A construction project is complex; that is why it needs to be planned and managed carefully. If this is your first home construction project, you might have many questions and may not know where to start. What you might have is an idea of what you want, but you don't know what is required to bring your idea or dream to reality. Here's a guide to help you know where to start and what to expect:
Hiring Crucial Contractors
Take your time and look for an architect or a building designer to help with new home designs. The difference between these specialists is that an architect is, in most cases, registered, while a building designer may not necessarily be registered.
Usually, people choose building designers for small construction projects and architects for larger projects; this is probably because architects may charge more than building designers and the fact that being registered typically means having higher qualifications.
These specialists sketch building plans, determine the materials you require and how much they cost, identify the labour required and how much it will cost and help with other things that are required before construction begins (they mostly help with the planning and design stage, which is the first stage for most construction projects).
Architects and building designers also ensure that your home complies with building and planning codes/regulations. They can also help you gather, fill out and lodge all the required construction documents.
What to Consider When Hiring Architects or Building Designers
Look for architects and building designers who have completed projects similar to yours. This gives you a kind of assurance that you will get quality services.
Are you building a large or small home? If you are building a large home, choose an architect. As indicated above, he or she is registered, meaning the architect has been reviewed by a registration organisation and was found to be qualified to handle large construction projects; expect to pay higher architect fees.
If you are building a smaller home, especially those that are not storeyed, a building designer is likely qualified enough to assist you.
You Need Other Contractors
Having hired an architect, other things come easy. The architect may be able to help you hire all the other required construction specialists and contractors. Since he or she has previously completed similar projects, the architect or building designer may have a contact list of different specialists he or she has worked with before. This makes it convenient for you because you won't have to go searching and reviewing other specialists, which consumes time, effort and your hard-earned money.
