Should I Use a Local Architect?

People tend to underestimate the importance of using a local architect when buying or even renovating their home in the Breckenridge, Frisco area. A local architect will have knowledge and connections that could end up saving you a significant amount of money. They’re familiar with the area’s unique building codes and can offer cost-saving design alternatives. And it truly makes it much easier to conduct site visits and meetings during the design process! Let’s explore some other reasons why you should consider using a local architect when building or renovating your Summit or Park County home.

Building Your Home

Many buyers forget how involved an architect can be in the home or homesite buying process. A quality architect will give you input on the location of your lot based on your criteria and help you choose a lot that fits your budget. Flat lots are often less expensive whereas building on a slope requires more foundation and several other things they can point out to you. An architect familiar with the local area will be able to give you much better advice. 

Renovating a Home

Both Breckenridge and Frisco have their fair share of beautiful older homes; most of them just need a little updating. Renovating or remodeling older homes can come with complications. It’s important to check zoning and ordinances in your area as well as any HOA guidelines. A local architect will be more familiar with what’s architecturally allowed and will be able to give you more accurate advice.

They will also be acquainted with local approval at the Building Departments as well as the HOA Design & Review Boards. Well-versed architects can help facilitate your plans and designs through all the aspects of the review and approval process. If you decide to use an architect that doesn’t have much experience with these things, you could be looking at a slower process and face some surprises if plans get turned down. 

The Inconvenience of Poor Architectural Design

Surprises are often expected during the design and permitting process. But what about after your dream home has been completed? Using a local architect who is used to building homes that can withstand the Colorado winters could save you from severe damage down the road. Snow load and snow shed are important to the engineering and design of your home. Snow shedding in front of windows, exterior doors, onto driveways, and onto decks is not good. Having a place to “store” snow when it is pushed off driveways, walks, and decks are critical to the design of your home. Unfortunately, in our area, there are many homeowners that are living with the inconvenience of poor architectural design every winter.

Local architects and great real estate agents will also know all of the good local builders, engineers, excavators, and interior designers. They can also help you source quality local materials like reclaimed timber which can be important. For a lot of buyers, choosing a local architect is an afterthought. We hope we have shown you why choosing an architect that’s familiar with the local area can help you!

How Can I Help?

I hope that you’ve found this information helpful. If you are needing buying or selling guidance or help in the Summit or Park County area please reach out! I will also continue to provide you with relevant and up-to-date information. 

If you would like more information on how the Summit and Park County Area Real Estate Market is doing, you can also sign up for my detailed monthly market report by clicking this link.

Best Regards,

Scott M. Lindblom
Associate Broker
Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties
(970) 485-4065
[email protected]
www.lindblomgroupe.com