Get matched with top architects in Kodiak, AK

Consulting the architect of your house is not the best way to determine when it was built. Many homes are built by developers or builders, so there may not be a specific architect to track down—especially if you have a very old house. Instead, it’s best to rely on local government records.

You have three options in terms of professionals who can draw up blueprints: a draftsperson, an architect, or a structural engineer. A draftsperson can sometimes draw up plans for new construction, but they more often work from approved plans for alterations or to provide 3D drawings. Architects are usually the best option for standard residential construction projects. Structural engineers might be necessary for custom home builds or for alterations that could affect your home’s structural integrity. Draftsmen cost the least of the three, followed by architects and then structural engineers.

Open floor plans can come with drawbacks—mainly the lack of privacy and noise dampening. Walls act as an important barrier for traveling sounds, meaning in an open floor plan you could hear your dishwasher running while sitting in your living room. Storage limitations and separation of activities (for example, keeping the kid’s playroom away from the dining room) are other reasons some homeowners are opting out of an open floor plan.

A home elevator is a fantastic way to improve your home’s accessibility. Elevators allow anyone, even those who use wheelchairs or walkers, to safely move between floors within your home.

Dumbwaiters may allow you to move items up and down floors, and stair lifts can move people up and down, but elevators are the best option if you need space for people, their belongings, and/or mobility aids such as wheelchairs.

That said, home elevators cost more than other options, such as stair lifts. Consider your needs and your budget when deciding the best way to make your home more accessible to a person with a disability or a person who is aging in place.