Getting the proper architect for your home from the very beginning is critical to the continuous and smooth running self-build project. But before you do hire an architect, it’s advisable that you do plenty of research before you start. Employing service from professionals and knowing how to make your budget flexible will truly pay off. When constructing a home, you don’t want to wind up spending plenty of time and money than you have prepared for. You want to make sure that you end up with exactly what you wanted.

Let’s be a little bit realistic here, we know that when it comes to renovations of houses or apartments, general contractors may disappear and be inferior in service. Did you know that for the most part, the architect can play a more significant role? Keep reading and we’ll let you know the things you wish someone told you before hiring an architect.

Architect for your Home

Understanding their role

Architects can perform and handle a variety of responsibilities in a renovation but won’t necessarily. They can work in a wide range and you might want to talk through your expectations to them. So when choosing an architect, discuss every option and question you have from him/her. This will help in building a split set of expectations into the contract and budget.

Familiarize yourself with some of the responsibilities they might execute:

Crafting the design and procedure

Generally, this is the primary thing you can think of the duty of an architect. Yes, the key here is the technical drawings—they draft the plans and develop them. This is where your architect will help you come up with ideas and set realistic expectations. Moreover, the finalized drawings will arrange the basis for permits, and they’ll lead the contractors on site.

Think outside the box

Architects are known to be creative, of course. Whether you want unique visual elements, more features than the finalized floorplan, or a secret underground room, an architect can squeeze some of those special elements you want into the drafts. There is a high possibility also that during the process of renovation, you will have more ideas in mind. Don’t worry because your architect is there to help you.

Recommend fixtures and finishes

The term “fixtures and finishes” involves appliances, lamps, doorknobs, faucets, paint, tile, flooring, countertops, cabinets and shelves, and more. There are architectural designers who will also be in charge of recommending fixtures and finishes in which they can be both a designer and architect at the same time.

They know reputable contractors 

A great architect knows how to maintain relationships with a few reputable contractors, so it’s better if you can ask them if they can suggest a few to bid on your project. A good architect is aware of what a contractor can do and must lean on them a little if they’re falling short. Let’s say, for example, you notice a minimal asymmetrical kitchen cabinet and you want to know if it’s normal or fixable; if it’s fixable, the architect should clear that up with the contractor.

Point person for managing the project

Renovations are composed of numerous moving parts such as getting permits, right people to coordinate, and arranging the order of fixtures and finishes. Although your contractor handles these things, the architect, on the other hand, can be the point person that will help you understand deadlines for items you’re ordering. They can also look for specialized sub-contractors further away than the general contractor’s connection, and retaining things like moving permits and processes that are not in their general scope of work.

Keep the project on time

This is just one branch of managing the project. Your architect can assist you with the timeframe and you can also designate it as a priority. Aside from staying on top of the contractor and other players, you need to understand that an architect’s responsibility can also include that recommend beautiful finishes that are to be delivered quickly and he or she can help you understand which pieces you can practically have done after you move in.

Can help save money

Your architect can give you ways to keep your budget in check such as giving recommendations on attractive and affordable alternatives to expensive finishes that you want and suggesting features that are worth your money, advising you on costs you might not be mindful about.

With these expectations from your architect, make sure first that you both get to sit down and talk about it. Clear every question you have and the job she will perform, this will avoid any unexpected fee that you’d might be accounted for.