If you are planning to build a new house, or make a significant addition to your existing house, you should consider hiring an architect.
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An architect will be familiar with the zoning laws and construction codes in your area and can be invaluable in securing variances, if they are needed, and in getting construction permits. |
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An architect is trained and experienced in translating your goals into actual designs and along the way to use tried and true design practices and avoid common pitfalls. |
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An architect will produce detailed drawings that ensure that contractor bids will include all of the work that must be done. This reduces the number of unpleasant surprises that may occur during construction. |
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An architect can show you design alternatives drawn from experience designing hundreds of homes. This ensures that you get the most attractive and cost effective solutions to your design problems. A good design can also contribute to faster sales and a better price if you ever decide to move. |
You should contact an architect early in the planning of your project. Architects can often suggest neighborhoods you can visit to get ideas, and can help in the search for potential building lots. They can also provide information and pictures on general building design styles and concepts and advise you about what styles will work best on your lot.
We work in two different modes:
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1 -Time-and-Materials - Here you would be billed for actual time spent by various staff members. This is typically used when the initial goals and/or constraints are not clear. You will have access to as much architectural design support as you request, for as long as you request. For obvious reasons, only a rough estimate of the final cost is possible. A not-to-exceed limit can be specified. |
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2 - Fixed Rate - This is a flat charge per square foot of the final floor plan. An estimate of final costs is based on the initial size estimate for the job. For residential jobs this kind of effort usually follows a pattern that is described in the "How We Work " section. This has the advantage of a known cost, but the number of design meetings and the design services provided will be restricted to those called out in the contract. |
Some jobs require a combination of both modes. The initial work, when goals and constraints are somewhat vague, billed using time and materials, with the final work, when requirements are defined, billed at a flat rate.
Our actual rates may vary from time to time, so an actual rate estimate will depend on the timing, nature and magnitude of the project. Contact Architecture PLUS for a specific estimate.
One of the most useful things you can do is to write down some ideas about what you like and dislike and specific features you want. Scan through a few magazines and collect a few pictures or drawings of ideas that appeal to you. You could even drive around through some neighborhoods that seem interesting to you and take pictures of houses, or parts of houses that seem especially attractive. But remember that you don't have to have everything nailed down before bringing in an architect. The idea here is to start getting your thoughts organized, and to have some ideas about what is most important to you. An architect will be able to help with many of your decisions, and can provide valuable knowledge and perspective, but it's nice to have a few things in mind as a starting point.
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Architecture PLUS is directed by three partners, one specializing in Commercial Architecture, another specializing in Residential Architecture, and a third focusing on building codes and zoning ordinances. |
| We use designers that have worked in the construction industry and know how to develop designs that are easy to build. This translates into faster, smoother running construction efforts with fewer problems. |
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In addition Architecture PLUS is one of the most automated architectural offices in the state, with all projects supported by a customized and proprietary Computer Aided Design system. This allows more flexibility to accommodate changes and even allows clients to interactively participate in the design process if they wish to. The use of laptops and video projectors allows us to bring 3-D renderings and simulated walkthroughs directly to the customers premises. |
We are just a phone call away; 908 707-8100. Click here for more details on how to get in touch with us. If you are interested in discussing employment opportunities, Click Here.
Our offices are in Raritan, New Jersey, on Route 202 South. Click here for details on how to get to Architecture PLUS or a map.
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Architecture PLUS, 1130 Route 202 South, Raritan, NJ 908 707-8100