Construction Deal Update

Are you thinking about or planning a new home construction project? Or even a home addition? You know that you need professional created plans and documents to make it all happen. And you need to make sure you get all the right permits and will pass all the inspections. So, the question is -- do you need an architect to help with your project?

Architects can do so much for any building or remodeling project. They can handle the management of the entire process, from design to completion. Or they can provide just the design plans for your new project.

I found a list of questions and answers on whether you need an architect, what an architect can do for you, and more. From the AIA website:

"1. Do I need an architect for my project?
If you haven't worked with an architect before, you may wonder whether your project really requires it. Particularly if your project is your personal residence, it may not seem necessary.

2. What services do architects provide?
Architects see the big picture when it comes to your project. They help you explore what appeals to you aesthetically and what you require functionally. They coordinate teams of design, engineering and construction professionals; they sort through the maze of building codes and zoning requirements; they ensure your project is built the way it was intended.

3. At what point in my project should I involve an architect?
As soon as you decide you want to build something new, you should start looking for an architect. Architects provide important pre-design services including site evaluation, and can help you explore options you may not have considered. Involving an architect early in the process can help avoid costly missteps, and increase the likelihood of your satisfaction with the project.

4. How do I find the right architect for my project?
It is critical to find an architect who makes you feel comfortable, and with whom you have open communication. It's also important to find an architect with experience in your project type."

To find a local architect or architectural firm, you can post your request on the Construction Deal.com website. Describe your project and submit! You can choose how many architects will contact you. You'll save time because they will call you instead of you having to call several at random from the phone book. Find an architect the easy way!

"5. Don't architects add substantial cost to a project?
While it's true that architects' fees are an additional project cost, hiring an architect can actually save you money in many ways. Architects can monitor your budget and negotiate to get the best materials and workmanship at a good price. An architect's design can reduce energy and maintenance costs. They can turn a difficult lot into a successful building site. And they spend time planning and fully developing your ideas to avoid changes once construction is underway.

6. How are architects compensated?
An architect's compensation can be based on time, a stipulated sum, a percentage of the cost of the work, the project's square footage, unit cost (based on number of rooms/apartments, etc.), or royalty in which compensation is a share of the profit derived from the project. Time-based compensation and stipulated sums are most common.

7. What's my role in the design process?
Your architect will depend on you to communicate about your design preferences, functional requirements, and budget. Your timely response to questions and design submissions will help keep the project on track. It is also important for you to raise any concerns you have as the project proceeds, so they can be addressed in the earliest stages. Working in partnership with your architect, you will help ensure the best possible outcome for your project."

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Do you need an architect, designer, or design/builder? You can find one the easy way. Post your request with Construction Deal.com. We'll match you with local architect firms in your area. And it's free. You'll save time because the architects will be calling you instead of you calling several at random from the phone book. The smart and easy way to find an architect!

Labels: Architects

Here are 20 questions to ask an architect to make sure your remodeling or building project is a complete success. These questions come from the New Hampshire chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA):

1. What do you see as important considerations in my project? What are the challenges of my project?

2. How will your gather information about your needs and goals?

3. How will you establish priorities and make decisions?

4. Who from the architecture firm will I be dealing with directly? Is it the same person who will be designing the project? If not, who will be designing it?

5. How interested are you in this project?

6. How busy are you?

7. What sets you apart from the other architects I could hire?

8. How do you establish fees? When will fee payments be expected?

9. How will I be able to relate fee payments to milestones in your scope of work?

10. What would you expect the fee to be for this project?

11. What are the steps in the design process?

12. How do you organize the process?

13. What do you expect me to provide?

14. Do you have a specific design style? Can you show examples of past design work?

15. What is your experience or track record with cost estimating?

16. What will you show me along the way to explain the project? Will I see models, drawings, or sketches?

17. If the scope of the project changes later in the project, will there be additional fees? How will these fees be justified?

18. What services do you provide during construction?

19. How disruptive will construction be? How long do you expect it to take to complete my project?

20. Can you provide a list of past clients with whom you have worked?

If you need to find a local architect, home engineer, or design-build firm you can use the free resources of Construction Deal. We'll match you with a local architect firm to discuss your building, home addition, or home remodeling project. It's a great service that can save you time and money and it's absolutely free to use (and you're under no obligation to hire any of the quality architects in our network!)

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Source - Stu Silverman

Labels: Architects, Architectural Ideas