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39 Queen Street, Suite 403, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, L2R 2H8 p 905 685 8467			- Architecture - Facility Planning - Interior Design - Project Management - Master Planning - - Custom Home Design -
			Building a new Home, Addition, or, Renovation?
FAQ: § Why Hire an Architect? § What is the Architect’s Role? § Why Shouldn’t I Just Use Stock Plans? § How Do I Choose An Architect? § What Should I Bring To The Project? § What Will The Architect Need to Begin Working? § How Long Does It Take To Design A Project? § Can I Do The Construction Myself? § Why Do I Need Architectural ‘Field Review’? Won’t The Contractor & Building Inspector Look After My Interests For Me? § Aren’t Architects Expensive? § What Does An Architect Charge?		Why Hire an Architect? Few people realize how complicated it is to build - until they find themselves in the midst of building codes, zoning bylaws, contractor’s bids, materials selection etc. The architect is the one professional who has the years of education, training and background to guide you through the design and construction process. The architect will help define exactly what you want to build, and ensure that you get the most from your construction dollar. When you embark on a construction program, you are making a commitment to a major investment. Your architect can transform your ideas and functional needs into a program, conceptual design, working drawings and technical specifications from which your home will be constructed under your architect’s administration. The question should not be “why hire an architect?” but “which architect do I hire?” What is the Architect’s Role? A great deal of an architect’s work is based on communication – first with you, to develop an understanding of your aims, and second with the builder to make sure that your needs are realized. Your architect will ask you a lot of questions to gain a clear understanding of your ideas, wishes and goals. After considering all the relevant factors, he or she will organize the elements of your project, explore the design options and bring forward the best solutions for you to consider. Why Shouldn’t I Just Use Stock Plans? The most important reason not to use stock plans is that they weren’t designed with your needs in mind. In addition, stock plans do not allow for the special conditions of your lot – conditions like view, sun angle, privacy, trees or sloping grades. Since stock plans take a ‘one-size fits all “ approach, they may need extensive variations to meet your municipality’s by-laws and ordinances. Since they were designed long before you purchased them, the plans may be obsolete in terms of the latest code requirements or in such areas as building methods or materials. Furthermore, stock plans are rarely complete. While they may have the minimum information necessary to secure a building permit, they invariably leave many decisions to the owner and/or contractor as deficiencies are discovered during construction. Stock plans do not come with any form of follow-up during the construction phase while an architect will provide “field reviews” during the building process to make sure that your project is built as it was designed. The suppliers of stock plans do not offer the accountability and responsibility that an architect does, nor do they accept legal liability for errors and omissions, as architects are required to do. How Do I Choose An Architect? If you know someone who has recently used an architect to build a new home, ask them who they used and whether they would recommend the architect to you. Look around your neighbourhood. If you see a new home or a renovation you like, ask the owner for the name of the architect involved. You may also call into the headquarters of the Ontario Association of Architects 1 800 565 2724. Once you have some names, contact the architectural firms and ask about their experience with projects similar to yours. Arrange a meeting, ask to see some relevant work samples, and get an idea of how the firm would approach your project. A sense of personal rapport with your architect is essential for ultimate success. What Should I Bring To The Project? Most of us know what we’d like, but we’re not sure how to get it. Telling your architect what your needs, wishes and expectations are will go a long way to getting what you want. The best clients bring an open mind and an eagerness to participate in the process. What Will The Architect Need to Begin Working? You will need to provide your architect with a survey or ‘plot plan’ of the property with legal description and, unless the site is flat, a topographical survey (contour map) of the site along with a description of any unusual site or climatic conditions. A clearly defined budget is also very important. How Long Does It Take To Design A Project? Design time is affected by the size and complexity of the project. It is not unusual for the design process to take two or three months and preparation of the construction documents is equally time-consuming. During this period critical decisions are being made which affect the overall success of your project. Don’t expect everything to happen overnight! Can I Do The Construction Myself? Although doing it yourself may appear to be cost-effective there are many drawbacks. Construction is probably not something you have been trained to do. Also, it usually takes much longer than you anticipate and can be stressful. But, if you feel you have the skills and can survive a fairly long period of stress and frustration, doing it yourself can be satisfying and rewarding. Why Do I Need Architectural ‘Field Review’? Won’t The Contractor & Building Inspector Look After My Interests For Me? While the contractor and building inspector have important jobs to do, their priorities are different and they are not employed to look after your best interests they way an architect is. When the unexpected arise the architect has the experience and familiarity with the design to foresee implications and make decisions or design revisions competently and with the least delay. An architect, having created the original design and drawings, is simply the best – qualified person to understand and interpret them when your project is being built – avoiding costly, time-consuming errors. Aren’t Architects Expensive? The quality of the design establishes the value of the entire project and the architect’s fee will be only a small part of the overall budget. Architects are trained in the technical aspects of building, from building codes to documentations to municipal approvals. Also their education and experience will provide you with a myriad of ideas you may never have thought of, and in the long run will enhance the value of your project. What Does An Architect Charge? Architectural fees are structured on either an hourly basis, or a percentage of the cost of construction, or as a negotiated lump sum. Recommended guidelines are available from the Ontario Association of Architects. Payment by lump sum is becoming less prevalent due to uncertainties in the construction climate. However, when a project is well defined and the architect’s experience includes a similar project, it may be possible to negotiate a fixed-fee amount. A ‘retainer’ is often paid before any architectural work is initiated. It may be a predetermined fixed amount or a percentage of the total estimated or agreed fee. A written agreement is recommended at all times.
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