Kaboutjie SA Mommy Blogs by Lynne Huysamen
Hiring an architect is a very serious matter. Your architect can help make your house or building dreams come true. When you’re unable to express your design creativity, your architect can easily do this for you. So, when looking to hire one in Saratoga, you should already have a little background beforehand. This will help you know how to get started with hiring an architect.
Here are things that you should know before hiring an architect in Saratoga:
- Yes, you’ll need to hire an architect.
The very first and most crucial thing that you should keep in mind when looking to hire an architect is that, yes, you will need that architect from places like BCA. When you’re remodeling, you may think that because you have all your ideas intact, all you have to do is hire a contractor to build it, without the need of hiring an architect. But no, this is a mistake. Although architects in Saratoga can be quite expensive, you can always settle around the budget you have while still making sure your building project will go as envisioned. Remember, your architect has the formal training and skill to put those plans into reality more than you do.
On the bonus part when you hire a local architect from Saratoga, this local architect will know the ins and outs of the city, where to find cheaper suppliers, and finding the best local contractors for you as well.
- Be very clear about the role that your architect will play.
Before you sign your contract, you should be clear with your architect regarding the role that they’ll be playing in your home or building project. The primary and most important thing that you should remember is that the architect does more than just design the project. There are many aspects of building and remodeling that’s not only done by the contractor, but by the architect, too.
Some of the jobs that an architect plays can involve any of the following:
- Designing your home or building.
- Drafting out plans.
- Choosing, communicating with, and managing the contractor.
- Making suggestions to keep the project on time and within budget.
Therefore, you should be clear about the roles and tasks to ensure that these are all a part of the price that you’re paying for.
- Take note of the following: experience, design, sustainability, and price.
Before you hire your architect in Saratoga, you’ll naturally be meeting for multiple sessions. These meetings are the perfect opportunity for you to ask your questions and lay your cards on the table. When asking questions, do ask about the following:
- Experience
- Design and sustainability
- Price
Experience. You should always ask about the experience of your architect. Credentials and honors in their degree aren’t as necessary as experience. However, if you’re one to gamble on newbies, then it can be a great adventure, too. But if you’re one who puts a premium on experience, then don’t forget to ask about this. Ask about their previous projects and even those that might be similar or related to your remodeling project.
Design and Sustainability. Architects and other designers tend to have one signature design. Ask about this design and ask for pictures, too. As more homeowners and building owners are getting more environmentally-friendly, check for the sustainability of the plan as well. No matter how trendy, your building’s design should last you for many years to come, so that you’ll not have to keep spending thousands of dollars on remodeling projects again.
Price. Price is always the most important thing that you should remember to ask. Do keep in mind that some architects tend to be more expensive than others. If you’re on a budget, be clear about this, too, and check to see if you can find ways for you to work around your budget without compromising the design and quality aspect.
- Remember that you’ll have a role to play, too.
One of the biggest mistakes when hiring an architect, be it in Saratoga or not, is that clients expect the architects and contractors to do all the work for them, only because you’re paying them. But no, that’s not the case. Remember, this is your project after all. So do expect your architect to ask you to do some of the work. Some of the things that you may have to do are:
- Picking out the final paint colors and design aspects
- Putting in your touches, too
- Do some of the supplies ordering
- You will encounter problems along the way.
Keep your expectations at a realizable level: there’s no perfect architect, even in Saratoga. Therefore, don’t expect your project to go a hundred percent smooth. Yes, your architect will undoubtedly do his best for the project and to avoid bumps here and there, but there might be some problems that can still arise later on. The most important thing for you to consider is that your architect can handle these possible problems in the best way that they can. Therefore, ask your architect about his potential conflict resolution methods.
A bonus tip for you to do is also to ask the architect about problems that he previously encountered with past clients in Saratoga so that you have a gauge to measure how well, or how bad, your prospective architect handles conflicts.
- You’ll need to take into consideration an architect’s soft skills, too.
Often, clients tend to focus so much on an architect’s technical skills, credentials, and experience. You may tend to be very particular about design and details; then you make the mistake of forgetting about soft skills, such as:
- Time management.
- Budget management.
- Good leadership skills.
- Communication skills.
Remember that the above mentioned skills are just as essential, among others. Your architect should have the ability to manage the time and budget effectively, as well as the other people in the team like the construction men and even the contractor. Even more importantly, you should also take into consideration an architect’s communication skills; he should be able to communicate with you effectively about any concerns about the project to avoid any misunderstanding later on.
- Do confirm that your architect is registered in Saratoga.
Just as the case in any other profession, there can be many people who refer to themselves as architects even if they’re not yet registered as one. This fact should be fine if you have no problem with it, but take note of the charges: your unregistered architect should charge considerably lower fees than a registered architect would. Be sure that you’re not cheated in this manner. The best way for you to check if your architect is registered is to search through your local Registered Architects Board in Saratoga.
Conclusion
This guide will give you the A, B, and C’s that you need to know when hiring an architect in Saratoga. Remember, remodeling and redesigning your home, or building one from scratch can cost a considerable sum of money. A big chunk of this cost goes to the fees that you pay your architect for their services. With this guide, you have a higher assurance that you and your architect are the best pair for your design project dreams.
