Before appointing a contractor for the renovation of any residential property, you should first appoint an architect. Why?
Appointing an architect before a contractor for residential home renovation is crucial for several reasons:
Design Expertise: Architects have the expertise to create functional and aesthetically pleasing designs tailored to your needs and preferences.
Planning and Regulations: Architects can assist in obtaining necessary permits and approvals, ensuring compliance with local building codes and regulations.
Cost-Effective Solutions: Architects can help optimize the use of space, materials, and resources, potentially saving costs in the long run.
Project Management: Architects can oversee the project from conception to completion, coordinating with contractors and other professionals to ensure quality and timely execution.
Value Addition: A well-designed renovation by an architect can enhance the value and appeal of your property, making it a worthwhile investment in the long term.
Drawing Preparation The list provided outlines the drawings that an architect can assist with for a Residential Home Renovation or Re-Build:
Key Plan
Site Plan
Roof Plan
Floor Plans
Toilet Details
Location Plan
Elevation Plans
Finishes Schedule
Cross-Sectional Plan
Reflected Ceiling Plan
Temporary Building Plan
Door & Window Schedule
As-Built Drawing Production
Enlargement of Gate Drawing
New Staircase Detail Drawing
Metering Compartment Drawing
Sanitary & Plumbing Diagrammatic
Project Signboard & Hoarding Plan
Rain Harvesting Tank Diagrammatic
Relocation of Staircase Detail Drawing
Ventilation & Natural Lighting Calculation
Ventilation & Natural Lighting Calculation
(All the above drawings must comply with the Uniform Building By-Laws & Local authority’s requirement.)
Drawing Submission for Approval
The architect will endorse and sign off on all the drawings, and the owner(s) will also be required to sign off before the architect submits the drawings to the local authority.
Initially, the architect will submit all necessary documents and drawings online via OSC 3.0.
Once the online submission is accepted by OSC 3.0, the architect will then physically submit the drawing hardcopies to the local authority.
Sometimes it takes months to obtain the approval, depending on the complexity of the project and the number of comments made by the officer.
Upon receiving approval, the architect will send it to the owner. The validity period is one year, after which the approval will lapse. The owner(s) must inform the architect if they intend to commence construction. The architect is then required to submit Form B to notify the local authority. Once Form B is submitted, the approval will remain valid indefinitely.
Upon completion of the entire construction, the architect will submit 21 Form G to the local authority and respective government agencies. The contractor(s) must sign off on Form G and provide CIDB certification. Once the submission is accepted, the architect will issue the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC Form F) to the owner.
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