4 Tips For Hiring An Architect
Whether you plan to do a home renovation or build a new home, hiring a professional architect is necessary. Our ever-changing lives give way to new possibilities, and our homes need new space. Fortunately, architects help us visualize these ideas into reality. Architects draft, plan, and design spaces to create the look and feel of your home.
Considering the process of hiring an architect, it is a must to do your research. Each firm has its strengths and aesthetics for the design you want. Finding the right architect is no easy task. You have to make sure that the project stays on track. Here are some tips when hiring an architect.
Check Their Work Portfolio
The portfolio provides you with an idea of what to expect. Any high-end residential architect Philippines has a portfolio ready for prospective clients. Since portfolios vary from each firm, they will provide you with the best of their designs as their selling point. Even the most experienced architects’ portfolios might not be the best choice. If one portfolio is unsuitable for your project, you can check other portfolios until you find the right one. Some of their past projects can give insight if it inspires you to push through with the project.
Preparing The Interview
You will prepare for the interview once you have a few architects in mind. It should include the project scope, the services you will use, the proposed timeline, and the total budget. The interview should be a thorough and in-depth discussion between you and the architect. There will be moments that only show up as the interview starts. Ensure that you ask questions to the architect so they will know what to expect in the project.
If, during the interview, the architect cannot answer most of the questions, you can politely decline their services and move on to the next. The interview is a long process until every question gets answered.
Processing Fees
When you provide your proposed budget, look out for any processing fees. Some architects charge different fees to cover possible expenses before or during construction. An architectural firm can charge an hourly rate, fixed fee, or per square foot. If your project is small, the architect can provide the best fee suited for your project. Keep in mind that costs will vary depending on the scale of your project, including the entire building process.
Making The Final Decision
After going through many choices, the final decision goes to you. You will receive the contract summarizing all of the interview questions, including the fees. The contract will show the scope of the work until the end of the proposed project. Ensure you read the information carefully, as some information is final once you sign. Ultimately, it is your choice to work with the architect.
Wrapping Up
Hiring an architect is a long process that requires extensive planning. You review their work portfolio, check their fees, and see if they are worth working with. The interview will show if you can afford their services to know if the project pushes through. In the end, hiring an architect depends on the client’s final decision.
Author’s Bio:
Angelo Castelda works as a feature writer in Asia. On his free days, he likes to read books and magazines about the latest architecture news and trends. This ultimately made him fall in love with architecture and now spends most of his time writing about it.
Image Source: Pexels
