There are many historical locations in America! From Philadelphia to St. Augustine or Yellowstone and San Francisco, many people thrive on living in cities known for the historical significance. Of these historic cities, perhaps Boston, Massachusetts is one of the most renowned. So, if you live in the Boston area and love the location, but need more living space, you may be considering hiring a residential architect. After all, a Boston residential architect will understand the elements that make a home belong in that impressive historic city. But, how exactly, does one select the right Boston residential architect for the job? You don’t just want to open the phone book and select the first name you see! This is your home and you want it to look great when the job is finished, not just add more living space. To help you out, here are some steps for hiring a Boston residential architect. - Determine how much of a budget you have for the job! Oftentimes, construction jobs can cost more than anticipated, so having a budget will be a big help! Also, keep in mind that typically, 25% of the cost is for expenses.
- As with any endeavor, especially one that is costly, talk to people you know and get their recommendations. Chances are, someone you know has had remodeling or construction work done.
- Set up an interview with at least three residential architects. Be sure to find out, ahead of time, if there is a consultation charge! As part of the interview, ask to see their portfolios and get names of other clients. You will also want to check out these potential residential architects on sites like Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau.
- Find out how much involvement the architect will have with the job and request that, should you hire them, you keep the same architect throughout the job. Sometimes, residential architect firms will start a client with one architect and then if a bigger job comes up, introduce someone different so they can move the first architect elsewhere.
- Ask for an estimate. Ideally, you will get a range of prices; you will typically want to select the one that is the median, rather than the lowest. Be sure you understand what that cost includes. It should cover elements like basic re-designs or project changes. Also, make sure you understand the billing process so there are no surprises. Don’t be afraid to negotiate on elements and cost. After all, it’s your house and money!
- Once you have selected a residential architect, be sure to get everything in writing and make certain that you understand everything in the contract before signing! If there is something you don’t understand, ask!
When you live in a city as historic as Boston, hiring a residential architect is a great way to ensure that your home fits with the city’s natural charm and tradition. A good residential architect is well worth their price. Take your time in the selection process so that when the job is done you can stand back and smile. Janet Slagell independently authors articles for WebDrafter.com, Inc. for search engine marketing. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those solely of the author, and not of any other person, company, or organization. No guarantee or warranty, express or implied, is made regarding the accuracy, fitness, or use of the content herein.
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