Why use an architect
Some companies just prefer to offer an interesting price, prevailing many important and necessary technical & legal issues. Other companies go for an all inclusive offer which protects also their clients in case the unexpected happens. In the benefit for all, a technical support should be used, and this is a general lack in this market. Ideally an Architect should have made a detailed study in order to advise: Identify the needs, investigate possibilities and make the required applications towards authorities for a viable project. Not all construction companies use these services, as they consider it unnecessary. This is a very wrong approach. The Architect job is supervised by the local architect’s school authority. Few realize that this is a complicated procedure: calculations, reglamentations, design, drawings, administrative and legal issues in order to create the final project. Others just apply »learning by doing«, but which is our »mentors« background? When we are talking about serious issues, like the security of our homes or the inhabitants, careful thought should be given which alternative to use. An architect is the person that will advise on what is possible to build and how this should be done. The type of license that should be requested. For any general Home Improvement, an Architect guarantees the correct workout and possible construction errors: walls changes, supporting (carrying) beams, swimming pools, structure or any major change is planed. Do we need a topographic plan, or a geotechnical analysis? A Technical team would organize all these documents for us. Many people think »Why do we need an architect?« a very simple answer: just to confirm that the job is done as it should be. These costs should be seen as an investment and not as an extra cost, as the final job produces a property upgrade and value on the market. Most Europeans take this for granted, or convinced that is not needed, but surprisingly it is not the case. Ironically said »why should they«. Then surprises happen, walls break down, cracks on the floors, humidity problems occur, just to mention some cases. Sadly this is not valued, or constructors just do not use it, as it takes their authority away. Many workers presume »I have 30 years of experience«, but have no technical background, or simply are not up to date with new and better building methods. A typical comment we could find is »I have always done it this way«. Times change and the foreign clients demand and require a different and more professional approach.
Titulo: Why use an Architect
Prensa: Finest
Edicion: I/2012 (Page 58)