Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, Connecticut has become a top suburban destination for people moving out of the Big Apple. With its close proximity to the city and suburban perks, many people have found themselves clamoring to secure a new residence in the area. The ever tempting opportunity to live in a larger home with a backyard space and strong sense of community has led to a boom in real estate sales, even while several other markets shrink nationally.
Even before COVID-19 became a reality, Connecticut was called home by many former New Yorkers. One study found that one third of new Connecticut residents in 2018 originated from New York.
An aerial view of our Greenwich Normandy project
Whether you’re considering building a new residence or renovating an older home in the suburbs, choosing the right team of professionals is crucial to creating the home of your dreams. With over 30 years of experience in residential design here at DVHA, we’re confident that we can provide sound advice to assist you in the design team hiring process. Follow our tips below for choosing an architect who perfectly suits your project’s needs.
5 Things to Look For When Hiring an Architect
1.) A diverse portfolio.
To be certain the architect you choose can design a home suitable to your needs and desired aesthetic, look for a firm that presents a diverse portfolio, showcasing a mastery of design in a variety of styles.
Our Waterfront French Eclectic home
2.) Proof of success on projects of various scales.
In addition to finding an architect that can accommodate whichever style home you envision, it’s also important that the firm demonstrates its ability to successfully coordinate new and renovated projects of any scale. No matter the size of the home you’re planning, the architect should be able to execute the project to your satisfaction.
3.) Experience with local governments and town building requirements.
There are many quirks to the local building departments that unfamiliar architects struggle with, particularly in Fairfield and Westchester Counties. Find an architect who has experience working in the town you’re looking to move to and knows exactly what needs to be done.
4.) Robust references.
When you meet with an architect – or any home design professional for that matter – don’t just take their word for it. Make sure that the firm can provide strong references that attest to a positive design and construction experience.
Our recently completed Oceanfront Shingle
5.) Strong relationships with other professional consultants.
Successfully building a new home or renovating an existing home requires a team of professional consultants, from architects and builders to engineers. Our clients often enlist the services of interior designers and landscape architects to create the home they’ve been envisioning. Finding an architect that has great relationships with other home design consultants and is able to connect you with experts that suit your needs will make your project considerably easier to execute.
Interested in learning more about working with us? Contact our team to schedule a consultation today.
If you’d like to see some of our renovation projects, read our article about three of our favorite renovations or visit our renovations portfolio page.