Choosing the right architect to build your dream home is similar to choosing a life partner: you’ll spend a lot of time (and money) together, you’ll have highs and lows, your opinions will differ, but in the end, you’ll create something you’ll be proud of. All kidding aside, if you’ve found your way to this page, you already know how important the relationship between an architect and a client is to the successful design and construction of your dream home. We’ve outlined some key considerations for selecting top architects in Ernakulam to help you realise your dream home.
1.DETERMINE YOUR “WHAT AND WHY” FOR BUILDING A CUSTOM HOME.
Determine why you’re building a custom home and what features you’ll need to meet your requirements. Do you have a multi-generational family that necessitates a large number of bedrooms and living areas? Do you entertain frequently and require a large space to accommodate your guests? Perhaps you want to build a quiet retreat in the woods for yourself. In any case, make a “wish list” for your home before you start interviewing architects. To figure out your aesthetic style, look through the internet, books, and magazines. Finally, figure out how much you want to spend on construction. Once you’ve mastered these fundamentals, you can seek out architects with prior experience.
- DETERMINE WHAT ARCHITECT SERVICES YOU REQUIRE.
Perhaps you’re looking for an architect who can handle a variety of design projects; many of our clients come to us looking for a full package that includes permit and construction drawings, interior design, furniture selection, landscape master planning, and so on. A firm that specialises in a multi-disciplinary approach will ensure a smooth transition between each scale of design, resulting in a unified end product. Additionally, if you need help with both design and construction, look for companies that offer design-build or in-house construction management services.Alternatively, you may already know what you want and only require assistance in obtaining a building permit. Look for an architect (or qualified designer*) who specialises in permit drawings if you want to replicate a design you’ve seen before or already have a set of plans sketched out. The turnaround time could be shortened, and the fees could be reduced. The trade-off is that this method typically does not allow for customizations or design revisions that would make the home “personalised” for you.
- RESEARCH THE SPECIALIZATION OF THE ARCHITECT
The architectural profession encompasses a wide range of structures. Maybe you’ve mentioned that you want to build a custom home, and a friend says, “Oh, I know an architect; I’ll put you two in touch.” While all architects are “qualified” to design residential structures, the majority of them will specialise in one area. For example, schools, hospitals, and warehouses must meet different requirements and go through a different permitting process than a custom home. Furthermore, architects who specialise in larger structures may be less interested in residential projects.How do you pick a good architect for your new home? Hire residential architects in Ernakulam With extensive experience to ensure that they are familiar with the building and construction type, as well as how to navigate the necessary municipal processes.
- BE AWARE OF THEIR GEOGRAPHIC REGION.
When considering how to choose a good architect, keep in mind that their specialisation may be limited to a specific geographic region. Architects often become the go-to person in a given neighbourhood (through word of mouth and consistent visibility through project signage) and will know how to navigate specific municipal processes in that area – for example, some areas are governed by architectural or heritage controls, and so on. You should hire an architect who is familiar with those procedures and has worked in the area where you want to construct.
- REVIEW THE PORTFOLIO OF THE ARCHITECT
If you want to build a custom home, you’ve probably spent some time driving around your neighbourhood, looking at pictures of houses, and learning how to choose a good architect. You should be able to identify a style that appeals to you by now. While architects who specialise in residential design can accommodate a variety of styles, the majority of them will have a personal aesthetic that they are passionate about. At Thrissur architects, for example, we have a team of people who are passionate about modern design, but we also work with clients who prefer a more traditional approach.
- TALK TO THE ARCHITECT
The design and construction of your dream home can take up to two years. You’ll meet with your architect several times – sometimes weekly – and you’ll get to know one another fairly well. As residential architects, we understand how personal each project is to our clients, and we want to make sure that we cater to their lifestyle and incorporate their personal storey into their home. We’d like to get to know you and your family in order to do so. The architect should ask questions during your initial meeting, but more importantly, he or she should sit back and listen to your wants and needs.
Conclusion
The working relationships established with the clients are crucial to the project’s success, not only in terms of design but also in terms of effective communication throughout the process. There will be exciting and stressful moments, and you want to make sure that the person you’re working with is looking out for your best interests.An architect’s fees can range from 5-15 percent of the construction cost, depending on the project’s location, size, scope, and complexity. Fees for a larger, more complex project will be calculated as a percentage of the total construction cost, whereas fees for smaller projects may be calculated on an hourly basis. It’s a thrilling experience to collaborate with an architect on the design and construction of your dream home. Prepare for the process by researching both what you hope to gain from the experience and what you expect from the architect. Ask as many questions as you can, and make sure your architect is doing the same. Establish clear lines of communication and patience with one another, as the process is lengthy but necessary.
