Home Architect Referral

How to Proceed with a Home Architect Referral

Most people have trouble finding the right architect to design the house of their dreams for them. Though they occasionally rely on advertisements, the yellow pages, and other types of home architect referral services, most people still prefer to go with a home architect referral that comes from someone they know personally. However, there are several things that you need to look out for when you hire an architect based on a personal home architect referral:

Home Architect Referral Rule # 1 – Compare the jobs

You need to make certain that the home design job the architect did for your friend is comparable to the one you have in mind. If the architect did a fabulous job on your friend’s multi-storied townhouse, it doesn’t mean he’ll be the best choice for your country-styled home. Every home design job is different.

Home Architect Referral Rule # 2 – Availability

Most people who receive a home architect referral forget that the best architects are normally very busy. When an architect receives a referral from a former client, he usually feels obliged to accept the job so as not to discourage further referrals. It is your job to give him a realistic time frame and to make sure he really has the time to devote himself your project.

Home Architect Referral Rule # 3 – Source credibility

If you get a home architect referral from someone you know personally, but not intimately, make sure that the person’s tastes and expectations match yours. If your colleague told you her architect did a superb job on her house, at least go and see the house in person. Building a house is a huge investment and you shouldn’t risk hiring the wrong architect by not doing the proper research. A home architect referral can be extremely useful, but you still need to verify its credibility.

Home Architect Referral Rule # 4 – Get multiple quotes

Most architects know that a potential client who contacts them because of a home architect referral will have heard good things from the referrer. Some use this information to their advantage by quoting you an above-average price. It is always a good idea to get multiple quotes from several architects even though you have already gotten a home architect referral. You must let the architect know that although he is your first choice, you still cannot afford to exceed your budget and are open to other bids.