If you’re interested in a custom-built new construction home, you’re going to need to talk to an architect, unless you are one, of course. That means you’re going to need to know what to ask them. Many people are only interested in whether or not the architect is available and has time for a new project. While that is certainly important, since the project won’t happen if the architect isn’t available, there’s a lot more that goes into picking an architect.
Interview multiple architects before picking the right one for your project. Take a look at their portfolio. Even highly versatile architects will have some recurrent themes or design quirks. You might even ask them directly what they consider their specific aesthetic to be. And if a particular architect is a specialist in the type of design you want, you’ll know they have plenty of experience with it. Ask about their fees in detail. Cost comparison is important, and not even just the bottom line. Not all architects provide the same list of services or calculate costs in the same way. A low cost may just mean that this architect isn’t providing services like obtaining waivers or communicating with the construction crew to make adjustments or verifications. Most of the time, fees are a percentage of the overall cost of the home, generally ranging from 5-20%. If you’re planning to build a luxury home, you may be able to save money by looking for an architect that charges a flat rate, who are less common.
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