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