes. When an RIAI registered architect is engaged, the homeowner can be sure of a well thought out and creative design solution that will maximise the potential of their home.

An architect will carefully consider the homeowner’s requirements so that they can develop highly individual solutions for each and every project. Architects create total environments, interior and exterior, which are pleasing and functional for the people who live within them.

Even a smaller project such as a kitchen, an entry or a bathroom can benefit from the forethought an architect can provide, especially if the project is encumbered with several conflicting constraints. There are clear benefits to solving a construction puzzle on paper prior to buying materials, busting out walls and so on. This is the architect’s expertise.

An architect can give best practice advice on the many different aspects of your project. A registered architect is knowledgeable on tailoring your design to comply with planning laws and building regulations.

Expert advice can also be given on how to retrofit for greater energy efficiency. Building an extension or just renovating is an ideal opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of your home by improving insulation, installing high performance glazing and investing in energy saving heating systems. Architects are trained in energy efficient construction methods.

It is interesting to note that over the last two years construction prices have dropped dramatically. The web-site onlinetradesmen.com has compiled an index which shows the average cost of getting an extension built has fallen from 171euro per square foot to 82.50euro per square foot. More than ever it is important to check that your tradespeople are properly qualified and insured – just as you should check your architect’s qualifications.

The main reason for the registration of the title architect is to protect the consumer from the risks arising from the activities of unqualified practitioners. Registration allows the client to know when they are engaging a fully trained, qualified and insured architect. A list of fully qualified architects is available on the RIAI website www.riai.ie.

How much do architect’s services cost? There is no quick answer to this frequently asked question. The fee is usually structured in one of three ways: as a reflection of the number of hours needed to do the work, as a percentage of the construction cost or as a fixed fee (stipulated sum). Sometimes, an architect will propose to bill the open-ended portions of the work on an hourly basis and the more finite portions as a fixed fee.

The hourly rate and percentage of construction costs vary according to the architect, the part of the country and the scope of the project/ services. For an answer specific to your project, arrange a consultation with an architect in order to determine the scope of your project and the level of service required.