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