Choosing a Custom Home Designer
A home architect should possess a professional degree from a reputed school of architecture. He should have membership of trade organizations and professional associations in his line of business. If you're looking for a Victorian or colonial style home with all the style elements involved, look for a contractor who has these kinds of homes as part of his portfolio. A new cutting edge design kind of firm might not be able to give you the kind of results you need. Make sure you visit these homes, and check to see if the architectural features that your needs are included. Look at the curb appeal, and also at the rear and side elevations. Look for the efficient use of space, and the use of natural ventilation inside the house. Look for the elements of greenery in the compound -- a responsible designer always makes it a point to include green patches by using his creative ingenuity.
A large architect firm may not always be the right choice for you. If you know that you will need someone to answer your questions at any time of the day, and assuage your concerns, you may find a larger office impersonal and lacking in personal attention. A too small office on the other hand can denote lack of experience. Look for a combination of experience and an office that will be able to give you the kind of attention you need. A full fledged support system should be in place to help you after the construction commences.
Recent Requests
We bought a one acre lot. We want to build a 8500-10,000 sq ft home. 4 Car attached garage. With a separate 3500 sq foot workshop/garage. Approximately what will it cost? We are not looking at the cheapest or the most expensive upgrades and expenses, just moderate. We have found floor plans we like that meet what we're looking for. They came from a book called ultimateplans.com. Plan # 161104. It has a main floor level, upper level floor plan and a basement level floor plan.
Susan Z
I'd like to get a quote per square foot for building a custom home in Kirkland, WA 98033.
Jonathan C