Tips And Tricks
denver home remodeling
GMH By Design, a licensed Denver architect, is experienced in Denver home remodeling and can help you throughout the design and construction process
Contributors
Gregory M Houston – Author
Gregory M Houston – Photographer/Illustrator
So you’re considering a Denver home remodeling project. Great! But where do you begin? Do you figure out a budget? Do you contact an architect? A contractor? Talk to a friend or family member who has gone through the process before?
The short answer to all of these questions is yes. But, it’s not where you should begin. I am a Denver architect with experience in Denver home remodeling and home renovation. Below you will find a step-by-step outline of what to consider for these types of projects.
Design
Design, in my opinion, is the most important step in the process. This is the place where ideas are collected. Nothing should be ruled out at this point. Denver home remodeling projects can be expensive and the last thing you want to do is eliminate ideas as “too expensive”. Until a budget has been determined allow the creative juices to flow.
This is the phase of the project where the architect is most important. They are trained to turn words, ideas, and images into something that can be built and lived in. For instance, are you considering an addition to a historical Denver four-square house? Or are you thinking of “popping the top” on your Park Hill house? Your architect will help you create an addition or second story space which meets your needs and fits within the context of the neighborhood.
In addition, many things have to be considered with regard to the existing structure and zoning and building codes. A feasibility study at this point Is helpful in determining a budget.
Develop
When a direction for the project has been chosen, you and your architect will develop a concept of what the remodel will look like and how it will function. This is the phase of the project where room adjacencies are determined, what exterior materials might be, where doors and windows are located.
Document
This phase of the Denver home remodeling project is where scaled plans are created. Many architects leave the project at this point. However, GMH By Design is a full-service architecture practice. Our experience in the Denver area gives us a familiarity with the zoning and building codes. We will create a set of construction documents which addresses the concerns of the building department in your jurisdiction. These plans can be submitted to obtain a building permit.
In addition, our documents can be used to acquire construction cost estimates from contractors. We pride ourselves on our ability to successfully see projects through. Even after the documentation is completed, we work closely with the contractor during construction to ensure the design, needs, and wants of the client are fulfilled.
Denver home remodeling is an involved process with decisions at every step. But if you choose an architect with the proper experience the decisions don’t have to be difficult. The architect will walk beside you throughout the project making sure you are satisfied with the completed addition.
At GMH By Design our architects will facilitate your project and make it as painless as possible for you.