Choosing your architect isn’t a decision to take lightly. The person you select will be the brains behind your project, an invaluable problem solver, a good listener, and the one keeping your budget on track. Before choosing an architect, you will need to ask yourself several questions. They will be the starting point to get the candidate that’s right for you and your house. Here are the questions to ask while searching around for top architects in Singapore.

WhoWill Design My Project?

Unless you are hiring a sole proprietor, there’s a good chance the person you meet initially isn’t the one who will handle the actual design work. That is fine if you understand it up front. Because good communication is crucial to a successful job, you need to meet the lead architect for your job before you hire the firm. After all, you will be interacting with this individual a lot.

So, it’s important to ensure you get necessary contact information and ask to receive a schedule of meetings with mutually agreeable times. With this, you will be able to know the kind of architect you are hiring. This is a great question to ask as it will help you invest your money on the right individual. So don’t hesitate to ask that.

HowDo You Charge?

Architects usually charge a percentage of the total project cost, anywhere from 5% to 20%. This depends on the services provided, the complexity of the job, and the renown of the architect. Ask what percentage the architect will charge for your project, and when and how payments will be due. Architects typically bill monthly, starting as soon as they begin work.

But most up front design work happens before you bring in a contractor and know the total project cost. In the interim, the architect may bill by the hour or charge a retainer. Keep in mind each billing approach can work well. The important thing is utter clarity about the plan so you can manage your remodelling budget.

Bottom Line

These are some of the important questions you should ask yourself before hiring an architect. Make sure you get the right answers to these questions. Most importantly, make sure you research on the best architects. You can also ask for referrals from friends or family who have dealt with architects before. This will help you get the best out of your hired contactor without breaking the bank.