Many of the single-family homes in Long Beach, California were built in the last century. Not only have home styles changed since that time, but the ways in which people live in their homes has changed as well. Many people are now working from home and want dedicated workspaces in their homes. They may have their adult children or aging parents (or both!) living with them, and need a set-up that accommodates a household full of adults—all of whom want their privacy. Modern families also have a greater need for storage than previous generations, and value things like natural light, custom details, and open floorplans that allow family members to be in the same general space, while engaging in separate activities.
Some of the items on a family’s checklist can be added by working with a creative interior designer or general contractor, but for a major home remodel that will substantially change how a home looks and functions, someone who specializes in residential architectural design in Long Beach should be consulted.
Residential architects specialize in the use of space. They can work with a home’s existing footprint and reconfigure it to make it more functional for a family’s needs, or they can determine what type of addition will be the most beneficial. For example, a homeowner may want a new master bedroom with a walk-in closet and an ensuite bathroom. They may come to an architect asking them to design a master suite addition at the back of their house. However, after reviewing the existing floorplan, the architect may conclude that a new addition isn’t needed, but rather the home’s layout could be reconfigured to give the homeowners everything they want without adding on—potentially saving the homeowners a good amount of money and time.
A good residential architect can also take a home’s elevation and transform it through some creative design tricks. You may have a Spanish inspired home, but would love something that has more of a Mid-Century Modern look, or you could have a cookie-cutter tract home that could use some “personality.” Most Long Beach architects who specialize in home design would love to take on a challenge like this!
Working with a Long Beach architect who will truly listen and help you create your dream home will be money well spent! Too many homeowners try to save money by redesigning their homes on their own, or by working with building professionals who are not trained in home design. The results are often disappointing, and homeowners then find themselves in the difficult position of having to either redo the work, or live with a home that’s not exactly what they wanted.
If you’re not sure if your home remodel will require the help of an architect, contact a residential architect in Long Beach for a consultation and they will likely tell you upfront what types of professionals your project needs.
