Residential Project Management: What an Architect Can do For You

You can hire an architect to design and create plans for your building project. But you can also employ them to manage your whole project from start to finish. This includes building design, getting statutory consents and managing contractors.

Many homeowners choose to hire an architect to manage their building project because they want an expert to oversee the work. It’s also a good idea to hire an architect to do this if you have limited time to spend on the project yourself.

Read on to find out more about residential project management and what you can get for your money.

Residential Project Management: What’s included?

Building Design

Building design is the job that most people hire architects to do. If you hire an architect to do your building design they will start by visiting the site and talking to you about what you want. They will then draw up a number of design plans based on what you want and what is possible.

You can ask an architect to just draw up basic plans for your project. However, most homeowners get construction plans drawn up so that these can be passed onto a builder. You can find more information about building design here.

Getting statutory consent

If you hire an architect to manage your building project, another thing they will do is make sure the work gets all relevant statutory consents. This means they will make sure that it adheres to planning permission rules, building regulations and other any other relevant rules. Your architect will draw up specific plans and complete and submit any applications that need to be made for you.

Managing contractors

Another task included in residential project management is dealing with contractors. If you hire an architect to manage your building project they will source contractors for you as and when necessary. They will also liaise with them throughout the project, giving them any important updates and checking their work.

Top tips for working with an architect

The golden rule when working with an architect is to communicate with them. If you’re clear about a few key things then your project will take less time and you’re more likely to have a good relationship.

• Be upfront about your budget
  In your initial discussions with your architect, make sure you’re accurate about your budget. If you’re not then they may end up drawing up unsuitable plans and having to redo them. This will waste time and probably cost you more money
• Give them examples
  Building design is a pretty personal thing. Some people’s idea of an attractive home is completely different to another’s. A great way to give your architect an idea of what you’d like is to get online and find some examples of the kind of thing you’d like in your own home. This way you and your architect are more likely to on the same page.
• Be clear about responsibilities
  If you want an architect to manage your whole project, have a frank discussion with them about what you want and what they’re willing to do. Once you’ve agreed on who will do what, put it in writing. This way you’ll both be clear where you stand and there won’t be any confusion later on.