Karin Melberg Schwier
Who you gonna call?
Who does what when you need to build, add on or renovate Never mind t in ker, tailor, soldier, spy. When you’re embarking on a big home renovation, addition or a new build – all certainly stressful and potentially pri cey projects – how do you determine whom you need for what job? An architect or an architectural tech nologist? A builder or a contractor? An interior des igner or interior decorator? Many hands may make light work, but how do you make sure you’re paying for what you need and getting what you pay for? It’s clear that the capab ilities, credentials and exp erience of various pro fessionals who can be hired for a particular project are varied. Determining who you need may be comp licated, and it doesn’t help 34
S askatoon H O M E
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that opinions vary among the professions as to who is qualified to do what. Regardless, much of what a particular professional might do depends on the type and size of project. The National Building Code of Canada (NBC) addresses the “design and construction of new build ings and the substantial renovation of existing build ings.” There are nine parts to the Code, all to outline the “minimum provisions acceptable to maintain the safety of buildings, with specific regard to public hea lth, fire protection, accessibility and structural sufficiency.” You don’t want to overspend, but you want the job done right. Architectural technol ogist Sherry Bentley owns WI NTE R 2012
Country by Design and produces plans for custom homes, additions and renovations. She received her Residential House Design Certification in B.C. The most common question she’s asked is “Who do I need?” “Most residential hou ses fall under Part 9 of the National Building Code (NBC), so for anything structural – roof, additions, major renovations – new house plans all have to be designed and drawn to NBC standards. The one big thing I tell everybody is also look for experience. I do get calls from people asking about draperies and paint colours; I tell them they have a choice. I can do that, but an interior designer or decorator may be better for that purpose.”
There are overlaps in the work of professionals who may be hired to work on a home build or renovation. An interior designer might also do some décor work. A general contractor might also wield a hammer along side the builder, especially if the company is small. An architect has much more specialized education than a draftsperson, but both are quite capable of drawing up house plans. “It’s no wonder people get confused,” Sherry says. “There’s such a range of people who can be involved from architects all the way down to your sister-in-law who’s got an eye for colour and sets herself up as a design consultant. You need to check qualifications,” Sherry cautions.