Just like anything, buildings have a lifespan. At some point, their various elements become either outdated or inoperable. Things like floors, windows, appliances, and major systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical need to be replaced over time, and doing so doesn’t necessarily require calling in a Long Beach architect. But if you find that more than a few of the elements in your home or place of business are in need of replacing, it might be time for a major overhaul that does require the expertise of an architect.
If you’re happy with the current design and layout of your home, you could replace its elements in a piecemeal fashion as things break down or go out of style, but you could also use it as an opportunity to take on that remodel you’ve always dreamed of doing.
For example, if you’re thinking about replacing your home’s windows with new, energy-efficient windows with better safety features, you may want to take the time to consider if you’re happy with the current placement of your windows before calling a replacement window company. Maybe there’s a window, or set of windows, that could be turned into a large patio door, giving you a better access to the outdoors. Or perhaps the layout of your home could be reconfigured to give you more natural light and better airflow when the windows are opened.
If you are in an older home in need of an overhaul of its electrical system, you could hire an electrician to do the job, or you could take advantage of the situation to add that home theater you’ve always wanted or to make your home more amenable to the latest technology.
What you don’t want to do is wait for damage to occur as a result of a product failure, and then have to complete a hasty, poorly planned remodel just to make your home or building functional again. It makes sense to get ahead of anything in your home or commercial space that is getting close to reaching the end of its lifespan—especially elements whose failure could lead to further damage, such as a leaking roof or windows, an electrical malfunction, or a large plumbing problem.
Home Remodels and Commercial Space Retrofits in Long Beach that Last
At M. Grisafe Architects, we design spaces that are functional and that meet the requirements of our clients, and we also consider longevity. We use only products that have been tested and have proven to be reliable.
We’ve talked before about how we have tested products in our own homes (see this past blog post about solar panels) and in our architecture firm’s Long Beach office to make sure we can confidently recommend them to our customers. Of course, we can’t test out every product on the market ourselves, so we do our research and consult experts to find out which products will be the most durable and reliable for our clients, while still giving them the look and functionality they want for their home or place of business.
Going back to the example of new windows, we only recommend products that are durable, and then we make sure they are installed by a reputable company. Michal Bohm, who is a replacement window expert in San Diego and owner of the company BM Windows, says that high-quality windows, installed properly with high-quality supplies will outlast the home’s siding, stucco, trim, and many other elements. On the other hand, cheap windows installed with low-quality caulking and flashing could fail in a matter of a few years.
At M. Grisafe Architect, we do everything we can to ensure that the spaces we design will serve our clients well for many years to come.
Is it Time for You to Contact a Long Beach Architect?
Are you tired of replacing your home or business building’s elements one-by-one and not getting the look you want? Maybe it’s time to contact an architect who can provide you with an overall design that will meet all of your needs, as well as give you a space that will inspire you to live and work better.
The architects at M. Grisafe Architect in Long Beach would love to help! Contact us today to get started.
