In the past year, there has been a surge of Staten Island new construction homes. If you are deciding to join the trend - know that the decision to build a home might be one of the biggest you make in your life. You’ve found the perfect plot of land and have a vision of your dream home, but you need someone to make it a reality. It’s time to interview architects.

You’ll want to ensure you choose a professional that understands your design aesthetic, communicates well, can design on budget and has an upstanding reputation. Below are a few key questions to ask when deciding whom to hire.

Do You Have A Specific Design Style?

When interviewing architects, be sure to ask each one if they have a specific aesthetic and if you can see a portfolio of their work. While most are adaptable, they usually all have design themes that recur in their projects. Whether you want a minimalist structure or LEED certified construction, you’ll want to know they have the experience.

What Is Your Fee?

You’ll need to inquire whether they charge a flat fee for their designs or a percentage of the total building cost. Most architects charge a percentage of the overall cost of your home, usually ranging from 5-20 percent. This is important to know because it means that for every floorboard installed, you’ll need to add on the architect's additional percentage.

Do You Provide Project Management Services?

There are many services that architects should include within their contract, such as checking the contractor's work, making adjustments as the construction moves forward and obtaining lien waivers. Get a list of what each architect you interview includes in his or her fee. Additional charges can add up and might play a part in who you choose.

Interviewing architects and finding the right professional can make all the difference when it comes to building exactly what you want. So do your research and be sure to get references.

Posted by Tom Crimmins Realty on

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