Good Contractors Add Value

Building a new home or remodeling an existing one should be a fun and rewarding process. If you are considering building a home or remodeling, the quality of your experience will be largely dependent on your approach to the project and the decisions you make.  Besides hiring an Architect, one of the most important decisions a homeowner needs to make on a project is hiring a good General Contractor.

While an Architect can easily design a home from abroad, it is almost always a good idea to hire a local Contractor if possible.  Good Contractors generally have their own tried and true framing crews, as well as access to the best available local subcontractors and materials.  If cost is an issue, and it almost always is, buying local can be a big cost savings (assuming they meet your quality criteria).  On the other hand, a good Contractor may know of a great cabinet maker who is two hours away but is well worth the price.

A Contractor can also help you get the best value for your construction dollar.  Not only is the quality better, good contractors also stay current on the latest construction materials and technologies.  Along with the architect, they can select materials and systems that enhance your home without breaking the budget.

A bad Contractor may provide cost savings in many cases, but in the long run they may cost even more money, not to mention your piece of mind.  Some horror stories I’ve heard and have sometimes witnessed from under qualified or disreputable Contractors:

• Building into the setbacks
• Building onto somebody else’s property
• Building a home at the lowest elevation in the center of a property, creating an unintended moat around the home
• Houses that leak
• Missing insulation
• Insulation that is not the specified R-value
• Walls that aren’t straight when they’re supposed to be
• Framing studs farther apart in an effort to reduce material costs, and then using those materials on other projects
• Gaps between adjoining materials when they are specified to be connected
• Contractor not insured
• Building differently than the plans specify without consulting with the homeowner and architect
• Building without a permit

A good Architect who is involved in the project’s Construction Administration should catch most of these issues before they become problems.

Good contractors will also add value by increasing the resale value of homes.  A custom home that is built by a contractor known as the best in town will certainly sell for a higher price than one built by a Contractor known for building low end spec homes.  A smart buyer who uses a home inspector before purchasing will hear the same thing pertaining to the quality of construction and the lack of problems.  Good contractors want to uphold their reputation.

I believe it is a good idea to get a Contractor on board as soon as possible after hiring the Architect.  This gives you more time to look at the different candidates, and if there is a contractor that stands out and you’re pretty sure you want to hire them, they can provide input during the design process.  A good Contractor can provide valuable insight on the costs and availabilities of various materials and methods of construction, and may also provide creative ideas in brainstorming sessions with the Owner and Architect.  Frank Lloyd Wright was an egotist, but most architects these days understand the value of collaboration.

Contractors can also add value by giving you some budget numbers during the initial design of the project, and update these as the design progresses.  During the pricing of the project, he (or she) will thoroughly review the plans and notify the architect of any discrepancies or missing items.   An honorable contractor who has done a careful review will then price out the project with a firm number, and will adhere to that number, barring changes made by the Owner or Contractor.  Some Contractors will give a low price to get a job, and then may try to add 25% onto the costs of a house through overlooked items to generate a nice profit.  These are often in the form of Change Orders.  A good Architect should be able to minimize Change Orders by providing quality, thorough drawings and specifications.  I will add an article on how to hire a Contractor in the near future.  See also Good Quality Architecture Adds Value To Your Home.

John Hendricks, Architect AIA

Hendricks Architecture specializes in residential design and is located in Sandpoint, Idaho.  We specialize in residential design, most specifically in the design of mountain style homes and cabins, though we have successfully designed in several different styles.  We take a fresh approach to every project, making every home unique, and enjoy designing above and beyond the Owner’s expectations (in a good way).

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A Great Time To Build

Construction prices are at historic lows, as described by Tom Russell of Hendricks Architecture.

Something unusual happened to me the other day. I walked out of the local lumber store and was shocked when I looked at the invoice for my purchase. Being shocked by the lumber invoice was not at all unusual, what was unusual is that I was shocked at how much it didn’t cost. My home is a perpetual remodel project, and because I have been buying a lot of material, I watch building material prices closely. I can’t remember when lumber prices have been this low, though it makes sense when you think about it – lumber suppliers have a large surplus due to the lack of demand this past year. Apparently the law of supply and demand is still being enforced.

Local builders that John Hendricks and I have been talking to are finding the same thing. Many of them report that they have been bidding projects 20%-30% lower than they were just a year ago. While lumber prices are a big part of the savings, many builders and their subcontractors are anxious to stay busy and are willing to forgo some profits to do so. Keeping good, valued employees working and maintaining momentum are oft cited rationale for reduced contractor fees. Increased completion is a factor as well. Most of the contractors I know in this area are staying busy preparing bids for clients, many of whom are shopping for the best value for their construction dollar.

Sandpoint, Idaho home by Hendricks Architecture under construction.

RMR Group is a builder in Big Sky, Montana that we maintain contact with. They recently had a client come back to re-bid a home that was not built in 2007 because the price was too high. Due to subcontractor, material, and fuel price reductions, RMR Group’s 2009 price for the exact same house was an amazing 33% lower than it was in 2007.

Quality is as good as it ever was, even with the lower prices.  Because of the economy, lower tiered employees and subcontractors have been weeded out.  The best employees are being kept, meaning you get the best people on the job.

I’m not an economist, but my sense is that the pendulum of home prices and construction costs has shifted from a historical high point to a new relative low point. I would expect that prices will end up somewhere between the construction boom we were seeing 2 years ago and the bargains we are seeing today. For anyone sitting on the fence waiting to start a big construction project, it would seem that this is as good a time as any we will see in the foreseeable future. I intend to seize the opportunity and build that barn that I have been waiting so long for!

Tom Russell, LEED AP, Project Manager

Hendricks Architecture, mountain architects located in Sandpoint, Idaho.

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Origins of Mountain Architecture in America

At Hendricks Architecture, we specialize in designing luxury mountain style homes and cabins.  While it is not the only type of work we design, most of the homes we’ve completed are in mountain resort areas, and most of our clients are looking for mountain style homes, often fairly rustic.  Mountain Architecture is a broad term used to describe this rustic style of building, and can be found throughout the western United States and Canada, and in some of the mountainous areas of New York, New England,  and the Southeast.  For a detailed description of the current style, see Mountain Architecture.

The origins of mountain architecture in America came from the earliest non native peoples who chose to venture into the untamed mountainous areas of the country.  The structures they built were a direct response to the environment they were in.  They had to be made from native materials because transportation means were primitive, and they had to be robust to withstand harsh weather and deep snow.  Often the homes were adapted, pragmatic derivatives of homes they had seen or experienced in old Europe or the cities of the Eastern United States.  Civilization was slow in coming to the mountains, and early buildings reflected this.  Unmilled logs, rough timbers, and natural stone were the norm, and the rustic beauty of these materials became a part of the style.

One precedent for the mountain architecture we see today began during the industrial revolution in the late 1800′s.  In the Adirondack Mountains of New York State, wealthy, educated city dwellers would retreat from the crowded eastern seaboard cities to grand “Great Camps” that were being developed around the numerous lakes in this rugged, untamed wilderness.  This early version of “adventure travel” fueled a boom of construction, and grand waterfront lodges that were both lavish and rustic were built on most of the major lakes in the region.

Adirondack Boat House, Upper St. Regis Lake

The camps of the Adirondacks were constructed of native stone and logs or rough hewn boards, often with the bark still on them.  Ornate stick-work railings, siding, and furniture were hallmarks of the style, as was creating the appearance of “roughing it” while living quite comfortably in a rugged setting.  Adirondack rustic is a distinctive regional style that has endured and is still popular today.

Adirondack Lodge, Heart Lake, New York

Other notable examples of early mountain style architecture can be found in some of the National Parks in the western US.  Before automobiles were popular, people would travel by train to visit the national parks of the west, and grand lodges were developed to house the numerous visitors.  Iconic buildings like the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone, The Glacier Park Lodge in Montana, The Crater Lake Lodge in Oregon, and the Paradise Inn at Mt. Rainier were pioneering examples of the mountain style on a grand scale.

Glacier Park Lodge, Montana

The Ahwahnee Lodge in Yosemite National Park is a great example of how rustic charm and refined elegance can be brought together and designed to harmonize with its surroundings.

Ahwahnee Lodge in Yosemite

Modern mountain style homes borrow from many different architectural styles.  Depending on the Architect, there may be elements of Craftsman/Arts and Crafts, Shingle, Bungalow, Chalet, Prairie, and even early Japanese style in the design.  Agrarian building elements like pointed gables, rusted corrugated metal cladding, and wood plank doors are also common in some areas. Regional variations to the mountain style have evolved, often in response to climatic conditions in a particular area.   Styles in the mountain west include Colorado Territorial, Montana Ranch, Southwestern, and Pacific Northwest.  We have designed homes that borrow from all these styles, depending on where they are located and client preference.

Craftsman Style - The Gamble House in Pasadena

The unique appeal of well designed mountain style homes comes from purposeful use of natural materials, a connection with the outdoors, the appearance of having “grown from the site”, and a strong sense of shelter from the elements.  Since people first ventured out of the cities to recreate or live in the mountains, they have found creative ways of using native materials to create buildings that combine the romance of a frontier homestead with the comfort and conveniences of modern life.  That is the essence of mountain architecture.

Grand Canyon Ranger Station

For those interested in a more comprehensive history of mountain architecture, an excellent source is Tom Deering’s Masters Thesis from the University of Washington archives.  Tom Deering is currently practicing architecture in the Seattle area.

See also recent mountain architecture photos and renderings.  If you are interested in having us design you a mountain home, or you have any other inquiries, please contact us.

John Hendricks, Architect AIA

Hendricks Architecture, Idaho mountain architects.

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Mexico Beach House

As an architect living in the mountains outside Sandpoint, Idaho, it is always fun to design something a little different.  We are currently in the schematic design phase for a small beach house in Mexico.  This home will be located on the Pacific coast between Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco, about 30 miles SE of Zihuatanejo and the beach resort town of Ixtapa in the Mexican state of Guerrero.  There are several roof decks to take advantage of great views in all directions, including the beach just below, and fisherman boats anchored to the south.  The home is designed to capture the ocean breezes in the warm, tropical climate.

Main Level and Rooftop Level

This will truly be an indoor/outdoor home.  Most of the home is actually outdoors, with enclosed indoor areas having air-conditioning. The kitchen (cocina) is outdoors, covered by a waterproof deck above, with a large outdoor bar for those still wet from the swimming pool.  The guest bathroom is shared with the pool area, with an organically formed outdoor shower.  The upper level consists of the master suite and several rooftop gardens.  Awnings, hammocks and lounge chairs will be provided.  The owners will supply the daiquiris, margaritas and Coronas.

The landscaping will consist of an infinity-edged swimming pool hovering over the Pacific Ocean, along with terraced patios, pergolas, another outdoor kitchen, gardens, planters, palm trees, and more hammocks.  As my grandfather used to say, “This is real living!”

Mexico Beach House - Pacific Beachfront Elevation

Mexico Beach House - Courtyard Elevation

I was excited to design a beach house in Mexico when I was approached by the owners, who live in Idaho.  I grew up in California, where I was exposed to several styles of architecture, from the beach to the mountains.  I also learned about Mexican history and culture in school.  At Texas Tech one of the architects I studied was Luis Barragan, who was one of the most influential Mexican architects of the 20th century (he was also a very prominent landscape architect).  I’ve also been fortunate enough to be able to design some Mission and Tuscan style homes in California.

Every project is different, and it’s just a matter of bringing out the owner’s own tastes to fruition.  Some of the elements are borrowed from the local indigenous architecture that evolved over centuries to make the most of the shade and breezes.  The owners wanted a more organic flow for this home though, more so than what it traditionally in the area.  There are some aspects of mountain architecture, such as the gnarled wood columns and timbered ceilings.  The owners also supplied me with several books and printouts of their favorite elements.  Some books they really liked that I found very helpful were:

• Casas en la Costa Mexicana and Casas el la Costa 2, both of the Lifestyles Nature & Architecture series by Fernando de Haro & Omar Fuentes
• Casa Mexicana Style by Annie Kelly, with some great photographs by Tim Street-Porter
• Houses by the Sea: Mexico’s Pacific Coast by Mauricio Martinez

My wife tells me she wants to retire somewhere by the beach.  I halfway joke that if I can get enough beach houses in my portfolio I can still work when I’m “retired”.

Drawings are attached with permission from the homeowners.

John Hendricks, AIA Architect

Hendricks Architecture, Mountain and beach architects in Sandpoint, Idaho

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Mountain Architecture

What is Mountain Architecture?  The mountain architecture vernacular consists of bold, natural and textured buildings and materials.  These buildings should functionally and aesthetically withstand rugged mountainous environments, as well as blend into the topography.

Mountain homes should take advantage of nature by bringing the outdoors in through ample amounts of glazing and natural materials, and by extending indoor living spaces to the outside (outdoor living rooms) with decks, terraces and other exterior areas.  A home exterior should look like it has grown out of the site rather than being lowered down from a helicopter.  It can take advantage of the surrounding trees, boulders and other landforms by incorporating them into the home and the outdoor living rooms, and designing around them.  Interiors should have a good range of natural materials and forms.  These are often more rustic than the typical home, and sometimes have an “old world” appearance.  Designed tastefully, this will often give the home a “rustic elegance”.

Mountain architecture is organically massed to taper down into the site.  Multiple volumes conform to the existing terrain and are in scale with the existing landscape.  Large, symmetrical, obtrusive building forms are often avoided.  Some single story elements help keep a mountain home residential in scale.

Broad sheltering roofs appear to cascade down in steps or multi-level designs, and protect against winter snow, spring rain and summer sun.  Roofs generally have a 4:12 to 12:12 pitch.  Depending on the locality, there is little ornamentation.  For instance, the rugged, bold architecture of Big Sky and Whitefish in Montana, Telluride, Colorado and Jackson Hole, Wyoming may often have less ornamentation and detail than buildings in Vail, Colorado and Lake Tahoe.

Architects who design mountain architecture most often utilize natural materials and warm, earthy colors.  Roofs may consist of cedar shakes or slate,  sometimes with copper accents.  Siding is frequently cedar (boards or logs) and stone.  Recycled barn wood is sometimes used for a more rustic look.  If wood is to be stained it should let the natural grains show through.  The stone should be bigger at the base to give it an anchored and structural appearance.  Large mortar joints should be avoided in the mountain style.

In the mountains, columns, beams, rafters and other structural elements are bigger and bolder for protection against heavy snow loads.   These are typically douglas fir and/or reclaimed wood.  Windows are typically kept to a minimum on the front elevation, while opening up to broad views on the back or view elevations, which many times have daylight basements to take advantage of the steep slopes.  Windows typically have wood or metal clad (aluminum, copper or bronze) frames.  These frames can have an aged patina for an older appearance.  Garage doors are wood, many times in the carriage style.

Landscaping is also an important element in quality mountain architecture.  Home sites should be designed for maximum privacy, minimal visibility, minimized grading and disruption of natural drainage.  Sites are kept natural by containing water runoff, and enhancing the natural landforms and vegetation.  Smart design should keep retaining walls to a minimum, both to preserve a natural look as well as save on costs.  These retaining walls are most often natural stone.  Vegetation will help these walls blend into the site.

Other landscape elements include native hardscaping (patios, walkways), and minimal walls, fences and gates.  When these are incorporated they should look open and natural, and relate to the building.  A good architect or landscape architect should know of some good tricks here for the benefits of privacy and the homeowner’s personal tastes.  Driveways are often natural materials such as stone, but are more cost effective with concrete (colored, stamped, aggregate), pre-cast pavers, or asphalt.

Mountain style architecture has similar elements to other vernaculars.  These include Montana ranch, rustic western style, Adirondack, and historic logging and mining styles.   Craftsman/Arts & Crafts, Chalet, Prairie, Japanese and even Tuscan elements can be incorporated into the mountain style if done tastefully.

Mountain Architecture generally occurs in the mountains of the West, and in pockets of the Northeast and Southeast.  In the West, besides the previously mentioned Vail, Jackson Hole, Big Sky, Whitefish, Telluride and Lake Tahoe, other areas with mountain style homes include Sun Valley, Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint and Priest Lake in Idaho, Aspen, Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs, Durango and Crested Butte in Colorado, and Park City in Utah.   In Southwestern Canada, Whistler is by far the most popular mountain resort area, and will host the 2010 Winter Olympics.  Canmore in Alberta is popular with it’s close proximity to Banff, and was the site of the nordic events when Calgary hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics.

For further information, please also see or blog on Origins of Mountain Architecture in America.

Feel free to peruse more mountain architecture photos and renderings.  Hendricks Architecture specializes in the design of luxury mountain style homes and cabins, and has been named one of Mountain Living’s top mountain architects.  Most of the homes we’ve completed are in mountain resort areas throughout the West.

John Hendricks, AIA Architect

Hendricks Architecture, mountain architects located in Sandpoint, Idaho.

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Is This A Good Time To Build?

It seems that all you hear these days is bad news about the economy. While it is definitely a tough business climate right now, there are also opportunities to take advantage of bargains, especially in the housing sector. If you have been considering building, this is an excellent time to get the most for your money by seizing opportunities that present themselves in a down economy.

Real Estate Prices Are Low:

There are plenty of great mountain and lakefront properties available now, and prices are more reasonable then they have been in the recent past. Existing home prices are also down, so it may make sense to buy an undervalued home in a great location and have us help you transform it into your dream home.

Contractors Are Competing For Projects:

Because of the slowdown in building, contractors are forced to be more competitive to win projects. This means you are likely to get the best value for your construction dollar, and you may be able to get that contractor who is normally booked for years in advance.

Building Costs Are Low:

Because of increased competition between material suppliers and a surplus in materials, now is a good time to get building supplies at good prices. Gas prices are currently as low as they have been in years, so delivery and excavation costs are a bargain compared to a year ago.

Now Is A Good Time To Start Design:

If you are considering doing a remodel or building a new home next spring or summer, now is the time to get the design process started. It is a good time to build, and we would love to talk to you about the great opportunities available today.

Consider Remodeling:

If current economic conditions are preventing you from building now, it might make sense to improve your current home to increase its resale value or help it sell quicker. We can help you make your home stand out from the rest.

John Hendricks, AIA Architect, NCARB

Tom Russell, Project Manager, LEED AP

Hendricks Architecture, Mountain Architects in Sandpoint, Idaho

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Testimonial

As an architect, designing custom mountain homes for individuals and their families is a passion of mine.  Capturing each homeowner’s ideas and tastes, and molding them into alluring structures is very gratifying to me.  I may not be changing the world, but hopefully I’m at least making their lives a little more functional and pleasing.  I cherish the relationships with our clients, and many have become good friends.

Dale Scott is one of those cherished clients, and he was  kind enough to provide the following testimonial for a home that was recently completed near Sandpoint.

My wife and I retained John to design our retirement home for us. This was a very challenging task as we presented John with a variety of design and budget constraints. John proved more then up to the job. John is an excellent listener and incorporated our desires and dreams into his creative concepts. The end result was a home that is ideally suited to our lifestyle and yet carries the unique qualities that John brought to the process. While a modest home in all regards, it never the less was chosen as the featured residence in several magazines. At least one of our friends who have visited our home has contacted John about designing a home for them.

We found John to be very creative and knowledgeable, yet equally personable. I have worked with three other architects prior to my experience with John and our experience with John was by far the best. I can highly recommend John, and if you are thinking of having a home or remodel designed, I would suggest you visit John’s website and seriously consider retaining his services.  If you have any questions about working with John please do not hesitate to contact me at dale@leapfrogleadership.com

Sincerely,

Dale Scott

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Good Quality Architecture Adds Value to Your Home

Building a new home or remodeling an existing one should be an exciting and rewarding process.  In most cases, hiring an Architect to help you realize your vision will add value that far exceeds their costs, in addition to simplifying the design, approval and construction process.

An architect designed custom front entry.

It is well recognized in the Real Estate community that homes designed by Architects have a value up to 50% higher than similarly sized and located homes that come from builder/ designers, draftsmen, or catalog plans. This number is much higher when compared to production homes. Since Architect fees are typically anywhere from 5% -15% of construction costs (depending on the level of service provided), any value added to a project that exceeds this fee is a direct benefit to the homeowner. An important point to remember is that value is not necessarily measured only in dollars. Value is also realized though long term enjoyment of a home with improved functionality that is designed to meet your specific needs.

If you look closely in any city or town, usually the oldest (and often the nicest) homes are almost exclusively Architect designs. The perceived value of a well designed home makes it worthy of continued maintenance and preservation, and the careful thought Architects put into their home designs tends to greatly increase their longevity. While many Builders are conscientious and build homes to last, they often choose materials & methods that make building easier and less costly, especially when they are building homes speculatively. Architects typically design homes to maximize owner value through better aesthetics, quality, livability, and longevity while trying to minimizing long term life cycle cost.

Most people can pick out a home that was designed by a good Architect, and a quick comparative study would confirm that well designed homes command significantly higher resale values. It is important to note that an Architect designed home doesn’t necessarily cost more to build. In addition, careful site consideration, efficient space planning, thoughtful construction details, energy efficiency, and creative, well informed material selections can add value that will far exceed that of a comparable builder grade home.

Aesthetic value is difficult to quantify, but most home buyers would agree that if they could afford it, they would pay more for the visual and spatial qualities an Architect can add. Homes designed by Architects also tend to be less susceptible to market fluctuations, which makes them a reliable real estate investment. Similar to other designer products, homes by well known and especially talented Architects have an “association value” that increases the price people are willing to pay for them.

An architect designed waterfront home

Depending on where you live, there may be city, county, and state regulatory agencies that govern any building project. The process of securing approval and permitting for construction projects can be daunting, and having an Architect who is familiar with the requirements can save you valuable time, money, and help streamline the process. It is not uncommon in areas with lax building regulation for homes to be built that don’t meet code requirements, that exceed setback limits, or that are occasionally even over property lines.  Architects are required by law to design buildings that comply with all applicable building, zoning, and accessibility codes, giving you the assurance that your home meets the requirements of accepted life safety and land use standards.

An Architect can help you get the best value for your construction dollar. One of the most important decisions in the homebuilding process is locating and orienting the building on the site to optimize views, solar exposure, excavation costs, and aesthetic appeal. The long term energy savings realized by a well sited home with windows properly sized and located can be substantial. Architects stay current on the latest construction materials and technologies, and can select materials and systems that enhance your home without breaking the budget.

Quality custom home builders agree that an Architect’s careful planning, accurate drawings/ specifications and availability to answer questions while the home is being built speeds up construction time and helps avoid costly delays. This ultimately saves the homeowner money and assures they end up with a better final product. A well thought out home design can save the homeowner a lot of money by avoiding change orders, mistakes, and time wasted on the jobsite solving unforeseen conflicts. Value added during construction can also include less stress for the homeowners, more free time to devote to your family or career, and the assurance that crucial safety measures are being addressed.

Most Architects have a carefully selected group of builders they recommend, builders who have a proven record of quality work delivered on time at a fair price. An Architect can help you select a reputable builder who understands your goals and expectations. As an advocate for you, an Architect will assist you in negotiating with the builder during the contracting process, and ensure that you have a fair contract that protects your interests.  While your home is being built the Architect can help you determine if proposed changes are fairly priced, review and approve contractor pay requests, make regular visits to the site to monitor progress, and make sure it is built according to the plans & specifications.

Though some clients choose to not involve the Architect during the construction phase to save money, they fail to realize the value of having an important advocate and advisor working for them to insure that the final product meets their expectations and is delivered at a fair price. Construction projects can be challenging, and while an Architect may not be able to eliminate all of the issues involved, they can streamline the process to minimize headaches and additional costs for the homeowner.

The design aesthetic is perhaps the most obvious area where an Architect adds value to your home. A good design always creates enduring value in excess of cost, and a bad design is often painfully obvious and will be regretted far longer than the savings are enjoyed. An Architect will help you create a visually appealing home with character and style that is designed specifically for you, not an imaginary generic buyer.

It is not difficult to understand how your appreciation of a well designed home will be equally valued by a discriminating buyer in the future. Ultimately, the resale value of your home is going to be increased when an Architect is utilized to add tasteful design, improved functionality, thoughtful detailing, and quality construction that will last for generations.

John Hendricks, AIA Architect, NCARB

Tom Russell, Project Manager, LEED AP

Hendricks Architecture, Architects in Sandpoint, Idaho

A Log Accent Mountain Home, one of many different types of  Mountain Home Architecture.

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Coeur d’Alene Residence Featured in Cowboys & Indians Magazine

This mountain lodge residence in Coeur d’Alene is the subject of a feature article in the January 2009 issue of Cowboys & Indians Magazine.  The Idaho mountain home is a great example of the nature themed mountain style designs of Hendricks Architecture and a showpiece for the design talent of Jane Scott Interiors.

This “not so big” house on a big site was also featured in the March 2008 issue of Spokane Coeur d’Alene Living.  Natural elements of wood, stone, and natural light flow from the rugged exterior into the interior, adding a sense of connection with nature.  Natural materials that could be recycled were of importance to the owners.  The house is perched on the top of a nob, yet the profile is kept low to blend into the site.  All of the main rooms are situated to have great views of Lake Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding mountains.  For those unfamiliar, Coeur d’Alene (often called CDA) is a resort town in North Idaho, 35 minutes east of Spokane and 35 minutes south of Sandpoint.  Our clients have generously offered their plan to us to sell as a stock cabin plan for those interested.

John Hendricks, AIA Architect, NCARB

Hendricks Architecture, Idaho mountain home architects

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Your first meeting with an architect

Once you have made the decision to build a new home or remodel your existing residence, you will want to select an Architect to assist you with the design and construction of your home. Choosing an Architect is a very important decision and should occur very early in the process. In some cases, it is helpful to have an Architect on board to consult with when you are choosing a piece of property for your home.

A good place to start is by asking people you know who have built homes in the past, or by talking to some custom home builders in your area. Typically, they will have worked with some local Architects and may be willing to make a referral. If you already have a contractor in mind, they may know Architects that they have worked well with in the past. If you are new to an area, or need another source for referrals, try the AIA (American Institute of Architects). It is the governing body for professional licensure and will have listings of licensed Architects that practice near you.

Often a brief call can help you determine if an architect’s expertise is appropriate for your project, and if they have a well established practice with projects built for you to look at. Most Architects have areas of specialization or styles that they prefer which can help narrow down the choice as well.

Similar to conducting a job interview, it is important to go to the first meeting prepared to ask the right questions, and with answers to the questions the Architect will likely ask you. One of the most important things to consider is the chemistry between you and the Architect – you should feel comfortable with each other because you will be working closely together and will get to know each other well.  Your architect should be a good listener, answer your calls promptly, communicate clearly, and be genuinely interested in your needs.

The following criteria should be considered in selecting an architect:

• The Architect should be licensed to practice in your state. This can be verified by contacting the local chapter of the A.I.A. If an individual you are considering is not registered in your state but is licensed elsewhere, it is usually an easy process for them to become licensed in your state as well if they are NCARB certified.
• They should have experience in work similar to your project.
• Firm size and structure are important considerations. Smaller firms tend to offer the best personalized service, but may have take longer to complete the design during busy periods. You will want a senior staff member at minimum managing your project from start to finish.
• The level of service Architects provide varies. Some firms will do the design but don’t provide oversight during construction. Make your expectations clear, and be sure you understand what services the Architect offers.
• The Architect’s design philosophy and style should be compatible with what the vision is for your home. If an Architect favors modern design, they may not be the best choice if you want a more traditional style home, and vice versa.
• Design fees should not be the primary factor in making your selection. Fees vary with the services provided, so make sure when comparing fees that the proposed services are equivalent. It will be easier to compare if you ask the Architect to provide line items for different phases of the project. It is worth noting that money saved by requesting a less detailed construction drawing package may result in higher construction costs.

During your first meeting with an Architect, some questions you may want to ask -

1. Why should I use you to design my home (or remodel)?
2. How long have you been in business?
3. How interested are you in this project?
4. How busy are you? When will you be able to start on my project?
5. Who at your firm will I be dealing with directly? Who will do the design? Who will manage the project during construction?
6. How do you gather information about a client’s goals, needs, and wishes?
7. What is the owner expected to provide?
8. Do you have a style that you prefer? Ask to see some examples of built projects.
9. Do you have a list of references? It is a good idea to talk to homeowners and contractors.
10. What is your process? How will the design be communicated (i.e. sketches, model, 3-D computer drawings)?
11. What do you anticipate your fee will be? How is the fee tied to the phases of the project? When are fees payable? Do you require a retainer?
12. Do you do cost estimating? Is it included in the fee?
13. Do you provide supervision during the construction phase? Is it included in the fee?

The Architect will likely ask you a number of questions about you and your project. It is a good idea to have answers to common questions in mind, and also to bring sketches, pictures, magazines or other visuals to convey ideas of what you like.  If you have a site map or plat of the property, and existing home plans for remodels it is good to bring those as well. If the site is close by, the Architect may want to visit it with you to start formulating ideas. Some of the commonly asked questions are listed below -

1. What are you looking for in an Architect?
2. Describe your current home. What do you like about it? What do you dislike about it? What do you want in your next home that your current home lacks?
3. Describe your family. Who lives at home? What are the ages of children (if any)?
4. Describe your lifestyle. What activities does your family participate in?
5. Do you work at home?
6. Do you entertain often?
7. How much time will you spend at home? What rooms are the most important to you?
8. What are specifics of spaces that you need? How many bedrooms, bathrooms, etc? Are there any special rooms or spaces you would like (i.e. theater, game room, office, etc.)? Do any of the residents have special needs?
9. What size home do you think you need?
10. How much would you like to spend on your home or remodel?
11. What is your schedule? When would you like the project to be completed?
12. How much time (or money) are you willing to spend on maintenance?
13. What styles do you prefer?
14. If this is a new home, have you selected a site?
15. How much do you want to be involved in the design? Construction? Product selections?
16. Will you do any of the Construction work yourself?
17. Do you have any preferences for materials?
18. Are you interested in doing a “green” home?
19. Do you want to use an interior designer?
20. Do you have a contractor in mind? Would you like help in selecting one?

Following your initial meeting with an Architect, you should have a sense for whether they will be a good fit for your project. Review their fee proposal and make sure they have included all aspects of your project, and check references. While cost is an important consideration, remember that it should not be the only basis for your decision. Quality of work, level of service, and experience are also important. As with most things, you get what you pay for.

John Hendricks, AIA Architect, NCARB

Tom Russell, Project Manager, LEED AP

Hendricks Architecture is a mountain architecture firm located in Sandpoint, Idaho.  Subscribe to Hendricks Architecture’s Blog.

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John Hendricks, AIA Architect • Architecture, Planning, Construction Management
418 Pine St, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864 • T 208.265.4001 F 208-265-4009 • john@hendricksarch.com