So you have decided to remodel your home or implement a room addition. Because this might involve tearing down walls or changing your home’s design, it may be a great idea to utilize an architectural professional that are experts in this type of work. How can you go about selecting an architect? The followings steps outline some main steps you need to go through in the architect candidate selection process.
1.A good starting point is determining if you even need an architect. If your remodel doesn’t involve reconfiguring walls or rooms, you may only need to hire a contractor. Contractors will be able to manage most home remodeling tasks themselves. Good contractors are very adept at working on cabinets, painting, flooring, lighting, etc. However, if the design of your home is being changed i.e. the ground plan is being changed then you should look to hire an architect.
2.A great online resource to search for architects is the Architects365 website. The Architects365 website includes a directory of architects organized by city that will let you browse architecture firms by location. Spend some time taking a look at the websites of nearby architecture firms. When looking at firms, look closely at past projects the firm has completed. Ideally, you need to select a firm that has experience with projects that are similar in scope for your project. Narrow your listing of potential architects to several architects and schedule appointments with them. Interview each architect before selecting one for your project. Discuss your design plans using the architect. Use this meeting to obtain a sense for how the architect works in addition to how comfortable you are with them. You will likely work closely with your architect throughout the project process so it is important to have a good relationship.
3.For those who have worked with a trusted contractor in the past, ask them to suggest an architect. Architects and contractors work hand in hand all of the time. Your contractor will likely be familiar with local architects. Ask your contractor’s opinion about potential architects. How well your architect and contractor get on can have a big effect on how good or bad your project turns out.
4.Consider streamlining the development process by getting a design-build firm. These firms usually have designers and contractors in-house which may improve communications & efficiency by having staff centralized within the same firm. If you don’t curently have an existing relationship having a contractor, this might be a good alternative to hiring a contractor and architect separately.
5.Discuss fees. Ask the architect how their fees are structured. A few of the ways architecture fees are structured are fixed sum, cost-plus percentage, or time and materials basis. If you end up paying on a time and materials fee structure, be sure to get a maximum price written in to the contract which the architect can’t exceed. This will protect you from cost over runs when the architect takes too much time to complete the project.
6.Feel the architect’s service contract carefully. Make sure you realize each provision prior to signing it. To be safe, consider having a lawyer review the contract.