Get matched with top architects in Cheraw, SC

Structural engineers draw structural plans, which include detailed drawings of the structural components of a home only. Complete house plans will require additional work from an architect or draftsperson, whose drawings will take the structural drawings into account. They’ll also include more details about the finishing materials and layout of a home, including everything from roofing and flooring materials to the position of furniture, light fixtures, switches, and plumbing fixtures.

Greek Revival and Federal architecture are quite similar in that they focus on symmetry and a blend of utilitarianism and opulence, but they differ in a few key areas. First, Federal architecture tends to include a brick facade, whereas Greek Revival homes more often have stucco siding, much like you’d find in Mediterranean houses. Greek Revival homes also tend to be a bit more ornate, with columns as decor, and more decorative and formal porticos.

Whether you’re building a new home or building an extension on your existing property, you will likely need both a structural engineer and an architect. A structural engineer will determine what loads your foundation and framing can safely handle, and an architect will draw plans according to those structural calculations to simplify the building process. You can start by contacting a structural engineer near you, as many work alongside architects and can get all of the prep work done at once.

Aging-in-place universal design features can make your home more comfortable for family members who are older or have disabilities; they can also make your home safer. In addition, adding a universal-design bathroom can boost your home’s overall resale value.