Whether you are building a new home or updating your current one, you might find yourself in the need of an architect. Architects can be invaluable in helping you get the permits you need, while ensuring the best possible design of your renovation or new construction.
Need help finding an architect near you? Enter your zip code to be connected today to local home architect companies. In the meantime, here's what you need to know about making sure that you find the best possible professional to work with.
What Does an Architect Do?
Any time you are working on an exterior or interior renovation or building project, an architect can help. These professionals are specifically trained to both plan the logistics of your product, such as the impact an addition would have on your property and the rest of your home, and create a design consistent with the home's style and your preferences.
Safety is one of the most important aspects an architect will bring to your project. They will calculate all variables to ensure that anything you add or change to your home (and the home itself) remain both safe and livable. In addition, they can function as project managers, helping you organize all professionals (from plumbers to roofing contractors) necessary to complete the project.
Questions to Ask an Architect
Especially for major renovations and building projects, finding the right architect will be absolutely crucial. Here are a few questions you can ask potential partners to make sure they're a good fit:
- Are you licensed? Every state requires architects to obtain a license to practice their profession. That, in turn, requires a standardized examination, which helps to ensure that the professional you're working with is reliable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy.
- Have you done similar work in the past? Asking for past work gives you an idea of the architect's style and process. You can also ask for direct references to get other clients' opinions on working with this particular professional.
- What do you think about my vision? Chances are that you go into any renovation or building project with a specific vision in mind. An experienced architect will be honest about how realistic that vision is, and what it will take to accomplish it.
- How will you manage this project? Especially if you look for your architect to function as a project manager, you need to know how they operate. Will they hire everyone on your behalf, or simply make recommendations? How involved will you be throughout the project?
- How can you help with my budget? Home renovations can be scary because of the budget variables involved. When you open up a wall, you never know what hides behind it. This question helps you understand how your architect will manage your budget, including leaving potential contingencies for unexpected findings or incidents.
Cost to Hire an Architect Near You
As you might imagine, the exact cost of any architect depends greatly on your project. Planning and building an entire home will cost significantly more than simply turning a porch into a sunroom. Similarly, the length of the project as well as the level of project management your partner will take on can significantly change your budget. With all that in mind, most of our homeowners spend between $2,085 and $8,024 on an architect, with an average cost of $4,964. Most architect charge between 15% and 20% of the cost of a remodeling project, and between 10% and 15% of the cost of new construction. Depending on who you hire, you might get charged per square foot or per hour.