Hiring an Architect for New Construction & Renovation? Ask These Questions First

Today we are discussing questions to ask when hiring an architect for new construction & renovation projects. Whether new construction or renovation, architectural planning and design services for a residential project call for complex planning. From design to budget allocation, changing orders to construction timeframe. Contractor oversight and ensuring adherence to building codes add more layers to the depth of complexity. Although some homeowners avoid hiring an architect for cost-saving reasons, the money you spend to bring one on board is rarely wasted. It can save you from the catastrophe of poor design and expensive revisions.

An architect’s role is not only that of a lead designer but also a consultant, which means you can refer to them when dealing with challenges during any project phase. An architect ensures all architectural drafting design services are carried out, and the project is built to your specifications. They also ensure that it’s done in compliance with local regulations and that contractors execute the instructions precisely as planned. Furthermore, a design drawn by an architect is meant to be the most efficient version of your request to help reduce maintenance costs and energy consumption over the lifetime of the house. Also, part of an architect’s job description is to take charge of the purchase of building materials along with the price negotiation.

Questions to ask when hiring an architect for new construction & renovation projects

Like any other hiring process, due diligence is of the utmost importance. Instead of hiring the first architect you come across, schedule an interview with several of them and pick the best architectural design and drafting company willing to materialize your vision. Everyone has personal preferences, but the following questions should help determine an ideal pick.

1. What is your qualification?

In the United States, an architect must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from an accredited trade school or university. Although a general architectural degree should suffice, you will probably want to hire one specializing in residential buildings instead of industrial or landscape design services. An architect also needs to have a license to offer architectural services.

2. Do you have a signature architectural style?

The design process of a home is a collaborative effort between several parties, including builders and consultants but mainly between the homeowner and architect. Hiring an architect who disagrees with your design vision or has different design principle preferences makes little sense. Everybody must be on the same footing from beginning to end. Establishing a good synergy early in the project paves the way for positive and constructive communication.

3. Are you the lead designer?

An architectural firm specializing in new residential design services typically hires multiple architects and engineers to handle different aspects of a project. Unless you are hiring an independent architect, there is a chance that the person you are interviewing will not be the lead designer. Your initial contact may act as supervisor of the construction process or as a contact or junior architect for the firm. That said, effective communication is the key to a well-executed project, so you need to meet with the lead designer on a few occasions before hiring the firm. You must first discuss the project with the person in charge—as simple as that.

4. Can you describe the challenges of the project?

Pay close attention to this question because it indicates the architect’s approach to the project. To obtain detailed responses, mention your project vision, such as a specific style, a plan for a future addition, solar power, or features. Every project has unique challenges, and your objective is to determine whether the architect can foresee hurdles and propose practical solutions.

5. Do you also supply 3D drawings?

The standard format for architectural drawing is a two-dimensional technical diagram of the building. You can probably interpret where the door, windows, and walls are, but it is difficult to comprehend the spatial configuration or the room layout. Therefore, ask if a 3D architectural rendering service design of the exterior and interior is possible. Because 3D renderings are optional, an architect charges extra for the images.

An architect may include simple sketches (or copies of them) in the service package, but photorealistic visualizations are not free. The architect often hires a third-party render artist to draw the images. You can negotiate the prices before signing the agreement if such images are necessary. You can add some terms, for example, the number of renderings, detail quality, viewing angles, and resolutions.

6. Besides 3D drawing, are there other types I should know?

An architect supplies the 3D home rendering service and the floor plans for the client to understand the design. For contractors and regulatory purposes, a construction project requires technical drawings such as schematic design (sections, elevations, and plans at various scales to help illustrate the design concept) and construction development (materials specification, architectural joint details, and axonometric projections).

7. Do you provide architectural models?

Much like 3D visualizations, architectural models are not part of a standard service. Contractors never use an architectural model to reference their work, and no regulatory bodies require a model to issue building permits. An architectural model does not serve any technical purpose and is mainly for display. A single model can take weeks, if not months, to build and longer if the house is full of elaborate exterior details.

The materials and scale also affect the cost. Another potential problem is that you should probably wait until the construction process of the actual building concludes to prevent inaccuracies. If you need a 3D architectural modeling service for your house, ask the architect whether the service is available and how much it will cost.

8. Can you make a list of documents, images, or information of any type you need from me?

Before an architect can do anything, the client must provide documentation and information about the project. Ask the architect which documents are necessary and give those as quickly as possible to commence the design phase.

9. How many projects are you overseeing at the moment?

Even the most experienced architects cannot handle too many projects simultaneously. If the architect is managing more than three projects, you may have to look elsewhere unless you can get an assurance that nothing will disrupt construction progress.

10. What is the timeline for the project?

A few important things to establish from the start concerning the project timeline include the milestones for realistic completion targets and the interval/frequency of meeting to achieve each milestone. Make a proper timescale to determine how long the project will take because it will affect the budget.

11. What are the services provided?

Architects mainly design buildings, although most are well-equipped to assess and invite contractor bids or recommend one for you. They supervise the construction process and generally provide project oversight.

12. How much is the architectural fee?

The architectural fee depends on the project’s scope and the types of service provided. You must ensure that the fee covers all the required services.

13. How do you approach design changes in the middle of a project?

There is nothing peculiar about design revision, at least for the architect. The real implication affects the homeowner because it ultimately increases the project cost. For each revision, the architect will have to provide architectural drawing services, and the contractors may have to stop until the new design gets approval from the homeowner. Changes are not expected but also not entirely uncommon either. Make sure you and the architect have a clear understanding of what a change in design might entail.

14. How much does it cost for design changes?

Revisions and changes are almost inevitable in every project. Changes can be made by request or implemented in response to unforeseen challenges as the construction progresses. There can be differences in cost between initial design drawings and revisions. With every change, the 3D visualization service design and technical drawings must be modified too.

15. What are the payment apportionment and mode?

In a residential project, try to get as close as possible to the following apportionment: design phase (40%), bidding (10%), and remodeling/renovation (50%). The payment mode should be pretty straightforward: it is either by check or bank transfer. Regardless of the payment method, request a receipt each time.

16. Based on the project brief, what is your best cost estimate?

It is a good idea to be as detailed as possible about the project, allowing the architect to estimate the overall cost. Remember that the answer will only be a rough quote, but at least you know the ballpark figure. Ask multiple 3D architectural designers the same question (with the same project brief) and see if their figures are too far apart or around the same range as each other. Conversations with several architects will determine the optimal budget for the project.

17. How do you bill a client?

When billing clients, Architects include flat fees, per-square-foot rates, percentage of total construction cost, and hourly rates. An architect may ask for an hourly rate during the design phase and then shift to other methods for the subsequent phases of the project. Some will revert to the hourly rate if design changes are required.

Using a “percentage of construction cost” method, an architect typically asks for around 5-20%. The fee for new 3D construction rendering services is lower, while renovation and remodeling are higher. Don’t forget to ask when payments are due. Make sure both parties have clarity regarding the payment method and schedule so that you can manage the budget and the architect receives the appropriate compensation on time.

18. Have you undertaken any project before in which the completion time and budget were as planned?

Once again, good communication removes any snags in the project. It takes meticulous management to do everything according to plan. An architect should not take on a project they cannot complete within the estimated timeline. You want to hire an architect to manage the project and oversee progress on your behalf. In other words, the architect must perform in your best interests. Delay is bad and makes the project more expensive.

19. Are you an on-site architect?

The real question is about the architect’s knowledge of the construction process and the individual traits that might be effective when exercised on-site. An architect needs to have first-hand experience working on a construction site so that every discussion with contractors and builders produces a positive outcome for the project’s sake.

20. What should a homeowner do during construction?

Depending on the project’s scale, the construction process can be disruptive. Renovating inside the building may require the homeowner to move out for the project’s duration. Living in the same building while it is an active construction site is not generally advisable. In addition to the noises, the site contains numerous safety hazards. However, relocation increases the overall budget. Since you may not always be on-site, determine who will be the direct contact with the contractor. You can either communicate directly or through the architect.

21. How do you minimize the disturbance to the neighbors?

Noise is an obvious problem, and construction debris and dust can be dangerous too. Allow the architect to elaborate the plan of action to minimize the disturbances. The architect and the contractor must work together to implement some measures to prevent disruption to the neighbors.

22. Will you be able to work with the contractor I choose?

There are three ways a contractor can get involved in the project. The first is the usual bidding procedure. An architect prepares all necessary documents and handles the bidding process on your behalf for a fee. The second method is to let the architect pick a contractor. Based on the project brief and complexity, an experienced architect will most likely know the best contractor to handle the job. The third method is when you choose a contractor for the project. Regardless of the way, the architect should be able to work as part of the team.

23. Do you have any cost-saving ideas?

Cost-saving ideas are best asked once the architect has produced and presented the first draft, along with the calculation for project cost. Let the architect deliver the best possible design, with any given constraints, before asking for cost-reduction measures. You may reduce expenses by opting for more affordable materials and fewer superficial details. The cheaper alternative should be acceptable as long as it does not significantly affect safety, durability, and appearance.

24. How do you cope with delays?

Despite everyone’s best efforts in a construction project, delays are almost inevitable at some point. Delays don’t always happen due to mismanagement or mistakes, but in any case, the project timeline suffers. Every good architect understands the matter very well; as a matter of fact, the estimated project completion date is set to compensate for several delays. If a particular hurdle pushes back the completion date—in which case you have to extend your temporary accommodation—ask the architect whether there will be a specific mechanism to deal with the issue.

25. Do you need to check the contractor’s invoices against on-site progress?

An architect who oversees the construction will check the contractor’s invoices against on-site progress. If you hire the architect for design services but not management, you may have to do the invoice check yourself. Confirm whether the architect or a third party reviews the invoices, as a third party is likely to be more expensive.

26. How do you handle disputes?

Good communication between the homeowner, architect, and contractors ensures an effective business relationship, which leads to constructive collaboration and an overall positive experience. A dispute can happen on various aspects of the project, including design approach, materials, construction methods, and payment. No one expects to engage in a conflict, but it is always a good idea to have preventive and problem-solving measures before the project starts.

In the worst-case scenario, a dispute leads to the termination of the agreement, where one party will have to provide financial compensation for the other. A specific plan of action to settle disputes will give everyone involved in the project peace of mind.

27. In renovation/remodeling work, how do you keep the existing furniture and other items safe?

Certain items in the house may require extra protection during construction, for example, appliances and flooring. While you can move furniture and decorative objects, relocating a finished floor or an entire HVAC system is impossible. Ask the architect if there is any method for keeping such things safe and intact during a project.

Questions to ask yourself

To clarify your expectations, provide the architect with a comprehensive design brief or project specification. An architect can work on your behalf if you provide all relevant details upfront. Elaborate on your vision of how the final product should look and feel. Here’s a helpful list of questions to ask yourself before hiring an architect:

How would you describe your new home in one sentence?
How big is the site?
How many rooms and floors?
Is there any building or existing house design you want the architect to use as a reference?
Do you have personalized design ideas or styles to add?
Do you prioritize space, appearance, compactness, or a combination of those?
What is your preferred lifestyle? Is it luxury, simplicity, minimalistic, or something else?
Will you use your home as an office too?
Will you spend more time in the kitchen, living room, utility space, or elsewhere at home?
How much time and money have you budgeted for maintenance?
Do you have a big family?
Do children live in the house?
Will you be directly involved in the project?
How involved will you be in the construction process?
When do you want to move into the new home?
Is there a rigid timeline for the construction project?
What qualities do you need from an architect and contractor?
Do you have a contractor in mind?
Can you tolerate the disruption to your lifestyle caused by the construction work during a renovation project?
Is there anything you don’t like about your current home?
What is the best thing about your current home?
What function will the new space serve when planning for a new addition?
How much can you realistically spend?

The best architect will share the same vision and be aligned on the project. An effective way to see whether the architect has a similar design preference as yours is by looking at their portfolio. Never try to convince an architect to do a project outside the scope of their specializations. Also, choose an architect with whom you feel comfortable working together.

How can Cad Crowd Help?

At Cad Crowd, we have the privilege of working with top freelancers to get you started on your new construction project or your next renovation project. Our team of professionals specializes in CAD services globally with top-of-the-line software to bring you a photorealistic design of any space. Contact us for a free quote if you want assistance with your next plan.