You’ve probably already consulted with an architect if a new home in Maui is in your future. Buying an existing Maui home instead may mean you’ll be doing some remodeling. Should you consult with an architect when remodeling in Maui?
The answer is yes, and for a handful of reasons. Unlike new construction, where you can buy ready-to-build plans, renovations specific to your home need to be tailored to your home’s existing construction. Altering an existing structure, whether five or 50 years old, becomes more complicated.
An architect takes your vision and turns it into a workable, aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic design. Here’s why you should be talking to an architect for a home or business remodel project, large or small.
Permits And Plans
If you intend to do the renovation work yourself, you will still need to apply for a building permit. The plans will require an architect’s approval and review by the county before your building permit is issued and you can begin the work.
Minor renovations such as paint, flooring, counter tops and the like usually don’t require a permit. But anything involving structural integrity, electrical wiring, or other changes that are considered major renovations adding to the appraisal value will require you to submit plans before Maui issues you a permit.
Additionally, if you plan to seek bank financing for the renovation work, the bank will also require a set of plans from an architect.
Structural Support
Any time you change something that can affect your house’s structure, it’s important to make sure that the new house will be properly supported. It’s one thing to add a new interior door to your bedroom or bathroom. But if you enlarge a room, remove a closet, or other significant interior changes, will your house, and most importantly, your roof, still have proper support?
Because an architect understands not only design concepts, but:
- Ergonomics
- Materials and costs
- Local building codes
Your architect can help you create what you want without risking the loss of support your home needs.
Consider Resale Value
Your plans may look great on paper (or on Pinterest) but design mistakes are harder to correct once you’ve built them into your house. If you decide to sell your Maui home, what might you expect?
An architect can actually save you money in the long run by helping you avoid design mistakes that can negatively impact your resale value as well as the time it might take to resell your house. The architect you choose can show you a wide range of options, as well as help utilize the space your home already has. They can also offer options for adding space, such as an additional room, expanding space, or even adding a second floor.
Dealing With The Unexpected When Remodeling In Maui
We mentioned the “surprises” you may encounter when buying an existing home in Maui. If you’ve bought a home with unpermitted (and therefore, illegal) renovations, chances are you’ll be required to do some remediation work, or pay fines along with an “after the fact permit” from the island of Maui.
Because an architect understands local rules and codes, having one to remedy unpermitted renovation work by a previous owner can help ensure that you’ll be able to properly remediate everything before starting your own remodeling work. He or she will also make sure that the new work is done correctly and according to building codes, as well as avoiding accidental code violations.
Call Pro Draft For All Your Architectural Design Needs
When you’re ready to begin building a house in Maui, remodel one, or add to your home or commercial property, Pro Draft is ready to help with architecture, drawings, blueprints, permits, and to answer all of your questions before the first day of construction. We’re happy to help and will work to ensure your project is exactly the way you envision.
Call Pro Draft today at (808) 579-9050 or 1-800-499-4699 from the Mainland