How to choose an architect for your new home build

It can be very exciting, and not least daunting, to buy a plot of land with view to building your own home on it. You may have many ideas on bits of paper as to what you want, but you need to engage the services of an architect to make those dreams become a reality. So where do you start when it coming to choose the right architect who will work with you and create the home of your dreams? That's why we are here and the following guidelines have been put in place to help you choose the right architect for your new home build.

 

Experience

 

While everyone has to start somewhere you really don't want a wet behind the ears graduate using your home as their first project. Ideally, you want an architect with a proven track record and can illustrate their experience. This is important whether they work for a large corporation or a one man architectural band, so to speak. You want to be able to relax in the knowledge you have an experienced professional creating that home you have been waiting for so long, and experience is priceless.

 

Past projects

 

Your architect should be proud to show you his past projects, and look for a good mix in his portfolio. If he has concentrated on homes in the past that's fine but if he has worked mainly in the commercial sector and is showing you pictures of offices, warehouses etc he may not be the best choice to build your new home. Jot down details of the homes the architect has built in the past and check up to make sure he isn't just filling his portfolio with images of somebody else work and his pride and joy is a new bus stop or changing rooms at the local football ground.

 

Latest technology

 

Ask him what the tools of his trade are and listen for cutting edge technology such as laser levels. These are the current must have tool in the architectural and construction industry and ensure those wonky walls and uneven floors really are a thing of the past. Even if you aren't particularly knowledgeable about these kind of things, and your tool of choice is a spirit level or plumb bob, do your research before the initial meeting and have your questions ready.

 

References

 

A good architect should be encouraging you to check out his references, and don't think you won't bother purely because he is doing exactly that. Check every reference he gives you, particularly those from householders for whom he has designed homes that are similar to the style you are looking for.  Ask then if you can visit their properties and see his work for yourselves, images don't always tell the full story. Also ask for older references as well as how his work has stood up to the test of time is an other indication of how good he is at his job.

 

Cost

 

Often the deal breaker when it really shouldn't be. That old saying you get what you pay for comes into play when an architect is concerned, especially one with a gleaming portfolio of outstanding properties and a list as long as your arm of glowing references. By going with a young and up and coming architect who has an equally, albeit, smaller portfolio and few but nevertheless impressive references you could save yourself quite a bit of money, so don't pay through the nose without first checking out the competition. 

Author's Note

It can be very exciting, and not least daunting, to buy a plot of land with view to building your own home on it.