SELECTING AN ARCHITECT

Building a new home or remodeling an existing one can be fun and exciting; it can also turn into a huge headache if you don’t have the right people involved from the start. Finding a general contractor is usually one of the first steps homeowners take when getting ready to do major work on a building project, but one person with a significant impact on the success of the construction is often overlooked – the architect.

It’s common for homeowners to pour a lot of effort into hiring just the right general contractor and let him or her select the architect, but this can be a grave and costly mistake. Choosing the right architect is like laying a solid foundation upon which you can build a beautiful home. In fact, it’s the architect who will likely be able to refer a great general contractor for your project.

Architects help bring to life your vision for home through written plans. This is important because they’re often the ones who can spot any potential problems early on to help you avoid potential problems down the line, saving you time and money. If you have your heart set on including a particular feature in your home, like a floor-to-ceiling bay window or a Victorian column, an architect can either make sure these elements are included or come up with an alternative solution. They also can help choose quality materials and finishes, and they’re knowledgeable about filing the proper documents related to zoning laws and building codes.

When searching for an architect, word-of-mouth recommendations may be a good place to start. Talk to your friends and associates to see if any of them have referrals for architects they’ve used. If so, visit their homes to see if you like the finished product. Another great resource is the American Institute of Architects (AIA), which has a database of thousands of professionals from across the country.

Regardless of which method you use, it’s important that you have great rapport with the architect. Being able to communicate your vision for the project and making sure that vision is understood will go a long way toward creating the home you truly desire with the least amount of headaches.

Here are additional tips to keep in mind when searching for an architect in the building or remodeling of your home:

Residential vs commercial – Make sure the architect you choose has experience in building the type of structure you have in mind. Someone whose entire portfolio of work includes shopping malls and office buildings may not be the best match.

Style Factor – Even when you find someone who specializes in planning for homes versus commercial buildings, you want to check to make sure their style fits the style you have in mind for your home. If you’re considering an architect who typically designs Colonial-style homes, but you want a bungalow, you could end up clashing throughout the planning process.

Cost Considerations –When it comes to construction projects, budgets can quickly spiral out of control, so it’s important that you have a crystal clear understanding of your architect will bill you. While some request payment on a retainer basis, others charge by the hour. Either way, know what the terms are so there are no surprises along the way.