We have worked on over 550 residential projects since 2009, and over the years we have worked with various clients and have been privileged to help them turn their dream homes into a reality.
However, we understand that there is no such thing as a “good fit” for everyone, especially in self-building. It is crucial to build a good rapport with your self-build architect. You must ensure their vision aligns with yours and that you both want to carry out the project to the highest standard.
Years of experience in this industry have taught us many important lessons and we know our strengths and weaknesses – we also know the type of clients that are a ‘good fit’ and those that aren’t.
This does not mean that we do not want to work with particular kinds of clients, we just think that they may benefit from co-operation with an alternative practice. Therefore, we have prepared 7 reasons why you should not work with us when building your home to help save you and your valuable time.
ACA IS NOT A GOOD FIT FOR YOU IF...
1. YOU WANT THE CHEAPEST HOUSE POSSIBLE, EVEN AT THE EXPENSE OF GOOD DESIGN
Building the house of your dreams requires an investment of your time and your money. If you want the cheapest house possible, we are not the best fit for you!
Initially, we will give you 2 to 3 options for the first designs of your home. These will be reviewed with you and then revised until you are 100% satisfied. This process can take 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the amount of changes – this detailed and collaborative approach is the only way to design your dream home.
This takes time and money, but if you are happy with a quick & convenient design that has no relation to your family's needs and lifestyle, then pick from a standard design.
2. YOU DO NOT CARE ABOUT SAVING MONEY IN THE LONG TERM RUNNING OF YOUR HOME
If the environmental impact and energy usage of your home is not a concern - you probably don't need the detailed services that we provide at AC Architects.
The UK needs approximately 250,000 homes per year to keep up with demand, and the current housing stock is sub-standard in design and energy performance. Heating and powering homes account for almost 25% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, and we want to change that.
We ensure that our design is not only aesthetically stunning but also technically designed to limit energy demand and usage. Building a good home is a priority, but keeping that home running is of equal importance to us.
3. YOU WANT AN OFF-THE-SHELF KIT HOUSE THAT IS NOT TAILORED TO YOUR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
One of the main reasons why people undertake self-build projects is the freedom they have in choosing every aspect of their future home. From the inner structure to the outer detailing, every self-build is unique.
However, if you are ready to compromise the vision of your dream house to reduce the amount of effort and time invested in it – you can use the services provided by major developers and buy a house that does not fully relate to your needs. If you want a home designed for you, then you've come to the right place.
4. YOU DO NOT NEED YOUR ARCHITECT TO UNDERSTAND YOUR VISION
It is very important for us at AC Architects to build a good rapport with our clients in order to fully understand their vision. Initially, we will spend a couple of days with our clients and their family members, so that we know the dynamic and how they live. Working closely together is imperative in the successful design of a home.
Every project is unique, and circumstances can change unexpectedly. A good architect should be adaptable, and ready to adjust the design or approach as needed to meet your evolving requirements as a client.
5. YOU DO NOT WANT THE BEST QUALITY PRODUCT
Throughout the years we have specified thousands of products and know what works at the right price point. As we have established strong working relationships with these businesses, we can secure reduced quotes for anything from windows to kitchens.
If your budget is limitless it may not be very important to you, but we think that being able to offer the best product for the best price is essential for the success of a self-build project.
6. YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN CRUCIAL STAGES OF YOUR HOUSE DEVELOPMENT
To achieve a final product that reflects all of your preferences, you need to be fully involved in the process, but you will be rewarded for this.
If it is not important to you, you can just choose one of the several options offered by a major developer. These homes may seem handy, but will not fit your requirements 100%, or even 50%.
Undertaking a self-build project is a very demanding process. We understand that when planning timelines you may set the finishing date close to your birthday or Christmas – in order to celebrate both. (this is a bad idea, by the way!)
Commencing a Self-build is full of surprises and unexpected incidents, which can lengthen the construction phase. Once again, if you are ready to compromise the vision of your dream house just to get it done sooner, you can purchase a house built by a major developer and hope that they will finish it on time.
None of these apply to you? Then you're already on the way to realising your dream design! Contact our team for a free consultation to find out more about how we can help you.
