Beverley McRae says she would always involve an architect in renovating.
"People renovate because what is there already is not good enough for the purpose, and finding solutions to your problems is what architects do," says the chief executive of the Institute of Architects.
Most homeowners have some idea about what theylike. The hard part is achieving it. But some might be afraid of approaching an architect with a mere renovation.
"I would be surprised if one of our members gave someone the brush off," she says.
"If they do not have the capacity to take on that work, I'd expect them to make a referral to another company, based on their understanding of your requirements and their knowledge of what other firms can provide."
Some architects are better at smaller projects than others. The institute has a list of members, listed by region, which indicates the type of work they have been involved in.
"Often an architect is chosen after talking to friends, neighbours and real estate agents or looking at magazines like Architecture New Zealand, and Trends," Mrs McRae says.
"Once you have a few names, you shouldn't be afraid to approach two or three firms, arrange an interview, ask for examples of similar projects and references, and decide if you can work together.
"The first principle is that they have to be sympathetic to both your needs and the needs of the building. An ugly, stylistically inappropriate renovation will reduce the value of the property.
"Don't expect ideas for nothing: clarify from the outset what the charges will be and for what. Many charge an hourly rate but, overall, you might expect to be charged 10 to 14 per cent of the building cost."
Renovations tend to be more expensive than new buildings, she says, because demolition can be involved and hidden defects can be uncovered. Greater skill is often needed to get it right.
"Architecture is not a luxury you can't afford. Cities all over the world crow about their architecture.
"It is part of the culture and that begins at home, surely," she says.
"Practically speaking, any investment in a renovation has to pay for itself in terms of both use and value. Including an architect's fee in your budget will give you returns in abundance.
"The best compliment anyone will pay you, particularly your valuer, is that they didn't realise, until you told them, that you had renovated!"
