Home Remodel Architect
There are some neighborhoods and locations that are just too good to leave. However, a growing family, working from home, or changing entertaining needs may require changes to your existing home.
When You Want To Stay Home
There are some neighborhoods and locations that are just too good to leave. However, a growing family, working from home, or changing entertaining needs may require changes to your existing home.
Get Everything You Want
If your neighborhood is perfect but your home is not, consider remodeling. Whether it’s a new kitchen, mudroom, master suite or a more accessible open floor plan, an architect can create the space you need. A seasoned home remodeling architect sees myriad space options that are not apparent to the untrained eye. He or she can create a plan that fits your lifestyle, design and budget needs. When done right, in the right location, a remodel can also be a wise investment that will reap a healthy ROI in the years to come.
Over 30 Years Of Hands-On Experience
Besides being a registered and licensed architect for over 30 years I have also designed, built and remodeled my own family’s homes, garages, decks, cabins and condos. In the past decade I have personally built or remodeled:
- Lookfar at 1389 Portland Avenue, Saint Paul (2014)
- Prairie style home at 1384 Ashland Avenue, St. Paul (listed in The AIA Guide to the Twin Cities, 2003)
- Bungalow remodel 1385 Portland Avenue, St. Paul (2010)
- Turn-of-the-century remodel at 960 Portland Avenue (in progress 2022)
- New ADU at 958 Portland Avenue, St. Paul (completed 2021)
- 1880s home in Seward neighborhood, Minneapolis (completed 1992)
- A Kenwood condominium (bedroom and bathroom, completed 2004)
- A downtown Minneapolis condominium (completed 2006)
- A “barndominium” in a De Soto, WI on an organic apple orchard (completed 2018)
- A pole-barn home in Center City, MN (designed 2020)
I understand the remodeling process, the physical work it requires and the cost and time of these projects. Thinking of remodeling your home, cabin or condo? Set up a consultation with me to understand your options and the process. I will fully explain in detail every aspect of what your project will require. You will get the information you need to make an educated decision.
When you can’t bear the thought of leaving your neighborhood, but need an updated design, call me at Guy Williams Architecture at 651-210-7042 or email me your question. I offer a $250 remodel bundle where I meet you on-site and discuss your needs, options, cost, materials and timeline. Bundling packages give you a detailed picture of the process so you can plan better.
Five Phases of Architectural Planning
Predesign Phase:
This includes our initial meeting at your home and the discussion of options, possibilities and budget. We can create a wish list of which spaces are important. Also, an overall bud-get should be put put together in this phase. From there I will collect information from the city such as: what site restrictions there are like, what the setbacks are, what is the height limit, and lot coverage, etc.
Schematic Design Phase:
I will develop conceptual designs. These are preliminary bubble diagram/ rough sketches that incorporate your design ideas and wish list. There might be several different design options for floor plans and location on the site. This process will go back and forth with you until we are happy with the design and have settled on a sketch.
Design Development Phase:
After choosing a design to move forward with, I will refine the floor plans and overall look based on your comments and the reality of building i.e. thinking about small details, light, flow, your lifestyle and any special accommodations (such as using universal design to allow for aging in place).
Construction Documents Phase:
This is the final step for drawing. The CDs will show all the information needed for the builder to construct your new home. Depending on the level of detail we decide to show, the CDs can show just the minimum required to get a building permit or can be more descriptive to show elements such as interior elevations, finish trim and window grids, electrical plan, lighting placement and other facets of design. Having more detailed drawings also enables the builder to give us more accurate pricing. So, instead of a ballpark number that has a span of tens of thousands of dollars, with detailed CDs the builder will know which materials he will need to use and the skill and time required to implement the design features shown. In my experience, the more detailed the drawings are, the less room there is for misunderstanding and error.
Construction Admin Phase:
In this phase, I ensure the home gets built the way the drawings show. I coordinate with the builder regarding timelines, materials and method of installation and finish carpentry. I do site visits as needed (typically once a week for one to two hours) but during the height of construction when things move at a faster rate it might be twice a week. In addition to onsite personal supervision and quality assurance, my presence on site is conducive to improved communication between the builder and me. This also allows me to answer your questions and immediately address any concerns. When builders are unsure of a design feature or misinterpret a plan they typically just move forward based on “the way we’ve always done it.” When I am on site I discuss with the foreman and team member show things should be done to achieve the look that is depicted in the drawings. I have over 40 years of construction experience and have personally built and remodeled 5 of my own homes. I know how a structure is put together, the tools needed and the steps required to do things right. I do not allow for cheaper material substitutions or cut corners. This onsite supervision, client advocacy and flow of communication prevents a loss of time and money and I have found is crucial for overall quality.
Before you sign up with any contractor ensure your best interests are being taken into account. I am working for you and not the bottom line.