I am not sure if I should apologize for the Tide of Home Reno Posts I am about to unleash here. Although the Fishbowl is a pretty clear representation of what’s going on in my head I promise not to let it take over… too much.
I thought it might be interesting to see how many posts will add up over the next year or so, hence the numbering. :)
And since this is the first one, I thought I should post this again:
The big news is this: we have decided on an architect…
… his name is David Mailing and I actually have permission to talk about him in this space. :)
This is a guy who, I’m sure, has heard absolutely everything. He’s been working with families like ours for many years and knows all of their secrets. But I think he was a little surprised to hear about the blog. Bringing it up to him at our last meeting was a little bit awkward. I am keenly and painfully aware that people who don’t read blogs don’t really know what the fuss is all about. They probably think that it’s really just a website with a weird-sounding name… blawg, which sounds uncomfortably similar to blarg, an expression “used to express aggressive feelings of frustration, anger, or disgust.”
Yet there I was, talking about it and asking permission to write about him and the reno. (Thank goodness Mark was there, my cheerleader!)
Anyway, yes, David. Here’s his website!
First of all, I want to talk about why we decided to go with an architect instead of skipping it and drawing something up on a napkin and delivering to a builder. David suggested that if our addition was going to be a simple box off the back he’d skip the architect too. But this is not a simple addition. Also, as an information professional, I barely know how to swing a hammer and hit a nail, much less plan out the best possible solution to our needs. We need someone on our team.
I don’t think we need a huge addition, I think we need smarter planning. We need to use our space in the most efficient way we can. And I know he’s the guy to do it, ’cause he’s smart like that.
I found a really good explanation of the difference between architects, design/builders, and builders on an Ottawa home reno blog. If you’re keen to read more about it you can check that out here. The author also posted a handy list of questions to ask your potential architect.
We asked David a LOT of questions and got great answers in return. I spoke to a few references and they confirmed what I was already thinking. (Which was that he was very good at what he does.)
All the “expert” articles talk about how important it is that you click with your architect. I would say that’s very true. After all, you’re going to be saddled with each other for a long time. We really like David, and I think he likes us too.
They’re coming to measure the house on Tuesday, which makes everything seem real all of a sudden (as if our meeting with the bank wasn’t real enough). (!)
I’m glad you Fishies can join me on this journey. I’ll continue to crowdsource ideas. I’ll be asking you all for your feedback and recommendations … as well as your insider knowledge of spectacular deals on family room furniture, a dream stove, and landscaping. ;)
Thanks for being here. Off we go!