What Homeowners Really Want to Know Before They Commit

When homeowners first reach out to an architect, the questions are often practical—but the underlying concern is usually the same:

“Am I about to make an expensive mistake?”

Below are the questions that come up most often in early conversations, along with clear, experience-based answers.

1. Do I Need an Architect for a Renovation, or Just a Draftsperson?

This is one of the most common questions—and a fair one.

A draftsperson can document a solution. An architect helps define the right solution in the first place.

For renovations and extensions, the complexity isn’t just the drawings—it’s how new spaces integrate with the existing house, how light and orientation are resolved, and how planning controls and construction constraints are navigated.

Architectural input is most valuable when:

The site has constraints
The brief is evolving
Long-term liveability matters

2. When Is the Right Time to Speak to an Architect?

Earlier than most people expect.

Many homeowners wait until they’ve “worked it all out” before engaging an architect. In reality, this is when costly assumptions tend to creep in.

Early conversations help clarify:

What’s realistically achievable
Where budget should be prioritised
Whether an idea is worth pursuing at all

Even a short early engagement can prevent months of rework later.

3. How Much Does an Architect Cost?

Architectural fees vary depending on scope, complexity, and level of involvement.

What’s often misunderstood is that architectural fees aren’t just about producing drawings. They reflect:

Design thinking and problem-solving
Coordination with consultants
Navigating planning and approvals
Protecting design intent through documentation

A well-considered design process can save money during construction by avoiding poor decisions, overbuilding, or costly changes on site.

4. How Long Does the Design and Approval Process Take?

This depends on the project, but renovations typically involve several stages:

Initial briefing and feasibility
Concept design development
Planning approvals (if required)
Detailed documentation

Planning timeframes are often outside anyone’s control, which is why realistic scheduling—and patience—are important parts of the process.

5. Can You Help Us Work Out a Budget?

An architect can’t set construction prices—but they can help you design within realistic parameters.

Early design decisions have the biggest impact on cost:

Size and complexity
Structural changes
Material choices
Site conditions

Clear conversations about budget early on lead to better-aligned outcomes later.

6. Will This Renovation Add Value to Our Home?

Value isn’t only measured in resale.

Good renovations improve:

Daily comfort
Functionality
Energy performance
Long-term adaptability

While resale value matters, the most successful projects are those that support how people actually live—now and into the future.

7. What Should We Have Ready Before Meeting an Architect?

You don’t need a perfect brief—but it helps to think about:

What’s not working in your home now
How your needs may change over time
Rough budget expectations
Any planning constraints you’re aware of

Pinterest boards are fine—but clarity matters more than inspiration.

8. How Do We Know If an Architect Is the Right Fit?

Beyond qualifications, it’s about alignment.

Look for an architect who:

Listens carefully
Explains trade-offs clearly
Is honest about constraints
Values long-term outcomes over quick wins

A good working relationship matters just as much as design skill.

A Thoughtful Starting Point

Renovating or extending a home involves a series of decisions that build on each other. The earlier those decisions are guided by experience, the smoother the process tends to be.

At Mark MacInnis Architect, early conversations focus on clarity—helping homeowners understand what’s possible, what’s sensible, and what’s worth investing in before plans take shape.

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