FAQs

If you are planning to embark on a building project - whatever it's size - then it makes sense to consult a professional. An architect will guide you through the building process, will share your concerns and will help you translate your vision into reality. To any building project, no matter how small, he or she will bring three essential qualities: imagination, value for money and freedom from worry.

Much of the following information is based on the guidance leaflet "Why use an architect?" published by the Royal Institute of British Architects; both this publication and ‘A Client´s Guide to Engaging an Architect´, provide an introduction to the services that an architect can provide. The latter also outlines the requirements for the client-architect agreement and to the various factors affecting the amount of the architect´s fee. ‘A Client´s Guide to Engaging an Architect´ is available from RIBA Bookshops or via their website at www.ribabookshops.com

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14 Questions to ask before you start a construction project

 

1: What do you need to take into consideration when planning to build?...read answer


 

2: How do you find what you need to know?...read answer


 

3: What should you watch out for?...read answer


 

4: What is good, beneficial and worthwhile?...read answer


 

5: How do you evaluate whether or not you have realistic chances of pulling it off?...read answer


 

6: Which regulations do I need to know about?...read answer


 

7: How do I find out about permits, licences, Conservation Areas, Tree Preservation Orders and all those things?...read answer


 

8: How do I balance my wishes with my budget?...read answer


 

9: How can I achieve unique qualities for the building with minimum expense?...read answer


 

10: Which spaces or parts of the structure are those that would give me the best overall image and quality for the building?...read answer


 

11: How do I plan for changing needs that the future may bring?...read answer


 

12: How do I ensure low costs for maintenance and heating / cooling of the building?...read answer


 

13: What factors influence the resale (and collateral) value of my building?...read answer


 

14: What experiences have others in a similar situation had?...read answer


Why Use An Architect?

 

1. Removing the mystery. ...read answer


 

2. How much does it cost? ...read answer


 

3. Imagination. ...read answer


 

4. Freedom from worry. ...read answer


 

5. The initial meeting. ...read answer


 

6. The planning process. ...read answer


 

7. Builders and other professionals. ...read answer


 

8. Work in progress. ...read answer


 

9. Can an architect save you money? ...read answer