Read This Before You Hire an Architect – This Old House

So you’re ready to hire an architect? Congratulations! You’ve taken the first step in creating the home of your dreams. But before you jump in headfirst, there are a few things you should know.

Research Your Options

The first step in finding the right architect for your project is to do your research. Sites such as HomeAdvisor.com and houzz.com enable you to search for architects by zip code and can narrow your search with certain qualifiers. Your local chapter of The American Institute of Architects (AIA) can also help. Many state chapters have membership lists on their websites.

Check References

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential architects, it’s time to start checking references. Ask each architect for a list of references from past clients. Contact the references and ask about their experience with the architect. Was the architect easy to work with? Did they stay on budget? Did they complete the project on time?

Interview the Architects

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential architects, it’s time to start interviewing them. Ask questions about their experience, design style, and budget. Make sure to ask about their process for designing and building a project. It’s also important to ask about their communication style. Do they prefer email or phone calls? How often will they be available to answer questions?

Get Everything in Writing

Once you’ve chosen an architect, it’s important to get everything in writing. Make sure to have a written contract that outlines the scope of the project, the timeline, and the budget. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there are no surprises down the road.

Hiring an architect can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little research and due diligence, you can find the perfect architect for your project. Good luck!

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