How to choose a design
professional?
The importance of experience and the ability to understand of
design language. References and reputation will be useful to your selection,
however.
World of mouth and referrals from others, if possible, visit sites. Also
make sure certain that you are comfortable with fee arrangements and the
services to be provided.
Some Architects charge by the hour; others charge a
percentage up to 10-15% of the construction costs including Architectural
Design and Engineering.
While design requirements vary depending on complexity of the
home, stinting on design is likely penny wise but dollar foolish. The point of
building yourself is to get what you want in livability and location. A good
Architect should help ensure that your house will really be your home, the
realization of your dreams.
Questions
to Ask Before Acquiring a Building or Structure Addition
What follows is a list of key
questions you should have answers to before you purchase a building or start
any job on your existing.
Not all apply to every owner-builder’s situation, but
check off those that may be relevant to your own particular case and get the
answer.
-What are the zoning issues that
may affect construction? Is a variance required?
-Are there any court action
pending, stop orders or building officials’ orders?
-Are there any deed restrictions
that may affect construction? If yes, can they be modified?
-Are there any environmental rules
that may affect this property or restrict construction? Will
environmental
impact studies have to be filed?
- Will the home improvements you
plan to provide attract buyers in this neighborhood willing to pay at least
what you plan to invest in construction?
- Does site require unusually
costly approach for building foundation (if any) or other elements?
-Does the site drain well?
-Has the lot been surveyed?
