House design go far beyond simply creating plans and architectural drawings, it is a process that, like any other, goes through different phases. From analyzing initial needs to approving the work, designing a house involves preliminary studies and requesting construction permits.

Due to high regulations in the construction industry, it is essential to follow all steps in a precise order. Whether you are building a house or renovating an old building, find out in this article what you need to consider in an architectural project.

What are the stages of house design?

Before you start your house project, it is important to know the steps of the project you will have to go through until the process is completed.

1. Meeting with the architect

As soon as you decide to proceed with the construction or remodeling of a building, it is essential to look for an architect, as he will play a central role in the whole process. In this sense, count on the services of MJARC Arquitetos.

After choosing a professional, the next step is to get in touch to share the overview of your project. During this information exchange phase, it is necessary to specify your needs, desires, desired deadline for completion and the expected budget . Afterwards, the architect will be able to offer an initial assessment, informing you of all the steps you must follow.

2. Studies and sketches for the house project

Known as feasibility studies or preliminary studies, these sketches represent the first phase of an architect’s work. At this point, the professional will assess the advantages and disadvantages of a plot of land or building before starting the studies for the pre-project.

These studies and sketches have two main objectives:

• To check the feasibility of the project: the architect will visit the site for a first meeting, giving his opinion on the interior design, renovation, extension, elevation or construction of the property, always taking into account town planning rules and the expected cost of the work;
• Define the specifications of the architect’s assignment: setting out in a contract all the details, such as remuneration, deadlines and a summary of the work.

After these analyses, it is up to you whether or not to accept the project proposal.

3. Feasibility of the preliminary study

After the preliminary studies, the architect will work on the overall design of the house project, a stage known as the preliminary study.

At this stage, the main dimensions of the work are determined, as well as the general appearance, resulting in a house plan, which aims to:

• Fix the final dimensions of the structure;
• Justify the technical solutions chosen;
• Specify the materials chosen;
• Write a description of the works.

4. Request for a prior declaration of works and building permit

Depending on the type of work, a validation by the City Council where the construction will take place may be required, so that the council can verify that the project complies with the urban planning regulations in force.

Discover the main changes in urban licensing here – simplex licensing

5. Hiring a company to carry out the project

Once all the necessary work has been completed, the architect must detail as much as possible all the details concerning the project, gathering all the drawings and plans, as well as written reports.

If the architect does not have his own team for the execution of works, it is necessary to consult companies that can perform this service. In any case, ask the architect before consulting on your own, as you may have a professional you trust to carry out the work.

6. Management and supervision of the work

In general, the architect visits the construction site weekly, but this frequency can be adjusted according to the deadlines, the complexity of the construction or the more or less demanding phases of the site.
During site supervision, the architect:

• Leads and organizes meetings;
• Writes reports for distribution to stakeholders;
• Checks the progress of the works and that they are in accordance with the established;
• Ensures the correct ordering of materials to execute the house project.

The architect and the contractor will be in permanent contact throughout the construction phase

7. Implementation phase of the house project

Later, at this stage, whether before or during, the architect organizes site visits with the client, in order to analyze and check progress.

8. Handover of the house project

Once the project is completed, it is handed over to the client. During this stage, the architect checks the quality of the services provided by the other companies before certifying the completion of the work. Once the project has been handed over, it is important to remember that there is a warranty period. So check all the conditions related to this point, as it may be useful.