I don't recommend choosing an architect based on ballpark construction cost estimates at the initial interview but I guess it might be a rough indication of what price houses they are used to designing. The greater danger is that the low estimates might be unrealistic and mislead you. Ask for real examples of costs and review their design scope, maybe even visit the houses. Be sure to get the names of the builders that they recommend and interview them. Be careful to give everyone a clear description of the scope of your project.

As far as saying goodbye goes, just send them an email, tell them you were impressed with their firm/work/etc., thank them for interviewing, and tell them that you have decided to take an alternate path or some other euphemism for dumping them. You don't need to say you chose another architect; that should be obvious. Keep it upbeat and short.

Thanks, Mightyanvil.

Hi,

Costs estimates are difficult because there are just too many variables. My recomendation is this. Say your budget is $US 100.

I would target a cost of $US 75 and hold a $US 25 contingency.

For a house, I would target say 1 Year. An expect to come in maybe 18 months.

Having built a house 3 years ago, bugeting is not an accurate science. I would say at the get go it is best to target some sort of $US per square foot for your area. Then depending on finishes etc. target more or less money. I.E. base rate:

$US 130 / sq foot.

nicely done $US 180 / sq foot

Premium $US 250 / sq foot.

Depends of course on where you live and are building. So recalibrate accordingly. I would also be warey of site specific gotchayas. e.g. Rock, soft foundation soil, water, wind / tide (special storm windows) etc. and try to guestimate those.

I would also ask each architect how many homes he has bult in the last 5 years in your area. The ones who are active in your market will have a much much better gauge on costs.

Apart from that have lots of cash in reserve, and also be prepared for changes. ..... they always happen.....

Good luck and keep smiling. It will be worth it in the end.

Warmest regards, Mike.

homey

You might not want to use any of the cost estimates you are getting from the architects - unless they are also a builder. The builders should have a much better understanding of the current construction costs than an architect who isn't a builder.

I suggest asking each of the architects for recommendations on what builders that you should talk to and then go talk to those builders. You can ask them for ball park costs on what you want to build and also ask them about what architects they like (or typically) work with. It may lead you back to your orginal cast or perhaps to others.

I also suggest talking to lenders who specialize in custom home building loans in your local area. I would also talk to real estate agents who specialize in selling custom homes. These people have a lot of great insights into the custom builder community - who finishes on time, who pays their subs, who is easy to work with, etc. Then go speak to those people. That may start a brand new loop of people to talk to, or confirm what you have learned in previous.

Gather as much info as you can before you select your team. You may find in your search that certain names start to pop up frequently (for good or bad). All it takes is some time but may be well worth the effort.

Once you have short list - check the Better Business Bureau as well as with your state which may keep a list of licensed contractors and any complaints or judgements against them.

Good luck.

Be sure to pick an architect that has knowledge of the construction costs....some just draw pretty pictures and never think about what it costs to actually build the structure.

Also pick one that will listen and do what YOU want done, not what THEY want to do~~very important!

Thanks all for the suggestions! I sure had my fill of all kinds of people visiting me. I guess all of them were good but ultimately it was more of a matter of clicking with the one!

All of the architects we saw suggested that once plans are finalized, before getting city approval we should get preliminary cost estimates from builders, which we agree is a good idea. I guess that is the path we will go.

I don't know why you would think that advice was good.

A preliminary cost estimate should be based on preliminary drawings and updated when the design development drawings are done. You should be bidding or negotiating the final drawings so no estimate would be needed.

You would not need to show the proposed design to the city until after selecting a contractor unless, of course, you are concerned about zoning and preliminary drawings would be adequate an early review.