My wife and I are currently living in a great neighbourhood with a very very large back yard, therefore we have no intention of selling and moving. So instead we thought we'd take our 35 year old home and see if we could update the exterior, this includes new windows, doors, brick/stucco?, landscaping and driveway. What professional could help me with designing an updated look for the outside of my house. Would an archatech help design the driveway and garden shapes?
The problem I'm having is that I haven't seen anyone take a house like ours and transform it into something nicer and updated. I need ideas about what is possible.
Hi, It's your house, you should have an idea what you want. Start from there. If you don't do it your way(with some expert technical advice) it won't be your house.
Architect for the house and landscape architect for the driveway and landscape. Though I'd start with the regular architect, as if you are considering changing the driveway, entrance approach, etc, they have expertise in that area. Also, some firms have both under one roof.
There must be homes in the neighborhood with elements that you like, although the whole property isn't designed like you want your updated home to be. Look for features you like and talk them up with the owners
- repl. windows, etc. Be sure you know, by enlarging the home, your present heat/ac probably won't be adequate. As Tony said, you have to know what you want to add/change, as a builder or architect will sell anything you want to pay for. Check with your city code dept. for setback requirements. If changing drainage (slope, etc) it should not be an issue that creates problems on another part of the property or the neighbor's. And if you really plan to stay forever, make it a plan that is comfortable if/when limited physical capacity comes along.
The issues I see often on ahr are: double pane windows that leak, roof tie ins that leak, heat/ac systems no longer adequate, cracked/leaky foundations and basements, attics that aren't insulated or vented properly. You need to know what you want to accomplish before you see an architect, and I would have a good heating contractor sign off on the plan before you sign any contracts. Home shows would be a good place to get ideas, but you really need to research big ticket items.
Thanks for all of the help. What I have now is a nice "Rectangle - Suburban Ranch" I want to give is some more character. THe brick is a wierd yelow colour and the windows, doors and roof will be replaced in the next 5 years. I don't want to expand the house as it is already large enough. I just want to update the look and feel from the curb. I'm not sure what to do with the brick. I could put on siding or try doing some sort of stucco treatment.
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