Johnson Architecture, Inc. Residential & Commercial Architects

2009-04-24T12:12:00.004-04:00

In today’s economic climate it is more important than ever to perform your due diligence as you prepare to design and construct your new home. Too often we hear the ‘horror’ stories of designers who don’t deliver and over charge, home builders whom have been bankrupt in the middle of a project, construction funds diverted to other projects and even home owner’s who have paid for a home and not received the level of quality that they’ve paid for.

Whether you’re working with a design professional or builder already or about to select one, you should be sure to ask them a number of important questions that as you embark on the selection process for this important new “partner” in your project.

Over the years, our experience and the accumulation of similar guidelines from numerous trade and professional documents have provided the following information that we typically share with our clients as we assist them with these important selections.

Guidelines for Clients

1. Seek experienced professionals with a solid reputation.

You can identify the design and construction players in a particular city by talking with appraisers, bankers, Realtors, and even lumberyards or the local building department. Don’t be afraid to ask if someone providing a referral, such as a Realtor, will charge a referral fee. Any money changing hands should be out front and aboveboard.

2. Always check references.

Most clients resist performing a thorough reference check list on builders being considered for their project. But this easy step will reinforce your decision-making process. In addition to builder-provided references, contact local building material suppliers and ask for a credit reference. Falling behind in monthly accounts to suppliers is probably evidence that a builder is facing troubling financial issues. Steer clear.

3. Work with professionals you trust.

As you interview any construction professional (architects, builders, etc.) be aware of your thoughts, feelings, and perceptions about them. It is most important that you select people you are comfortable with and can trust.

4. Communicate your expectations.

Design and building pros cannot possibly meet your wants and needs unless you tell them what you expect. What are your worries and concerns? Are you afraid of making decisions and selections? Being wary of sharing your apprehensions with your design professional or contractor will lead to misgivings and miscommunication.

5. Know your priorities.

Are you most concerned about the cost of your project, the time to complete it, or its finished quality? Each one of those items can and will impact the parameters and management of your project.

6. Respect the advice of your architect and builder.

It’s always acceptable and even expected to ask questions of your professionals and to discuss decisions with them. But if you feel that you have to seek outside advisors to verify information they’ve provided, you’re likely working with the wrong team. Communicate directly with your designer and builder about problems or changes. It’s common for clients to chat with sub-contractors about the project, but directing the work of tradespersons on the job is always unacceptable and usually generates a myriad of problems.

7. Pay in a timely fashion.

Construction is a business that is fueled by money. Your contracts should include a defined draw (payment) schedule that stipulates a specific payment amount due when a specific portion of work has been completed. Most professionals are licensed and bonded as a consumer security for monetary payments.

8. Respect business hours.

For most builders this means 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays and after hours and weekends by appointment only. Clients should view their building professionals in the same light as their doctors and lawyers. Your builder is not your personal valet available 24 hours a day!

9. Talk about money.

The costs of design and construction are frustrating for architects, builders, and their customers. Having a reasonable discussion with your pros about costs, prices, profit, and billing methods is always acceptable. But challenging and arguing about the cost of a project and any changes or insisting on borderline legal practices in negative consequences.

10. Understand the professional marketplace.

Architects and contractors are as varied in price and quality as they are in their individual personalities and experience. Good, dependable professionals are usually busy and will require some planning and scheduling to get your project started.

I wish I could take credit for these “rules” and simply can’t remember where I got them or I would give appropriate credit where it is due. But you should heed this advice – it can save you not only money, but heartache in the important months to come as you begin your new home.

Green

2009-01-29T17:46:00.000-05:00

GREEN……..What is this “new” word that no longer immediately conjures thoughts of my favorite crayon or half the hillside roof tops in Pigeon Forge?

GREEN DESIGN? GREEN CONSTRUCTION? GREEN LIVING?

Are these the “buzzwords” for the last half of the first decade in the new millennium or should we really be paying attention?

Well, pay attention folks.

The term has been around for longer than you might imagine. After 25 years of designing homes, I can’t say that I have ever had a client not care about energy efficiency, lower heating and utility costs and environmentally friendly strategies. It’s almost as common as the “what’s this gonna cost?” question.

‘Green’ design isn’t a different process. But you might say it’s more visible today than ever before. According to John McMillan, Vice President of Marketing at Hickory Construction, “Building green is more about energy efficiency than about recycled products. Its about proper installation and building practices in areas such as insulation and house wraps. It isn’t as if ‘green’ is such a different process. Yes, there are elements that are unique, but many elements are the same as basic construction.”

So what makes a home green? According to architect Peter Pfeiffer in the August 2008 Better Homes and Gardens, the top three characteristics of a green home are:

Saves Energy – Having energy saving mechanical systems (such as hydronic water heaters, low-flow toilets and Energy-Star rated appliances) in a well-insulated home is the key to that goal.

Improves Health – Detached garages or carports ensure that toxic air keeps its distance. Green-built house also use nontoxic paint and have carefully sized heating and air conditioning systems, which thoroughly filter and dehumidify the air. In addition, these houses make use of high-quality exhaust fans and offer ways to bring in fresh air.

Reduces Impact – Building on infill property is inherently eco-friendly. According to Pfeiffer, “Stores and schools are already nearby; so are utilities like water, sewer and electricity. Truly building green means not having to create everything anew.”

Not embarking on a new design and construction project? You can also make an impact and “Go Green” by implementing simple and cost effective changes to your existing home with these tips:

Trade out incandescent for fluorescent and LED light bulbs

Add insulation to your attic flooring and attic walls

Replace toilets and showerheads with low-flow fixtures

Upgrade appliances with those that are Energy Star- certified

Repair or replace the ductwork to ensure your home is properly sealed

Shade windows prone to excess light with exterior awnings and interior shade devices.

Make sure all windows and doors are weather tight.

So, think about it – why not start your project by setting some ‘green’ guidelines and goals? Engage this concept – a concept that your architect should already be practicing.

I promise it’s not as hard (nor as expensive) as you may think.

Welcome to Daryl Johnson's Blog

2009-01-02T07:15:00.001-05:00

Welcome to our new residential website. Many of our friends in various regions of the country know Johnson Architecture for the creative and comfortable homes that we have created for them. But believe it or not, almost as many think we’re only a commercial design firm. What you may or may not know is that we have been designing single family homes for discerning clients since 1985. In 1993, at the birth of Johnson Architecture, we began to do it full time and our client list is filled with friends and clients that we still see and interact with.

Therefore, we are proud to launch our new website devoted to you, the purveyor of fine architect-created custom homes and retreats. A site that not only showcases what we do and have done, but can assist our current and future clients with creating a lifestyle that they’ve always envisioned. Scott Harrop, Kristin Grove and I have worked very hard with Tom Namey of Namey Design Studios to create a site that was friendly and comforting — like an old blanket or your Golden Retriever. In the future we hope to continue to update and keep you abreast of the ever-evolving residential design aspect of our practice. Please take the time to visit, enjoy and stay awhile. Then come back, often, to keep up with where we are and where we’re going. I hope we can help take you where you want to go too.

Other future topics:

• How does ‘green’ affect my home design?
• How do I choose a builder? What should I ask?
• Saving energy is easier than you think
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
• What is Practical Luxury?
• Choosing a Design Professional – Guidelines for Clients