Before beginning any home architecture project, you need to enter into a contract with the architect. When well written, architect contracts protect both the architect and her clients. While architectural design contracts are usually quite straightforward, they are very important. The outcome of any disputes is often determined by the wording of architect contracts.

The Importance of a Home Architecture Contract

A home architecture contract is a legal agreement governing the responsibilities of both the homeowner and the architect. You may discuss many aspects of architectural services with an architect prior to signing a design contract. However, if those details aren’t outlined in the architect contract, you have little, if any legal recourse.

At the minimum, the following details should be covered in architect contracts:

• All materials to be used in the project, and costs
• Any guarantees offered by the architect
• Architect’s fees
• Architect’s full name, address and contact information
• Architect’s professional license number
• Description of services to be completed
• Detailed list of the architect’s responsibilities
• Explanation of how disputes or delays will be handled
• Explanation of who is responsible for supervising home improvement contractors
• Location where the work will be performed
• Outline of the payment schedule for services
• Timeline and schedule for the project
• Who is responsible for removal of debris and clean up of the project area
• Your full name, address and contract information.

The design contract should also include a “cooling-off clause.” This clause gives the homeowner (and architect) a period of time after signing the contract to review the design contract. Should the homeowner have second thoughts, the cooling-off clause allows the cancellation of the contract without penalty, so long as notice is given before the cooling-off period expires. A cooling-off period is usually three days after signing.

Before Signing a Home Architecture Design Contract

Never sign a contract with architect companies, or any other organization, unless you fully understand the contract details. Read the entire document carefully, and refuse to sign a design contract if it isn’t completely filled out. If you need clarification, ask for it, or have your legal counsel look over the home architecture contract.

Be sure to keep a copy of the signed design contract, as well as any other documentation that pertains to the architecture project. In the event of a dispute, such documentation is valuable evidence of what occurred during the project.