Do You Need to Hire an Architect?, By Stu Silverman

To hire an architect or not to hire an architect? That is one of the most common questions homeowners ask remodeling contractors. And the definitive answer is: it depends. It depends on the scope of your project. For small projects like removing a non-bearing wall or enlarging a window opening, it isn't necessary to hire an architect. But for larger projects, such as whole-house renovations, large additions or projects which involve changing load-bearing walls, hiring an architect is the way to go.

Architects make it work on many levels

Because architects are trained in the art, engineering and history of building design, they can solve complex design problems, while ensuring that the project works on an aesthetic as well as a functional level. Whether your project is a classic style or a one-of-a-kind original design, an architect can take your vision and make it a reality - a reality that adheres to local building, zoning and safety codes.

They can oversee the entire project

Architects are also trained in project management, so you can hire an architect to oversee your entire project, including soliciting bids, choosing the contractor and subcontractors, controlling the money and checking all the work. The architect will monitor the progression of the work, make day-to-day decisions on your behalf, and handle any problems that arise. For this level of service, you should expect to pay the architect 5 to 10 percent of the gross construction cost.

If, however, you simply want to hire the architect to create a design for your project and produce a set of code-compliant plans, it can cost anywhere from $65 to $150+ per hour, depending on the region, the health of the building industry, and the experience of, and demand for, a particular architect or architectural firm.

A designer may do for smaller projects

For smaller projects like remodeling a kitchen or adding a family room, you can hire a designer as a lower-cost alternative to hiring an architect. Although designers don't usually have academic training in architecture and engineering, they are experienced in interior space planning and simple additions. As a precaution, the plans they design are reviewed by a structural engineer to ensure that the changes or additions are structurally sound. As an example, a full set of plans for a 1,200 square foot addition drawn up by a designer will cost around $1,500. Designers typically charge between $35 and $70 per hour, but don't usually offer project-management services, which can be handled by your contractor.

Design/build firms give you the whole package

Another option is to hire a “design/build” firm - a remodeling contractor with in-house designers - to take care of the complete remodeling project. Design/build firms will often include the cost of the design within the overall price for the project. One of the main benefits from this approach is that the designer and contractors work as a team, which can make the process run a lot smoother.

Architects can solve complex design problems, while ensuring that the project works on an aesthetic as well as a functional level.

There is another class of designer to add to the mix - certified kitchen designers and certified bath designers. They hold CKD and CBD designations, respectively, from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). These designers will draw a complete set of up-to-code plans, which should be approved by a structural engineer if structural changes are made. These plans usually take 10 to 20+ hours at about $40 to $75 per hour. Many CKD's and CBD's also offer project management for a percentage of the gross cost of the project. Yet another class of designer, certified interior designers (known commonly as interior decorators) generally don't present building plans to contractors.

Advantages of an architect

For the cost-savings of hiring a designer - around half of what an architect would charge - there may be some drawbacks. Whereas all states require architects to be licensed, the regulations and licensing for designers varies from state to state. As a result, there may be a wide range in the level of skill and education among designers in your state. Call your local licensing board or ask your contractor about the licensing requirements for designers, if any, in your state.

Also, architects are insured against negligence and malpractice. The same is not necessarily true for designers. Therefore, if you hire a designer, it may be necessary to increase your homeowner's insurance to include coverage for professional liability and malpractice.

BONUS

The New Hampshire chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) recommends these 20 questions to ask your Architect:

1. What does the architect see as important considerations in your project? What are the challenges of the project?



2. How will the architect gather information about your needs, goals, etc?



3. How will the architect establish priorities and make decisions?



4. Who from the architecture firm will you be dealing with directly? Is it the same person who will be designing the project? If not, who will be designing it?



5. How interested is the architect in this project?



6. How busy is the architect?



7. What sets this architect apart from the rest?



8. How does the architect establish fees? When will fee payments be expected?



9. How will you be able to relate fee payments to milestones in the architect's scope of work?



10. What would the architect expect the fee to be for this project?



11. What are the steps in the design process?



12. How does the architect organize the process?



13. What does the architect expect you to provide?



14. Does the architect have a specific design style? Can he/she show examples of past design work?



15. What is the architect's experience/track record with cost estimating?



16. What will the architect show you along the way to explain the project? Will you see models, drawings, or sketches?



17. If the scope of the project changes later in the project, will there be additional fees? How will these fees be justified?



18. What services does the architect provide during construction?



19. How disruptive will construction be? How long does the architect expect it to take to complete your project?



20. Can the architect provide a list of past clients with whom he or she has worked?