HA provides services that can be initiated prior to taking ownership of a site. Much of the programming of spaces can be done to define the size and type of home you intend to build. A landscape program should also be prepared to define the amenities to be created and featured as exterior spaces. Strategies for house flow, functional and spatial diagrams (relationships) can be determined at this stage. Project budgets can be prepared based upon the scope of the house defined in the programming. HA can assist in site selection by review and analysis of various lots and their potential to accommodate the program of spaces previously determined. Certain site issues can be anticipated through initial zoning review depending upon the location of potential lots.
It is conceivable that once a particular lot is secured, your architectural team can be up and running immediately with design strategies that respond to the predetermined program of spaces and relate to the specific amenities of the chosen site.
Site Selection
- HA can assist in the site selection process by providing analysis of each lot under consideration and it’s potential to accommodate your programmed needs. Each site will have unique amenities such as solar orientation, topography (flat or sloped), vegetation, privacy, access, acoustics, drainage, and other aspects that will influence the nature of the house you intend to construct. Site visits and or electronic photographs may be utilized. Site plan information should be considered part of the analysis.
Initial Zoning Review
- Review of the Zoning by-laws should naturally co-exist with the analysis of any site that is being evaluated in the site selection process. This process is normally done in conjunction with a site engineer who has prepared site information, such as a site plan of the lot.
Program of Spaces
- HA shall prepare a description of space requirements and the nature of each space. The outline of the program shall be based upon our initial discussion, as well as on the images and information you provide. The program shall be reviewed and approved by the Owner as defining the initial goals of the project. Dimensional and square footage allocations will be attached to each space with a compilation of total square footage.
Spatial Diagram
- Based upon the program of spaces, prepare a series of spatial diagrams describing the potential flow and functional relationships of the house. Consideration shall be given to the desired layout of bedroom locations, privacy issues and view orientation as well as prevailing natural light and breezes. The life pattern of your daily routines should be defined in spatial terms in this phase.
Project Budgeting
- Construction cost
Based upon the program of spaces defining the quantity and quality of the house to be constructed, prepare a range of recent comparable turnkey construction costs/square foot for projects of similar type and scope. The goal here is to anticipate costs of the construction and punch list, septic or sewer hook up, driveway, running services to the house, rough grading, debris removal, permits, contractors overhead and profit. A contingency is normally figured into this budget figure.
- Furniture, furnishings and related items
An estimate of costs relating to furnishings can be made after the programming has defined the nature of each space and the type of finishes anticipated. Topics such as window treatments, wallpaper, specialty finishes and hardware will be discussed. An inventory of furniture needed for each space, can be prepared and a budget cost for each item established. Comparable recent MHAA interiors projects can be used to establish overall budgets for furnished and fitted homes of similar size.
- Landscaping and site improvements
Based upon the initial landscape program comparable line item budgets can be established for each item based upon recent projects of similar scope.
- Professional fees
Defined by the scope of the architecture, interior furnishings and landscape to be undertaken, the requisite fees can be budgeted. Other professional fees to anticipate include site survey engineer, civil engineer, mechanical engineer, lighting consultant or other consultant required the particularities of the site.
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