Faq’s
If you have any questions about how to use an architect’s services, costs, licensing, or construction-related matters, you’ll find your answer here.
Do you have any questions?
First and foremost, the architect will be selected based on geographic criteria. This is because many regions have their own house styles, meaning the architect will have experience working on similar homes. The architect will also have experience working with local official entities, which could be useful when applying for permits. All of our architects are experienced residential architects, having undergone intensive selection and training by Architect Your Home. This ensures that we provide the best possible consultancy.
Yes. The method of starting your project with an initial consultation visit ensures that you will be fully informed and in the best possible position to make a decision and move forward with your project. Your architect will review all the options with you and discuss the implications of each, while also being available to answer any additional questions you may have.
Architect Your Home is a network of professionals contracted for service provision. This means that architects apply to our network, and we select them based on a range of rigorous criteria, such as their portfolio in rehabilitation and residential design, experience on-site, and more. Our architects are experienced and have undergone an intensive training program to ensure that you receive advice from the highest quality professionals.
“Contacting a contractor directly means you’ll miss out on an important level of design expertise. It may seem obvious, but the truth is that contractors are specialists in building things, while architects are specialists in designing spaces. By using Architect Your Home, the result will be a home made just for you, one that you will love living in. It’s also guaranteed that your investment will be maximized, and that the final project will add value to your property – poorly designed extensions, for example, can reduce its value.
In terms of architecture, the major difference between Architect Your Home and the traditional system lies in the ability for clients to move forward step by step. Communication and transparency are key pillars of our brand. All project steps are specified in a Menu, and the client works with the architect as much or as little as they need. This allows clients to pay only for the services they actually require, or what their financial liquidity allows (rather than paying for a full package, as is customary). They may only want the creative part or the bureaucratic one, and can combine different services according to their needs.
We don’t believe that anything constructive can be achieved through free 45-minute conversations. Our initial visits are scheduled to kickstart your project as quickly as possible. A process that would normally take six weeks between the client and the architect can now be completed during our initial visits, which last between four and seven hours. Our goal is to simplify the process and ensure clarity in every step. We make sure that our clients are fully involved and in complete control of the process.
“It all depends, typically, on the size of the project. If you’re working on a project for just one floor, then half a day will be sufficient. However, if your project involves more than one space, such as converting two rooms into an open-plan living-dining area and a bathroom, or a two-story renovation, we recommend choosing the full-day option. Any unused hours from the first day will be credited toward subsequent services, so everything is utilized effectively.
During the Initial Consultancy visit, your architect may recommend additional services, as outlined in our Service Menu. From these, a list will be created with the respective costs, so you can choose the services you would like your architect to proceed with – for example, preliminary design drawings, municipal licensing requests, site supervision, etc. The Service Menu is designed to be as flexible as possible, allowing you to use the architect’s services as much or as little as you wish. To learn more about our services, visit the Services page.
All of our architects are experienced residential architects capable of working in a wide range of designs and styles. The Architect Your Home system was created to ensure that homeowners get the design they want, rather than having an architect impose a style on them. All projects begin with an initial visit, during which the client has an interactive design session with their architect. During the initial visit, the client will be deeply involved in the design process – their ideas and feedback will be encouraged to ensure that the final design aligns with their vision. To date, Architect Your Home has worked on hundreds of homes, with a vast range of briefs from different clients and styles. Visit our gallery to see the types of projects we have worked on.
The preliminary design drawings will form the core foundation of the information your contractor will need. However, you will need to review these drawings with the contractor and architect before the work begins to define the appropriate level of design. Many contractors do not require extensive drawings to build standard construction elements. If the design includes sketches that are particularly complex or unusual, it will be important for Architect Your Home to prepare these elements in detail. If you want to add anything to the drawings or need any additional help, we will be available to assist you throughout this process.
When choosing a contractor, make sure to analyze the company thoroughly. A good start is to ask friends, neighbors, or other homeowners who have recently had work done near your home for recommendations. Once you’ve selected a few potential contractors, contact them for a list of references and verify them, even if they have come highly recommended. If you need help with this process, your architect can review the contractor’s details. Architect Your Home has a database of recommended contractors that can be shared with clients if needed.
The cost of a construction project is extremely difficult to predict before it is fully designed. There are numerous factors that can affect the price, including location, size, scope, and complexity of the work, the amount of structural work involved, and the level of specification desired, just to name a few. Your architect will be able to give you an idea of the costs when discussing your goals and providing an assessment of what is involved. To get an estimated cost for your entire project, our Cost Calculator will soon be available.
1st The first step before starting the construction should always be to agree on all the details upfront. The more details you can define from the beginning, the better. A series of detailed drawings will illustrate these decisions in a way that can be quantified, reducing the chances of extra costs or unexpected price overruns.
2nd The choice of fixtures and finishes can significantly impact the cost of a project. Luxury fixtures can cost five to ten times more than basic ones. Contrary to what people think, the selection of fixtures and finishes is one of the most influential aspects on the overall cost. Try to avoid last-minute changes, as this can quickly lead to losing control over your budget.