I hear this question all the time, especially in the residential market. Everybody knows you can buy house plans online for less than an architect costs. The reality is, you get what you pay for. Actually, it is like comparing apples to oranges. Architects do more than just draw plans. When you hire an architect, you are getting a personal guide and coordinator for your construction project. Of course, architects have extensive design training so that ideas can be translated into building plans. But more than that, we work with you to make sure you get the building you want, for the price you expect.
To dig a little deeper into this, I like to use the wedding analogy. When you are planning a wedding, you have to coordinate everything that makes the event special. You have to make countless decisions. Which venue? Indoor or outdoor? The date. The flowers. The cake. You get the picture. Similarly, designing and building a house is a process with thousands of decisions. You have to choose a site, select a builder, pick out - everything! Just like a wedding planner knows the best place to get white roses, an architect knows how to put all the pieces of a building project together, saving you time and money. An architect is your personal home planner.
Recently I sat down with a custom home builder and talked about some of the ways people are misled into believing that a stock set of plans is all you need to price and build a house. He showed me a set he had from a reputable home designer. There was no site plan. Nothing that would indicate that setbacks were observed, landscaping considered, or even a driveway to estimate. This was all too common, he said. Also, the sections that indicate how the structure and building materials are interrelated were not accurate for the house to be built. The homeowner had chosen a completely different wall structure, but this was not represented in the drawings. The builder would build it anyway, with a quote he has to base on his best guess. Here's the problem with that: the homeowner is going to be charged in the building quote for the time it takes to figure out how to build that wall, where to locate site elements, and how much landscaping to provide. Which means by not hiring an architect, they will pay for the work anyway, but without drawings or a clear idea of what they are getting for it. It is like buying an ice cream sundae without knowing which ice cream flavors or toppings you will get. More accurately, you are letting the guy behind the counter choose them for you and charge you extra for the custom flavor selection.
A set of stock plans is little more than a guide for a builder. They will take liberties with materials, methods, and quality. Most builders I know would actually prefer plans drawn by an architect. Why? Because when there are questions, the architect will answer them. When there is a clear directive, the outcome will match the intent. Your builder should be able to quote your house, not his best guess for a house he thinks you want. Everyone involved is happier when the goals are pre-defined and then
met.
Here are some great reasons to consider hiring an architect:
1. An architect can accurately assess your needs and translate them into a design that meets your budget and your style.
2. Hiring an architect reduces your risk of oversight, potentially saving you thousands of dollars.
3. An architect will guide your project through planning, permitting , and approvals from regulatory bodies.
4. Hiring an architect ensures your home will be designed to meet zoning, ordinances, and building code, protecting the heath, safety, and welfare of all occupants.
5. Architects are more than designers, they are trusted advisers. They have the experience and knowledge to guide your building project from beginning to end.
If you are considering building a home, think carefully about your goals for the project. How much space do you need? How will you use the spaces? Do you have any future needs that should be incorporated? What about views? Any special features or materials you want? How much financing will you need? It is O.K. if you are unsure about the answers now. An architect can clarify all these with you and more!
