What to Consider Before Hiring an Architect to Build Your Dream Home

When you're ready to build your dream home, and if you have a creative side, than you'll want an architect who will really work with you. However, before you talk to anyone about your "castle", it's best to consider what you need vs. what you really want. Make a complete but simple list of the absolute minimum requirements for your new home. After you establish what you really need, than you can deal with your dream list. If you do it this way, you'll probably end up with at least some of those special use, dream rooms you've always wanted.

On your list you should include the following items. What sort of architectural style would you feel most comfortable with? The Tudor look always appealed to us. However for various reasons we decided on a Spanish hacienda style home with real tile roofs and floors. Since we lived in California at the time, we wanted a pool and a spa. Those were great, well appreciated additions! What about the grounds? Do you want formal gardens? If so, you'll need to find a landscape architect as well. You should also plan on building any required or desired utility buildings, garages, workshops or mother in law units.

How many bedrooms do you want? Will you need a nursery? If you have older children and they will be at home for a few more years, ask them for their input too. Perhaps you might even need a children's wing. One very important thing is to determine is the number and locations of the bathrooms that you will need. You should carefully consider where your kitchen is to be located, where all the needed appliances will be placed and that room's dimensions. Don't forget a dining room! Your public rooms for entertaining guests should be comfortable and of the right size to accommodate your guest list. Do you need to add in a media center or a game room? Nowadays people might also want a gym or an art studio or both! Some families would even like a chapel. A sewing room is nice for those who love to do needle work. Finally, don't forget to include room for closet space and storage areas. Don't hold back on this dream list! Your husband may want a library. Certainly, a home office would come in handy and because I was an art dealer and artist, I always had to have some home gallery space.

Yes you'll probably have to pare your list down a bit, but if it's important enough to be on that list, than when you meet with an architect, he will know what you really hope for and will attempt to meet some of your premium needs within your stated budget. Finally you should carefully plan the master bedrooms and the private family quarters. If your in-laws like to visit, make sure you make a place for them. Perhaps the small separate structure mentioned earlier might be appealing. Another option is to add on a guest wing. Don't forget, depending on what you decide, you may need household help. The question is this, do you want live-ins or not? If so, you have to keep that in mind when you finally speak to your architect and the contractor. Okay, now you have your very long and very specific list. Your domestic happiness is wrapped up in that list so don't be too quick to drop features just because of cost.

Now you have to find that architect. My own feeling has always been to ask for referrals from your friends and peers. Talk to contractors too. They have to follow the plans. Plans that are too complex are going to cause delays and that may cost extra money. Finally, after getting a few names of possible architects, go after 1 or 2 that show higher profile. You might also choose a couple of complete unknowns to interview. And remember this, a younger architect might handle your job just fine and because he wants to build a client base he or she might be willing to work with you on the price. Interview all of them with your spouse. I would recommend that you do not hire anyone that's too pie in the sky, after all that was your job! Find someone who's practical. He'll take your list apart fast and help you to confront reality, but may suggest a way to achieve some of those dreams as future additions. Ultimately a friendly but practical type is who you want.

Above all, have fun with this process and remember, someday you may want to resell your dream, so keep that in mind too.