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Should I Choose an Architect or Builder First in 2023?

Should I Choose An Architect or Builder First in 2023?

You’ve made the exciting decision to build your dream home and can’t wait to get going – but where exactly do you get started?

One of the most common questions people ask themselves when embarking on their homebuilding journey is – do I hire an architect or a builder first? However, it’s not a simple answer, as, ideally, you’ll want to engage both at the same time.

While architects are the experts when it comes to design, builders often have more understanding of the practicalities and costs involved in a construction project.

Keeping Costs Down

It may seem logical to reach out to an architect first as you discuss your plans. After all, they are the ones with a creative eye and the big ideas, perfect for helping you unlock your home’s potential. However, architects don’t always have their finger on the pulse when it comes to price.

Unfortunately, it’s not all that unusual for lofty designs to be drawn up with the help of an architect and then never brought to life when it becomes clear the cost has been hugely underestimated.

Builders on the other hand are up to date with current prices and often have access to trade discounts that could significantly help to reduce the overall cost of your project. From fixtures to fittings, things can quickly add up during a home build.

A further benefit of engaging a builder early on is their practical expertise. An experienced builder has seen it all before and can quickly assess whether your designs are feasible or may pose structural issues or resistance from the council.

Consider a Design and Build Service

Edina Building Group’s design and build service aims to tackle precisely this problem. We put you in touch with our trusted architects and designers straight away, so everything from design to cost and timeline is discussed openly from the get-go.

During an initial consultation, you’ll have time to ask all those burning questions and discuss your design dreams. Our construction experts will then work out the estimated cost and timeframe, so you can make any necessary adjustments early on.

The next step is a Preliminary Building Agreement, which only covers the cost of working drawings, the relevant consultant report and land survey, if required. You won’t need to pay any further deposits until working drawings are completed and the exact construction cost is locked in.

Once the drawings are complete, you’ll be provided with an in-depth fixed-price construction and project management proposal. Absolutely everything your project will require is detailed here, meaning there are no nasty surprises, and you can relax knowing it’s all within budget.

The best of Both Worlds

The bottom line is that by engaging both an architect and a builder at the same time, you are likely to save yourself a lot of disappointment and thousands of dollars.

Architects and builders play very different roles in your homebuilding process and each bring unique skills to the table. By ensuring your architect and builder work closely together, you can rest assured you’ll end up with a home that is both beautiful and within budget.

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To find out more about Edina Building Group’s design and build service, get in touch with our friendly team today.

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