If
you're considering building, you'll
want to consider hiring an architect.
While you may not need one for a
small home, there are many
advantages to using a licensed architect.
They don't only come up with your
design, a good architect
will walk you through every stage of
the building process including
overseeing the construction and
making sure the contractor follows
his plans.
Instructions
Things You'll Need:
- Patience
- 3 ring binder with
paper to keep information in
1. Start by finding architects
that you'd like to interview. Ask
friends,
family, or business associates
for recommendations. Use the
internet or phone book to aid in
your search.
2. Contact architects.
See if you can set up a brief phone
interview. Remember that architects
are highly paid professionals - make
sure that you have a list of
questions ready. Any architect
that you would consider hiring
should take the time to answer your
questions about their experience,
design principles, etc. but don't
expect them to give away their
knowledge for free.
3. After contacting numerous firms via the phone, narrow your choices
down to 3-5 architects
that you'd like to interview. Set up
a meeting with them. Be prepared
with information about what you'd
like to build, your expected budget,
& questions that you'd like to
ask the architect.
4. When you meet with
the architect,
the following questions are
important and should be asked:
- What is your
experience in building (insert
project type)? You want an architect
who has had experience in your
type of project.
- What do your services
include? Ideally, you want an architect
who offers a full range of
services including schematic
design, design development,
construction documents, bid
assistance, and construction
administration.
- What are your design
principles? These should fit with
what you are looking for, but
ideally, you'll find an architect
whose goal it is to take your
vision and put it on paper. An architect
should say that they are willing
to spend as much time as necessary
with you, the client, in order to
learn about your needs and wants.
They'll use that information to
design the best possible building
for you.
- What is your fee
structure? Some architects
charge an hourly rate while others
charge a percentage of total
construction costs. If your architect
charges an hourly rate, be sure to
find out if there is a maximum
guaranteed cost.
- What other services
are included in your fee? Your architect
will likely consult with
structural engineers, electrical
engineers, and other professionals
throughout your design. Find out
if any of those costs are covered
in your fee or if you'll be billed
for those separately.
- Do you have
professional liability insurance?
You'll want to make sure that your
architect
does.
- Do you have
experience in environmentally
friendly design and building? As
this becomes more important and
more popular, you may want to find
an architect
that has experience in this field.
They may be able to assist you
with getting a LEED or other green
built rating on your home or
building.
- Do you have rendering
capabilities? Technology has
allowed many architects
to offer clients photo realistic
renderings so they can see what
their building will look like
before it's even started. Some architects
can even offer virtual tour
renderings. If you are a visual
person, this may be very important
to you!
5. Once you've interviewed all the architects
that you are considering, take your
time and really compare them. Make
sure that you are choosing someone
who you connected with as you'll be
working with this person for a good
amount of time.
6. After
you've made your selection, make
sure that you get a contract and
that you understand all of it. Take
the time to have an attorney look it
over. Specifically, make sure that
you understand payment terms, what
happens if you have to put your
project on hold or cancel your
project. Don't sign it until you
understand and are comfortable with
all terms of the contract.
Contact us at: chin178@gmail.com
www.ArchitectChin.com
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