Thinking of Hiring an Architect near you?

We have assembled some information for you based upon our professional affiliation with the Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) which is a knowledge center of the American Institute of Architects. This serves as at least a foundation of interest that can help guide you in your decisions and/or considerations for if and when working with an architect is right for you.

Why you should ...
Architects are well trained in design theory, engineering, and project management. We explore inventive ideas to solve complex design problems and make sure a project is true to itself aesthetically. Have you ever remodeled a bathroom? Coordinating multiple plumbing fixtures, vanity styles, lighting options, floor tiles, shelving, and paint color for example can be challenging.

​This is not to mention other design considerations such as flow rates of the plumbing fixtures within your current supply system, efficiency of water usage, lighting intensity and distribution, exhaust fan noise and power. You didn't forget about the building code requirements and clearances for an accessible space, did you?
An architect can provide simplified options for you to consider for complex design problems that are not perhaps initially evident; such as our 'simple' bathroom renovation. Helping to manage the time and expenses to any project, an architect can save you a lot of stress and money on your project.
An architect also has expert knowledge of current trends, energy efficiencies, and engineering requirements that could bring added value. Even just inquiring about a home improvement project  might help open up additional opportunities that you might not have originally considered.

What does it cost?
Hiring an architect for the full suite of services - from preliminary design to finished construction - can significantly reduce the responsibilities and headaches of a home improvement project. The cost to do so will vary depending upon the scope of services and type of project. There are also a few different pricing options that might be considered in hiring an architect.

Typical fees for full suite of services might range from  5% to 15% of construction costs for new construction, and from 15% to 20% for remodeling. Rates for remodeling projects are typically higher as they tend to be more time-consuming due to the messy and unpredictable nature of remodeling.

So on $300,000 new construction project, you may need to spend $30,000 for the full suite of architectural services. Now you really have to weigh the cost of an architect against potential loses you would incur without their expertise - the time you spend researching, selecting finishes, coordinating with contractor, on-site changes because you were not able to visualize what the design entailed.

A local contractor was hired to build a new home for a couple over the example price above. Through the process the homeowners added features, changed construction and racked up about $30,000 in additional expenses that the contractor made clear to them they were incurring. So for the same price they incurred a lot more headache and the project ended up costing more time and money in the end.

However if you think you have the time and skills to design and manage the project yourself ... you can also hire architects by the hour, often with a not-to-exceed limit, which may save you money if you are careful in how you use the architect’s time.

If you can’t afford the full architectural service, but would like the input of an architect, you can hire them for just the services you need or that you will find most valuable. At the very least homeowners often need an architectural set of plans for contractor biding and permitting.

These can range from $3,000-6,000 depending upon the overall scope of the project.

For an accurate estimate on any services offered by an architect, talk to them about the project. Once they receive some details an architecture firm should be able to generate an estimate based on past projects and experiences for what you are looking for.

How to select a pro!
Find an architect or contractor experienced in the kind of work you are planning on doing. Ask to take a look at their portfolio (could be website, project sheets, etc) of work for past projects. This can quickly help you figure out what professionals you would like to narrow down to for interviewing.

For a new home or complex remodel, consider hiring the architect for at least their creative design input, either from scratch or in adapting a plan you bring to them. Have them create detailed plans and specifications that will simplify bidding and construction for you. A clear set of plans will help you find the right contractor at the right price.

On a typical project, a reputable contractor will follow the construction closely to ensure you are satisfied with the progress as it relates to your expectations set forth in the plans. Hiring an architect to help negotiate bidding, select a contractor and observe construction progress might not always be a service needed for some smaller projects but an architect should align their services with your needs.

You can also save money by bringing your rough architectural plans to a draftsperson to create more detailed “working drawings” and specifications. If you bring the same rough plans to two builders,  without sufficient detail, you will need to carefully compare their bids (and the specs they will provide) to make sure that they are bidding the same work and including the same items – this is risky.

Remember that when seeking advise or professional feedback it is important to select the right team of individuals to work together to ensure your satisfaction.

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Contact us today for a consultation. We're happy to speak with you about a home addition, renovation or new construction you might be considering!