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A beautiful dream home or a nightmare of arguments, delays and disasters – it depends, to a large extent, on the architect you choose. An architect can help you build your new home or renovate an existing one to transform it into an ideal oasis for you and your family. Before you appoint a professional for this very important job, make sure to ask all the right questions so that your association with the expert yields you the maximum benefits and you can have a frictionless working relationship.

While interviewing architects and deciding on which one you wish to work with, remember to address these essential concerns, so you have your peace of mind and are sure about of how your project will be handled and eventually completed.

1. Does the architect have experience with a similar project?
While you might have found architects who have a portfolio in residential design, it’s important to find out if they have also worked on a project of similar scale, budget and timeline.

It is possible that some architects have had experience only in designing studio apartments, flats or small homes, with very little experience in large bungalows and penthouses, or vice versa. It’s always sensible to work with an expert who has managed different kinds of projects and has varied experience.

2. What is the timeline for the project?
It‘s very important to work out a mutually agreed upon and realistic timeline for the project. You and the architect should have an open and honest conversation about expected delays – the architect should be frank with you about the timeline within which they can deliver. Other than just chalking out a timetable, it is also important to have a clear conversation about how the architect plans to adhere to it.

3. How does the architect plan on getting paid?
The discussions on the professional’s fees and the budget need to be clearly articulated with complete transparency. Some architects charge a fixed fee, which needs to be paid to them at various stages of the project or all in one go. Some prefer billing hourly or charge a percentage of the overall project cost. If you have a strict budget, you may want to stick with an architect who prefers a fixed fee so there are no expensive surprises later on.

4. How open is the architect to your inputs and feedback?
While some clients prefer to leave the entire design, look and feel of their home to the architect, some others like to be more involved. If you belong to the latter category, it’s important to ask the architect beforehand if they would be open to your suggestions. Sometimes unwelcome inputs by the client can lead to differences and friction. That’s why it’s always best to tell them beforehand how involved you would like to be in the project’s design, and know your architect’s views on client involvement.

5. How hands-on will the architect be?
When you hire an architect, you should know how much time they will personally spend on the project themselves as opposed to how much of that job will be delegated to juniors or perhaps even the contractor. Ask the expert how often they plan to visit the site and discuss what would be the ideal number of visits that the project requires.

6. Will they accommodate changes in the design?
Though not ideal, designs do tend to evolve. Here, your architect’s point of view is crucial. If you anticipate changes in your project, then this, too, needs to be discussed. Will the architect make more suggestions at a later stage, and importantly, may you ask for changes as the project moves on?

Do be aware that some expectations can be unrealistic in terms of changes – remember that major alterations are time-consuming, come with an added cost and push back the project completion date.