Tips for hiring an architect
Designing your own home can be quite a project to take on by yourself. It is probably one of the most exciting and satisfying things you will do in your life. Working on a project of this magnitude however can be very overwhelming without professional help. Hiring an architect can make the task of building a home much easier, although the entire process can be tiresome and frustrating. What should you look for? How do you know if they're worth the money you pay them? Here are some tips for hiring an architect to make the job a little bit easier.
- Is he or she licensed in your state? This is a question that should never go unanswered. So many people hire architects or contractors that are either not licensed or say they are, but really are not. This can cause big problems; especially when or things go wrong. Your architect could walk out on you and you would probably never here from him again. Make sure that you do your own homework. Ask to see a copy of their license and ask for references. It doesn't hurt to look at other jobs they have done and talk with people they have worked with. This will give you a better idea of whether or not they're easy to get a long with, or if hiring them is going to be a nightmare.
- Ask to see a portfolio. Most reputable architects will carry a portfolio of sample work they have done so that they can show potential clients their work. If they don't offer you one, then ask to see it. If they don't have one then ask if you can have numbers for people they have worked with so you can actually go and see their work. Don't just "take their word for it. "This is much like asking for references, only this time you want to see the work they claim to do. This is also helpful in helping you decide if they are the right architect for you. Every architect is different when it comes to designing styles, etc. You may find after seeing their portfolio that you don't care for the style of work they do.
- Does he have liability insurance and how much? Every licensed architect will carry his own liability insurance but it's always best to ask how much they carry. You might find out that they don't carry enough to cover your design.
- Know what you want and where the budget will stop. It's up to you to decide on what type of budget you will have and to have some kind of an idea as to what you want them to design; even if it's just a general idea like the style you like. It's not up to the Architect to tell you that you're over budget or that you should stop spending because you don't have enough money.
- Sign and review a contract. Make sure you get everything in writing. Without a contract the architect is not bound to hold any promises made to you or you to him. It doesn't matter what it is, make sure you get it in writing; a signed legal document stating all terms and conditions.
- Do your homework. Don't just go out and find the first architect that you interview or find in the yellow pages because you want to save time. Finding the right architect takes time and effort. Find firms that have reputable architects and interview them. Compare them; weigh the pros and cons to all and then make your decision. Not taking enough time to consider several architects could cost you a lot of money and put you in a home that you hate.
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