FAQ's and SAQ's
UNSURE OF WHAT ROLE AN ARCHITECT TAKES AND HOW THEY CAN HELP?
By far, this is something many people do not know or understand. Architects are capable of doing several things and wearing several hats.
The basic understanding people have is architects draw pretty pictures for a contractor to build from. On the contrary, however, architects do a lot more than draw pretty pictures, often pretty pictures are the last thing architects create. Keep reading below for answers on what an architect’s role is and how they can help you or go here to speak with an architect.
Q1: How much will it cost to build my new home?
A1: As of July 2023, construction costs are all over the place. The prices I have seen recently are anywhere from $225 to $400 per square foot. The square foot cost I refer to is quick math for an idea, reputable contractors will not provide a quality estimate without the contract documents being 90% complete. There are many factors in today’s market to include the following:
Knowledge/experience of the contractor/builder
Availability of experienced labor
Builders are simply busy and only willing to take on the contract if the price is right to limit their exposure to producing poorly crafted products
Material costs vary from area to area
Q2: Why should I not hire the least expensive architect? They all do basically the same thing correct?
A2: Like many products and services on the market, the least expensive doesn't always provide the best value, many times they often end up costing more!
A good architect will spend time with you helping you plan your project. He will learn what you are looking for and help to develop the best way to maximize the value of your project. The more time you can spend in the planning stages the more successful the project tends to be. If you plan to build a very simple shelter, the cheapest will probably do well for you, however, if you are planning a more complex project you should expect to invest a little more for competency and talent.
Q3: What does an architect actually do? What is his role?
A3: An architect’s priority is to help you as the customer. He will first learn and develop an understanding of your physical and emotional needs for your specific project. The architect will then begin to design your project to work around you to help enhance your lifestyle.
Architecture relates to much more than the pretty pictures you often see and believe are all the architect does. Architecture involves site planning (take advantage of what your specific site provides), developing spaces inside the building to enhance your lifestyle, and creating a beautiful and unique exterior for you to enjoy. The architect is also capable of helping you establish a timeline for the completion of your project as well as design your project in such a way as to help make your dreams come true on time and within budget.
Architects help you understand the legal aspects of your project. There are many legal requirements a project needs to meet; setbacks, maximum square footage, maximum allowed heights, etc. On occasions, your particular project may not fit on the chosen site but there may be variances to allow your needs to be met.
An architect is your advocate and is there for you (based on the agreed-upon contract). He can help you to resolve disputes in the field between you and the contractor.
Remember, you can lean on the experience an architect brings to your project as they have the experience of participating in construction and the development and managing of projects similar to yours. You don't have to experience the hardship of learning these lessons yourself if you hire the right architect.
There is so much an architect can do for you beyond what is above, please reach out to an architect to discuss how they can help you come up with the solution that best fits your needs.
Q4: Will the project cost more if I hire an architect? Doesn't he want to add more money to the cost so the fees will be higher?
A4: In complete honesty, the budget is driven by you, not the architect. The architect’s goal is to help create a beautiful space for you within the established budget. Often times consumers believe only builders can provide them with the best spaces for the money. The problem the most encountered with builders is they have a specific set of plans to choose from and while they may have several stock plans available they may not necessarily meet all of your requirements.
Q5: How much does an architect charge for plans?
A5: Architects do not charge a fee for plans, they charge a fee for their services to help you achieve your goals within your established schedule and budget. The typical fee an architect will charge depends on the scope of services you require and range from 4% of construction cost up to 18%.
To establish your budget, you should figure out the maximum you are willing to spend on the entire project and set aside up to 70% of that cost for the actual construction. The other 30% will be in legal fees (if required), permit fees, unforeseen circumstances in the field (bad soil, old foundations not seen, etc.), and of course, the architect’s fee.
Q6: How do I start my project?
A6: To begin your project, you should do your research (or hire an architect to help you with your research). You should develop an understanding of your lifestyle and how you want to live so you can help the architect understand your needs and goals. Decide what is more important to you, the square footage of the project or finishes, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E, this can be a huge hit to your budget if not planned accordingly). How many rooms do you want/need? Are you planning a forever home, investment, or simply building for the moment with plans to build again later? For more help, download the Rapid Project Planning Guide found here.