The answer to the question of whether you need an architect, a general contractor, or both to assist you in your home renovation, depends largely on the type and scale of project you plan to carry out. Smaller renovations that don’t involve the removal of load-bearing walls, or the replacement of doors and windows, can likely be handled by an experienced general contractor, while projects of a larger scale and involving more complex work, may benefit from an architect’s guidance. In some circumstances, working with both may also prove beneficial.
Let’s begin by taking a closer look at the difference between architects and general contractors:
Architects
Architects are responsible for designing rooms, homes and spaces, and create plans that encompass a blend of artistry and engineering.
Working to a home design or floor plan, an architect aims to meet the desires and demands of their clients, while making sure that everything they propose will meet the often strict codes put in place by local building authorities. Once they’ve finalized their design, an architect will start working with their clients chosen contractors to ensure that the final result is the desired one. an accomplished architect should oversee every aspect of a home remodel or renovation, from its very outset, right through to project completion.
If you’re hiring an architect for planning and designing a renovation, you can expect to pay them anything from $60 an hour, to $125. If they’re overseeing the project in its entirety however, they may charge a percentage of the project’s total cost.
General contractors
Once an architect has come up with their final design for the project, they will present it to the general contractor, who will study it, then call in his team of construction, plumbing and electrical professionals to ensure every aspect of the project can be carried out as per all of the relevant regulations and codes. They will typically have a team of sub-contractors at their disposal who can make sure the project is finished on time, and that everything goes to plan.
Essentially, a general contractor’s duty is to implement the design given to him by an architect, and to bring it to life. However, in the absence of an architect, the general contractor and their experienced team will work to the homeowners ideas, often coming up with their own suggestions based upon prior projects they’ve successfully completed.
General contractors don’t usually charge by the hour, and will charge you a set fee for the whole project. These costs can vary, but it isn’t usually wise to simply opt for the contractor who offers you the cheapest quote, as this may be a reflection of their abilities or commitment to quality.
What about hiring them both?
In some instances (particularly larger or more complex projects), hiring an architect will be essential, in which case they will automatically work alongside your chosen general contractor; a project that isn’t designed well and which doesn’t meet the relevant codes can have serious repercussions for the homeowner.
On other occasions, such as for smaller, less complex projects, an experienced general contractor may be more than equipped to handle it for you.
To help you make the decision as to whether you should hire an architect, a general contractor, or both, here is a straightforward formula to follow: if your project has been valued at more than 5% of the value of your home, and involves significant changes being made to the structure, an architect’s help is recommended. If your renovations don’t involve any major changes being made to the flooring or structure of your home, an experienced general contractor should fit the bill perfectly.