What to Look for in an Architectural Firm

Vail Valley and the Smokies are a great place for new construction. Whether you want the most beautiful new home imaginable or you’re investing in something commercial, these are regions where opportunity is vast. In order to make your project a success, you’re going to need help, and that means investigating architectural firms. There are several points you want to consider in your search. Great firms will have a focal point, such as an architectural balance, but all of those considerations come after the big three.

The Portfolio of Past Success

This is the obvious place to start. A firm’s portfolio allows you to look directly at the work they have already done. You can judge for yourself how you like the designs and decisions made. Are you a fan of the aesthetic? Is there anything that captures and holds your attention? Do the designs fulfill practical needs? When you ask these questions while browsing a firm’s portfolio, you can quickly decide if you want to work with them or not.

The Architects Doing the Designs

It might seem redundant, but you need to see that the architects who did the work you like are available for your project. A firm can commit to principles of architectural balance and provide consistency, but the work is ultimately done by an architect — not the whole firm. If there is someone you like, you have to fight to make sure they are running your project.

The Contractors Working With Your Architect

Ultimately, architects don’t build anything. That’s the work of contractors. Most architecture firms have preferred contractors, but it is smart for you to investigate them. You can get an idea of how often they are on schedule and within budget. If you really want to know how a build will go, this is the most important point to check.

Since you’re looking for Vail Valley and Smokies architects, contact TAB Associates Inc.! We’ll discuss your plans and help you design something amazing.

How To Make Your Home Energy-Efficient?

When it comes to building a dream house, every homeowner thinks of ways to live more comfortably, save money, and reduce their carbon footprint. Fortunately, we live in an era where technology and innovation are dominating the world of architecture. These smart technologies, when incorporated smartly into homes, make it easier for us to live efficiently.

Despite incredible innovations, many homeowners are not enjoying the benefits of going green because they’re not sure where to start.

If you’re building a new home or thinking about renovating your house, hire professional architects who are able to help you improve your house’s energy efficiency. To make the decision easier for you, we’ve shared some smart tips on home improvement in this post!

Take the advantage of the Sun
The orientation of your house should use sun rays to maximize the amount of natural daylight. The placement of your house depends on the design and also the climate where you’re building in. You can ask your architect for advice on how you should build your house to get the best results.

Maximize the insulation
To cut on heating and cooling costs, consider insulating your house. This provides resistance to heat loss or gain, depending on your climate. There are plenty of insulation materials – from rock wool and natural fibers to sleek foils and rigid foam boards, as well as spray foam – that you can consider for insulation. Not only does a properly insulated house save on utility costs but also keeps your family more comfortable!

Install proper doors and windows
To maintain the efficiency of proper daylighting, you would need to invest in proper doors and windows. You may also consider investing in quality window films for existing windows and doors, that prevent harmful sunlight from damaging your valuables and overheating your space. These sheets can block the sun if needed for the winter chills, so the proper film for the climate is crucial.  Proper overhangs are the first and most important step.

To know more about making your home energy efficient, get in touch with TAB Associates to hire professional architects in Edwards Colorado and Western North Carolina!