Do private builders need architects?

What can an architect do for the builder?

The occupational group of architects will assist you in all matters concerning office blocks, hotels and public buildings as well as private projects for your individual home.

An architect can be consulted for:
Privately owned home and flat
Looking for property (advice, inspection, report)
New buildings
Conversion for more accessibility
Refurbishment, annexe to existing buildings
Energy-efficient building renovation
Landscaping
Interior design

Services:
Inspection and advice concerning a property
Draft and construction drawing according to your requirements, lighting conditions, wind direction…
Upon request: model making, 3D computer simulation
Securing a building permit
Call for tenders, coordination, contracting (subcontractor)
Cost estimation of occupational groups involved
Surveying deadlines
Recommendation of building materials
Energy consulting
Expert’s report
Frequent monitoring of the construction site
Spotting possible construction defects at an early stage, defects can be touched up immedately
Acceptance of construction work

The architect is obligated to serve your interests. The architect offers competent advice for the building owner to help with all decisions ranging from the purchase of the property to the colour of the walling. The professional will not only support you with expertness, but also gives creative and artistic inspiration.

Before getting in touch with a service provider think long and hard about what exactly you expect from the living quarters apart from a certain interior décor. Newly built houses can be constructed from the very beginning to be capable of development. If you want to use this building at an old age or provide it for elderly residents, keep in mind to prevent any barriers for wheelchairs or walker frames like narrow doors and stairwells. Do you wish to provide separated quarters for the grown-up children and parents who might one day need care? Or do you plan to rent part of the house later on? Perhaps a separate entry needs to be added? A house is much more than just a roof over your head, first class execution and building is an investment for several generations.

Architect and energy consulting
A growing number of architect’s offices are now specializing in energy consulting on top of their regular services, going hand in hand with the recent shift in people’s mindset about preservation of the environment. Certified energy consultants will advise on measures to decrease energy consumption and increase efficiency.

Some of the services:
Issuing of energy performance certificates
Independent advice and inspection on-site
Performing a blower-door test

Where can I find a good architect?

The title architect (interior designer, landscape planner, etc.) requires a university degree. The World Architecture Day is celebrated every first Monday of October, this year the date is 2 October 2017. Architects are invited to celebrate their success and urge for creating. Your point of contact will be your country’s Chamber or Association. They are able to provide a list of trustworthy architects. They can also give more information about the approach and focal points of the planners (free-lancing or offices) so that you can compare results. Does the construction of previous project fit the environment and region (according to your personal taste)? Does the history of the city play a part in the construction? Have restorations been made in terms of energy efficiency?

Another possibility of finding a good architect are recommendations and your own research. A new house is being built in your city that suits your taste? Talk to the building owner to get an honest opinion about the work and reliability of the architect.

An architect is no free artist, the specialist is bound to your requests and needs for the construction planning. Still, the architect’s knowledge and style are decisive factors for the overall design of your project. Apart from inspiring work and extensive qualification the cooperation of customer and planner is important. Trust and communication are not only key aspects of a successful marriage, but also for a well-executed construction. A big venture like the construction of a building requires close teamwork during planning and implementation. The chemistry between the service providers must be right. Does the expert understand your wishes and needs if you as an unprofessional explain what you are looking for? Does the expert clarify all matters relating to approach and remuneration? Do not shy away from making use of non-binding first consultations with several different providers. In the end, this is your building that will impact quality of life not only of yourself, but also of your children or tenants.
 

Site manager
Monitoring all events on the construction site including checking invoices and services can be done by the building owner, engineers, architects, building companies or developers. Defaults in constructions are identified and rectified at an early stage. An inexperienced building owner should consult an external site management that can coordinate and monitor all workers. If the architect takes over the responsibility, differences between the original plan to the implemented reality can be prevented.

Structural engineer (Civil engineer or planner of supporting framework) )
The structural engineer checks building plans for bearing capacity and fire protection requirements and provides the proof of stability. The engineer is liable for the safety of the components checked. Furthermore, this professional undertakes geological surveys and inspection of structural damage.

It is recommended to employ the services of a structural engineer before beginning with restoration of old buildings, particularly if the building already shows tear and leakage.

Prefabricated house or architect

Due to – supposed – financial reasons, private building owners are often confronted with the decision about how the construction will be implemented. The building owner can choose between a general contractor, developer or architect.

An architect will tease out all requests and preference of the building owner and the family in detailed interviews. The rooms will be adapted to your requirements, similar to a customised suit. This is particularly worthwhile if the property will be used by the same residents for their whole life. The architects calculate on a fee structure for architects and engineers. The total sum of the construction and range of services determine the remuneration. The payment will be communicated in advance and established in the contract.

Advantages Architect
Customised solution for any property/location
Requirment analysis “What is best for you“
Bound to independence
Manages authorities
Building owner is in control
Increase in value of the estate thanks to “creative“ design
Consult for reconstruction, extension, finishing, restoration
⤷ Complex “dream house“

Not everyone’s cup of tea: You are very involved into all decisions, as the person of contact a lot of your attention is required. That means you are in control, on the other hand that also means you need to invest a lot of your time for extensive planning. Architects also offer partial solutions, for example drafting a ground plan, energy consulting or expert acceptance of work.

You do not have any elaborate visions when it comes to designing your house, you want to invest a minimum of personal contribution and are happy if everything is carried out speedily? In that case an agreement with a renowned developer or general contractor could be the right solution for you.

Advantages Developer / Supplier of prefabricated houses
Viewing of the house in advance in exhibited model homes or virtual tours around the house
Various style are available
Includes procurement and acquisition of estate
Affordable basic versions
Fixed price (excl. adjustments), certified contract of sale
Sometimes offer special deals for standard solutions
Ground plan is already available – speedy implementation
One contact for all service providers
Requires less involvement of the building owner, convenient and time-saving
⤷ Well-tried tract housing

Risk: A prefabricated house at an affordable fixed price is a tempting solution, any additional costs (only) arise from special requests. When opting for a standardised ground plan, potential hidden requirements of the residents can go unnoticed.
Building true to the motto “Time is money“ holds the risk for damage due to damp and therefore mould. Secure references about the developer and compare reviews from previous contractual partners.

The difference between a developer and a general contractor is that a developer also arranges for the real estate. If the property is already in your ownership, a general contractor will take all necessary steps for you. The building plan is not included in the services of a general contractor. You can choose to have these plans drafted or checked by an architect.

General Contractor
Building contract / service contract with clear description of the work
Consideration of your building plan
Fixed dates
Single point of contact and contractual partner of the customer
Takes over negociations with workmen/subcontractors involved
Bears responsibility, liable during the construction phase

Risk: The construction of the house is based on a package deal that can be more expensive than assigning and coordinating subcontractors by yourself. However, working with a general contractor will save the building owner time and effort for organisation. Note: Compare advance offers and reputation of various general contractors.

Both providers (developer, general contractor) will hand over the house ready for occupation. After acceptance of the work you will be liable for any construction defects. It is recommended to have the house checked additionally by external experts, for example a free-lancing architect.

A matter of liability

Handling defects or deficiencies in the construction as well as bankruptcy of the service provide should definitely be settled explictly in contracts with all parties involved in the construction. The most important thing to is to schedule a fixed completion date.

• Architects (planning and supervision contract) are liable for design errors.
• Constructors and builders (building contract and building promoter contract) are liable for faulty execution.

Extraordinary interference of a construction project e.g. spell of bad weather or scarcity of raw materials is covered by various insurances. As the building owner you can make use of these optional services. In regions at risk it makes sense to insure building material against theft and graffiti.

Accidents at work of contracted helpers (construction worker, architect) are covered by their respective compulsory insurance. You as the building owne rare responsible for the safety of relatives and friends on the construction site. Additional insuraces are available for accidents involving dangerous machines, excavations or other sources of danger originating from building measures.

Image sources:

Main image architect, originator: jarmoluk, pixabay.com, CC0 Public Domain, id 1080592
Refurbishment of house, originator: 2mmedia, fotolia.com, id 83508814
Building shell home, originator: DanBu.Berlin, fotolia.com, id 137865277
Insulation of face of building, originator: schulzfoto, fotolia.com, id 132638304