Many people have questions about the processes involved in building a house, creating an annex, or renovating a room. This reaction is common, after all, conceiving something new or changing an existing space are actions that require planning.
In any case, it is always good to consult an architect before investing in a specific solution. This is because, in addition to focusing on delivering a personalized environment, this professional is also concerned with issues of comfort and functionality.
Is that you? Already have a name in mind to run your dream project? Follow the steps in the post and learn how to choose an architect.
Why hire an architect?
Constructions and renovations recruit specialists from different areas. Among the professionals, the architect is one of the only ones who participate in all stages and accompany the work from start to finish. Alongside the engineer and the foreman, their role is to ensure that the processes take place according to the project.
The knowledge obtained at graduation allows the architect to carry out different activities. In works done from scratch, for example, the professional’s work can start with the assessment of the land, go through the entire executive phase and end with the specification of the construction details – lighting, floors, coatings.
REASONS TO HIRE AN ARCHITECT
- The architect is the legal and technically authorized professional to carry out the architectural project;
- It transforms wants and needs into spatial solutions for building or renovating real estate;
- His training teaches how to unite technique, creativity, aesthetics and functionality in the same environment;
- The architect also balances the client’s needs with the available budget, making his contract an investment with an immediate return;
- The architect is able to calculate the required amount of materials and draw up budgets for the project;
- Building with an architecture professional brings more security and, at the same time, adds value to the property;
- The architect is prepared to manage all the suppliers of the work and to provide technical and aesthetic assistance in the purchase of materials;
- Monitoring the architect during the work allows the client to receive feedback and clear all their doubts about the project;
- In addition to coordinating projects, the architect can also be responsible for hiring workers and taking care of the legal arrangements for the work.
Finding the right person to handle all these processes can seem difficult if you’ve never hired a professional or had a bad experience. But take it easy. In the next topics, we will list the eight steps to be followed when - choosing an architect.
1. Map your goals in relation to the work:
The architect is qualified to work in terrain analysis, architectural design, interior detailing, lighting design, landscaping approval by the city hall, construction management and consulting. Knowing this, it is crucial that you define which of these services you need before looking for a professional.
PRIORITIES:
Think about your real needs with the project. Reflect on what you want to change or if you need to build new spaces. This survey based on questions helps to identify what is a priority and what is superfluous at first.
Don’t forget to share your ideas with other people who will be involved in the project in some way. If the objective of the work is to benefit an entire family, there is nothing smarter than listening to the proposals of each member.
BUDGET:
Once priorities are defined, it becomes easier to establish a baseline budget for the project. This amount will give the architect an idea of how much he can spend at each stage and, also, a limit for the use of the family’s savings.
The initial budget must cover priority services. If you still don’t have the amount necessary for this, you can take the opportunity to start a financial plan that encourages you to save and cut expenses. Get inspired with the latest trends in home decor on Homecreatives.
WISHES:
Less important or less urgent services need not be left out of the change list. Will you decide, up front, to stretch your budget or do you realize that you have money left over to invest in additional elements?
If this happens, it is interesting to keep in mind which projects you would like to put into practice. Think of all the possibilities, like changing the detail of the ceiling or changing the covering of a room for new pieces of porcelain.
Ask for referrals from trusted people:
Research carried out in different places helps in the search for the ideal architect. While performing this step, think about the architectural styles you like the most so that you can later filter the professionals that match your profile. You can ask for referrals in the following groups:
IN YOUR CONTACT NETWORK:
Close friends and family are people you can trust to get honest opinions about different architects. The ideal is to schedule a meeting with these groups, always making it clear what the main topic of conversation will be.
When the day comes, ask about the offices chosen by your friends and relatives. Take the opportunity to question the quality of care and services in general. Those who do not have a name to indicate can point out acquaintances who have already hired an architect.
IN UNIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS:
If you cannot rely on information from your own network of contacts, you can look for names in the associations or the nearest union of architects and urban planners. Once you have a list of likely candidates in hand, the next step is to check that they are all registered with the Council of Architecture and Urbanism (CAU).
This information is very important, since only architects and urban planners registered with the council can practice the profession throughout the country. To make the query, access the official website of CAU and search for the full name of the professional or the company he works for.
