7 Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Architect

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By: Oliver Marks
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Hiring an architect for your remodel is an important step. Where to begin? Here are essential questions to ask candidates, and the answers they should give.

Effort: High 3-6 mos added to job
Investment: High $5,000-$20,000 (on $100,000 job)

The architect you select will determine the look and function of your home improvement project, along with the financial and emotional costs of getting it done. So choosing your architect isn’t a decision to take lightly. First, look at examples of the architect’s work. Then start a conversation—it’s free—about his ideas for your project.

Here are 7 questions to use as a starting point. (And for more hiring tips, here’s how to hire a contractor.) The answers will help you analyze each candidate’s design sensibilities and personality so you’ll know who’s right for your house, for your budget, and for you.

Next: 1. What are the biggest challenges/attractions of this job?

Oliver Marks

A former carpenter and newspaper reporter, Oliver Marks has been writing about home improvements for 16 years. He’s currently restoring his second fixer-upper with a mix of big hired projects and small do-it-himself jobs.

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Bryan, thanks for weighing in about the fee structure for architects. We agree that your own fee structure is fairly typical and covers many situations. However, some architects do charge more for additional services, such as acting as advisers throughout construction. Also, well-known architects tend to command premium prices that put them around the 20% figure. We presented the entire range in a summary. Your input helps clarify what folks might expect to pay for an architect's services.
Posted by HouseLogic on April 10, 2013

20% is a lot. I'm not saying you are wrong because I have not met every architect out there and know how they structure their fee. But I've been practicing for 20yrs and have never heard of anyone getting more than 10%, which is what I would charge for a high end complex home. Typically I structure a 'not to exceed flat fee' from 4% - 7% of the consrtuction budget. Then clarify what will be considered 'additional services' if a client repeatedly changes their mind. Also, if you have an architect who gets a cut of the material costs, go find another one. Part of an architect's role is as the owner agent and advocate by ensuring quality and value. Getting a cut of the materials is a conflict of interest. But hey, I'm not always right.
Posted by bryan on March 19, 2013