RENOVATION/ADDITION SERVICES
When contemplating a home renovation or addition, it is crucial to involve an architect in the early stages. Tight House emphasizes a comprehensive strategy that enhances space utilization, natural lighting, and exterior aesthetics. Rather than solely focusing on adding square footage, their approach prioritizes optimizing outdoor spaces, directing views, and enhancing curb appeal. Sometimes, increasing square footage may not be the optimal solution, and instead, renovating and reinvesting in existing spaces can create new functionalities and redefine living areas within your home.
TIMELINE & PROCESS
Design and Documentation: 3-9 months
The given timeframe comprises four stages of design and documentation, along with the time required for engineers to finalize your project. The four phases of design and documentation are Existing Conditions, Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Documents, which are briefly outlined below. However, the duration may vary if your project falls under the purview of a Design Review Board, historic district, HOA, or if client feedback is delayed.
Existing Conditions
The initial stage of the design and documentation process is the Existing Conditions phase, which forms the groundwork for the remaining stages. This phase primarily involves gathering information and documenting the site and the existing structure. The information gathering process includes examining the neighborhood context, researching zoning requirements, and photographing the property and the existing home. Tight House pays attention to various factors such as the site's unique features, optimal and obstructed views, ideal home orientation, and historical and cultural significance of the area. As part of this stage, a site surveyor may be required to produce a site survey if one is not readily available. The site survey enables the team to measure the parts of the house that will be impacted by the design and create a digital set of as-built plans that will serve as the base drawings for the rest of the project.
Schematic Design
During the Schematic Design phase, Tight House concentrates on the home's experience, the arrangement and interrelationship of various functional spaces, the impact of the new design on the existing site or home, passive sustainable design methods, and the overall design concept of the home. Leveraging the information obtained from the Existing Conditions stage and the project scope, the team designs the floor plan and site plan and supplements them with numerous 3-D renderings to illustrate the shape, massing, and other significant concepts. To refine the layouts and create the best possible plan, multiple virtual meetings, usually 2-3, are conducted to discuss and finalize the design.
Design Development
Design Development marks the stage where the home's aesthetic and style are incorporated into the process. In this phase, the team selects materials, creates a light and power plan and a roof plan, and hones in on details by developing 2-D drawings and some 3-D renderings of the main spaces. Typically, this is achieved through 2-3 virtual meetings.
Construction Documents
Construction Documents serve as the ultimate deliverable provided to you by Tight House, and this is the phase where consultants such as Structural and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) engineers are involved, and in some cases, a Civil Engineer may also be required based on the project scope. During this phase, Tight House develops building plans that General Contractors will use to price the design and secure Building Permits.
Building Permitting: 4 months
Obtaining a building permit is mandatory for all additions and most significant renovations. The duration of the permit process is entirely reliant on the local jurisdiction and can vary significantly based on their staffing levels and project load. Consequently, Tight House advises estimating a minimum of 4 months for the permit application process. The permit is granted only after confirming that the structures comply with the building codes, relevant codes, and ordinances.
Construction: 8-18 months
An addition or renovation usually requires 8-18 months for construction, but this timeline can be prolonged depending on the project's size and complexity. While the hired general contractor is responsible for the project's schedule and timeline, estimating a construction duration of 8-18 months is a good point of departure. Throughout the construction process, Tight House remains engaged to provide support and address any concerns or queries that may arise.
Tight House currently provides services in New Jersey, New York City and the Hudson Valley.
Rahul Shah is NCARB Certified, this provides the flexibility to apply for reciprocal licensure in all U.S. jurisdictions, as well as Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand.