At last you’re doing it! Building your dream home! Or is it the office building for your company? You need this project to be a success!
So, how do you sidestep a few common challenges many people face when planning a building of their dreams? How will you get benefits of modern features like solar skylights or smart home features, while also managing aesthetics and functionality in every room?
We’ve got you covered! When you start your planning by consulting an architect, your guideline is below. With these few questions you’ll facilitate an efficient discussion that benefits your personal goals and helps the architect know exactly how to give you what you need.
Can You Show Me Your Portfolio?
Don’t simply trust architects’ marketing material when you’re in the process of picking which professional to work with. You need proof of what they’ve done in the past in the form of pictures or even talking to previous clients. Only if you like what you see should you commit and start planning with them.
Do You Have a Specific Style?
Apart from seeing a portfolio, do enquire about their personal preferences and niches they enjoy the most. If there’s a specific style they tend to implement and it’s not something you like, rather pick someone else. If you and the architect like the same things from the start, it will streamline the process.
How Will Fees and Payment Work?
Money should be a large part of your discussion with an architect, because you need to manage your budget throughout. Here are some topics you need to be clear on:
- How are costs determined? Hourly fees? Or is there a standard fee or perhaps costs calculated as a percentage of the entire project’s expenses?
- If you ask for changes after the work started, how would costs be impacted?
- Do I need to pay for the first consultation?
- When must the first payment be made?
What is the Planned Timeline?
Apart from costing, also discuss when everything will happen. You may need to plan when you can move out of your old building to the new one.
Also ask if the architect has capacity to immediately add your project to his or her calendar. You don’t want your building plans to lag just because a professional is very busy and keeps on prioritising other clients.
Who is this Project’s Contact Person?
You’ll want regular updates about the project but the architect may not have the time to supply this information personally. Find out who at the company you can contact when you have questions or want to share information.
To manage your expectations, also enquire about the architectural firm’s work method. For example, instead of one architect, there may be a team that works on your project. Knowing who will be involved will help you feel more in control, and you won’t be surprised when someone else contacts you with updates.
Remember, building a home or other building can be stressful, so managing expectations in advance is important to reduce unnecessary tension.
What do You Think of My Ideas?
You’ll come to the table with general ideas of what you want. This is essential for an architect to design something that will align with your preferences.
But are your ideas practical or will the architect come back with a suggestion of something completely different? Why not ask them their opinions from the get-go to have a better workflow and synergy between everyone?
What Can We Improve?
Architects have the training to make spaces more practical and aesthetically pleasing. So, ask them how they would adjust your basic idea in order to make it more valuable and functional.
Perhaps they think there are ways to improve natural light or incorporate roof ventilation to manage moisture in a humid climate. Adding this to the plan at the start will mean fewer renovations later on.
What are the Challenges?
If there are certain of your ideas that carry risks, your architect should point them out to you. Are there features in your idea that could make a space too drafty or even more expensive than is necessary? Does the architect have alternatives?
By asking these questions, the architect will know you’re open to expert input, resulting in more suggestions from the experts to optimise your original plans.
How Does Your Design Fit My Lifestyle?
If the architect doesn’t understand your unique needs, it will be very difficult to prioritise features you’ll appreciate. So, double check that your architect has correctly gauged your lifestyle. Ask for details on how they will create spaces that suit that lifestyle. For example, if you love gardening, the architect should prioritise a spacious garden rather than making the garage bigger.
[Conclusion]When working with professionals like architects, consumers run the risk of trusting them a little TOO much. Rather safeguard your building project by being pro-active in terms of your working-relationship with the architect, builders and other role players. Ask the questions to protect your project.
Have any other tips on the topic? Please share below.
