| You are finally there - you've made it! It's time for you | | | | custom home design. Insurance is another difference |
| to get the house of your dreams. That big binder filled | | | | between architects and designers - the architect is |
| with magazine clippings - a collage of colors, textures | | | | required to carry it whereas the designer does not |
| and designs - can finally be put into a cohesive custom | | | | have any regulations regarding liability. Typically, it is the |
| home design just for you. | | | | client who has to take out a policy on the project |
| Now, maybe you think you know exactly what you | | | | when a designer is used. |
| want and all you have to do is hire a contractor to | | | | 4. Does he have time for your project? This is your |
| take your vision and build it. For a project to this | | | | dream home and you've waited and waited to see it |
| magnitude and import, hiring an architect to handle the | | | | come to life. Now that your custom home design is |
| design and to work with the contractor is a better | | | | about to be realized, you want an architect who will |
| move. | | | | treat it with the personal attention and time you know it |
| Why? Because an architect brings certain things to the | | | | deserves. |
| table that will ensure the house of your dreams | | | | 5. What services can he provide and what will you |
| becomes just that. What are these special | | | | need? Architects can do as little or as much as you |
| qualifications and how do you know you're getting the | | | | want. He can draw up the plans and be done with the |
| right person for the job? | | | | project, but it is a better idea to have him work with |
| Here are a few things to look for and questions to ask | | | | the contractor throughout the process to make sure |
| when shopping for an architect to breathe life into your | | | | his plans are followed exactly. |
| custom home design: | | | | Your architect can negotiate contracts, manage the |
| 1. Is he licensed in your state? Architects must obtain a | | | | construction site, come up with the budget, manage it |
| license to work in any state. If your "architect" doesn't | | | | and much more. If you're comfortable with the |
| have one, he is really just a designer. The difference is | | | | architect, it will be easier to give him the freedom to |
| not just the piece of paper, it is the skill and knowledge | | | | manage the entire project. Of course, he will discuss |
| necessary to get that license. | | | | with you on important issues. But you don't really have |
| 2. Can you see examples of his work? Either on | | | | time to micro-manage, do you? |
| paper or in person, you always want to see your | | | | Hiring can architect to breathe life into your custom |
| architect's finished products. This is important not only | | | | design home is a good idea. Whether you hire through |
| to ensure he does quality work, but that you also like it. | | | | a firm or an individual, always interview the person |
| If a majority of his work is contemporary chic and you | | | | who will be doing the work, to make sure he is clear |
| want traditional colonial, will he be able to handle it? | | | | on your vision and that you can work together. Once |
| 3. Does he carry enough liability insurance? Any | | | | the hiring is done, you can relax a little and know that |
| licensed architect will carry his own insurance, but you | | | | your dream house is in good hands. |
| should see if it is enough to comfortably cover your | | | | |