Are you looking to hire an architect?
Choosing your architect is a big decision. The person you finally pick will be right by your side, taking the first crucial steps in turning your dream home into a reality.
Everything else regarding the construction of your home results from the work of your architect. Since there is quite a lot at stake here, as Sterling Property Solutions advises, you should take great care to ensure that you are ready to work with an architect.
The best strategy for making sure you are well-prepared is by asking the right questions. The more you have thought things through, the better equipped you will be to meet with prospective architects.
Here are the essential questions you should ask yourself before hiring an architect:
1. Have I prepared a wish list of features/improvements I would like to make to my property?
Creating a project brief is an important step in establishing a working relationship with your architect. The person who will be providing the service to you needs to accurately understand your vision.
An essential part of communicating your vision is preparing a wish list of features and improvements you would like to make to your home. Don’t forget to focus on and let your architect know about small details that could make a big difference to you as well.
2. How much am I willing to spend on the design and construction of my project?
Designing and building a home incurs considerable expenses. One of the pillars for making this process work is assessing your budget constraints. It’s very important to focus on real calculations instead of wishful thinking.
Your architect will need a working budget to understand the opportunities and constraints regarding your project. A part of successful budgeting involves the establishment of design priorities. In order to stay within the budget, the architect can make compromises over features that are less important to you
3. Do I know enough about this particular architect to believe they capable and appropriate for the results I am looking for?
Conduct a lot of research prior to picking your architect. The first step involves checking online reviews. Refrain from reading only the testimonials posted on the architect’s website. These reviews behave more like marketing materials.
Ask the following questions to ensure a good fit for your needs:
- What is your fee structure? What are the expected costs?
- Do you have proper insurance? What type of insurance plan do you have?
- Could you provide any references? Ask to include past clients, architects, and contractors.
- What are the biggest challenges of this particular job?
- Are you capable of providing 3D drawings?
4. Do I have enough information about my property to have an initial conversation with an architect?
Gather enough materials and documents to make your first meeting with an architect more fruitful. There are many aspects that you should cover in order to foster a conversation focused on realistic design solutions based on your unique circumstances.
Make sure you have the following areas covered:
- Building Department Records
- Floor Plans
- Land Survey
- Photographs
5. How important are aesthetics to the success of my project?
Be upfront about your expectations regarding the aesthetics of your project. Doing this is important both in terms of design choices and budget allocation. When you are clear about these expectations, the architect can strike a better balance between functionality and aesthetics.
6. Are there other entities or professionals that would be more appropriate or cost-effective for the services I seek?
Hiring an architect may not always be the right answer to your needs. This is especially true when you are planning a minor remodelling project on a tight budget.
Working with an architect means that the person will draw up a plan after understanding your wants and needs along with the budget constraints. After this, it’s up to you whether you hire them to further manage the project by picking and overseeing the contractors.
Whether you need an architect, general contractor, interior designer, or another type of professional depends on the type and scope of the job. Keep in mind that many qualified contractors have the skills and knowledge to take on a minor remodel as an architect.
Some homeowners consult an interior designer and then work on the final design themselves. Since there are so many resources online, hiring an architect for a project that has a budget of a few thousand dollars might not make financial sense.
In a nutshell: Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Architect
Hiring an architect is a pivotal point on the journey towards your dream home. Before meeting an architect, make sure that you are ready to discuss the project and its details.
Ask yourself the following questions before meeting and hiring an architect:
- Is an architect the professional I really need to build my dream home?
- What is my budget for this project?
- How do I know that this particular architect is the right fit for my needs?
- Do I have enough information for a productive meeting?
- How important are aesthetics in the success of this project?
- Have I prepared a wish list of features and improvements?
Article Contributed by Carroll from Sterling Property Solutions, 2020.
