Why You Shouldn’t Use an Architect for Your New Home

How would you like to save thousands on your new home? Here’s a valuable design tip for you: choose your builder before you choose a designer. It may sound a little counterintuitive, but stick with me on this one.

Did you know that 80% of architectural plans never come to fruition? Why is that?

An architect focuses on what a home will look like in the end—the design, basically. The problem is, they rarely factor in the costs, so what you end up with is a design that is just too expensive to build.

When you think about it, architects are trained and paid to be visionaries. They live to create the ‘perfect house,’ after all, that’s what you’re paying them for. But in their aim to achieve that, they often forget or ignore the practicalities of building and how much extra time and money different design elements may take.

Practicality is the first thing your builder thinks of. They constantly question if and how they can do it for you. The reality is that architects get paid for the design they create, whether you use it or not.

Combining Vision with Practicality

There is a way that you can combine the vision of an architect with the practicality of an experienced home builder. With a few small tweaks to your process, you can achieve the same design result for a lot less money. When your builder and architect work together, you get the best of both worlds: a design tailored to your specific tastes and requests, completed within a practical and affordable budget.

So, it’s best for you to decide on a custom home builder first, then find an architect. Then get them to work together. Better still, most professional builders already have designers so they can work with you, together on your new home.

Why Choose a Builder First?

Choosing a builder first has several advantages:

1. Cost Efficiency: Builders are focused on practicality and cost. They can help you design a home that stays within your budget.

2. Streamlined Communication: When builders and designers work together from the start, there is less miscommunication and fewer revisions, saving you time and money.

3. Practical Design: Builders think about the construction process from the beginning, ensuring that the design can be built efficiently without unexpected costs or delays.

How to Identify a Professional Builder

Asking the right questions will help you identify a professional builder a lot quicker! Here are a few to get you started:

  • Do you have in-house designers or work closely with architects?

  • How do you handle cost management during the design phase?

  • Can you provide examples of past projects where you worked with architects?

Remember, the goal is to have a seamless integration of design and construction, ensuring your dream home is both beautiful and within budget.

Next Steps

Click on the link below to discover everything you need to know to ensure you engage a professional builder without making any costly mistakes.

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