Do I need an architect?
Do I need an architect for my home addition, renovation, or new construction project in Wisconsin?
The Short Answer
The short answer is that, in the state of Wisconsin, stamped drawings from a Licensed Architect are not required for one or two-family (duplex) residential projects in Wisconsin. A licensed architect stamp is only required for residential projects with three or more dwelling units within a single building (multifamily residential, also known as apartment buildings) or any commercial building over 50,000 cubic feet.
Why Hiring A Design Professional Helps
Just because you don’t need a professional stamp, your project will still undergo review by planning and building officials to ensure the design meets zoning and building codes, and then reviewed at key points during construction by an inspector to make sure that the project is being built according to the approved plans.
If you intend to hire out construction to a contractor or even if you’re doing some DIY work and managing subcontractors yourself, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, etc. will want to see drawings so that they can accurately estimate the cost of the project and build according to the plans.
For these reasons, if you are looking to add-on, renovate, or build a new home, you will benefit immensely from engaging a design professional in some capacity even if it's simply to receive professional advice on a course of action.
Design Professionals Deliver Significantly More Value than they Cost
The most expensive construction project is the one that has to be redone because it doesn’t meet code requirements, is structurally unsafe, negatively impacts the home value, or most importantly doesn't solve the problem you were trying to solve in the first place. Residential design services ensure you are spending your money wisely and with the most impact. Think of residential design services as a force multiplier that makes your budget go further, your project timeline accelerate, and maximizes the beauty, functionality, and longevity of your home.
So please hire a design professional, even if it's not Platform House Plans! When we talk about homes we are talking about one of the biggest investments you will likely ever make (minimum hundreds of thousands of dollars) and the place where you and yours spend the most time (especially if working from home or retired). So it is well worth spending ten percent or so of the cost of your addition, renovation, or new construction project to make the outcome amazing.
Smart Homeowners Hire Design Professionals
Most people don’t think twice about going to the doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment for a medical condition but for some reason we think that watching HGTV qualifies us to design a home. There’s a lot at stake.
Smart homeowners hire a design professional. At Platform House Plans, we offer the same residential design services of a Wisconsin licensed architect at a fraction of the cost (at least 50% less depending). Schedule your free consultation today and we will meet to discuss how we can offer exactly what you need to get the project done the right way, the first time.