Many people will only hire a home architect for her architectural design services. While it’s true that some architects will only help you design a home, others offer a wide range of additional architect services that can make your construction project run much smoother. Find an architect that offers these services and he or she takes on many of the construction tasks that frustrate and confuse homeowners.

Architectural Design Services

Architecture services begin with planning and designing a project: Any additional services continue on from the design specifications. Architectural design services include initial sketches, consultation with the client and final design specifications. As part of standard architect services, the architectural plans include all necessary plumbing, mechanical and electrical specifications.

Architect Services and Contractors

Architecture services may include identifying, negotiating with, and hiring construction contractors. As a professional in the building industry, a home architect has contacts and resources that the homeowner can rarely match.

Once contractors are selected, the home architect will discuss the project with the contractors, making changes to the design plans if necessary.

Upon completion of the project the home architect can inspect the site to ensure quality of workmanship, and create a list of any additional work that may need doing. The architect can also pursue any disputes with contractors if necessary.

Other home architect services may include:

• Conducting regular site inspections
• Overseeing the project’s progress and budget
• Selecting and ordering materials for the construction site.

Permits and Paperwork

Home architect services can also include applying for any necessary building permits. The home architect may handle all paperwork for the construction project, including supplying the homeowner with detailed lists of materials and reviewing contractor invoices before forwarding them to the homeowner.

Don’t underestimate how valuable an architect’s services are when it comes to project paperwork. Homeowners don’t always consider paperwork when planning home improvements. Even a small home remodeling project generates paperwork in the form of the following:

• Building permits
• Invoices
• Proof of contractor insurance
• Warranties
• Work orders.

A home architect can handle the bureaucratic side of a construction project much better than the typical homeowner.

Find an Architect for the Services You Need

Depending on your project, you may not need extra architecture services. If you do, however, it’s important to make it clear that you’re looking for extra architect services when you seek to find an architect. Ask for a list of extra architectural design services offered by a home architect before you proceed with an interview.

It’s true that you could handle all the details of a construction project by yourself. Find an architect who’s willing to do it for you, however, and you can save yourself significant time and frustration.