How do you hire
Selecting Architects/ Engineers
- Ask your to be neighbours / friends / relatives who have recently built their own homes about the architects/ engineers they engaged:
- Did their homebuilding process run smoothly? What were the problems?
- Did their work finish on time? What could have been the causes for delay, if any?
- Were the initial budget estimates accurate? Did they exceed the budget? Why?
- Did the architect/engineer help in solving layout problems or budget problems by suggesting good alternatives?
- Did the architect/engineer offer useful suggestions when needed?
- Were the architect/engineer present on the job frequently?
- Did they face any problem after moving into their home? How were they solved effectively? Who solved them?
Check if they are chartered architects/engineers.
Getting the best from your Architect
- The key to a successful home plan and project is clear communication with your architect:
- Give him a realistic budget to work on - a good architect can modify a plan to fit the budget.
- Take time to decide on the important details and share these with your architect - flooring for rooms, bathrooms, furniture and cabinets - especially built-in items, storage lofts, kitchen table-tops, electrical and sanitary fittings, placement of appliances (TV, music system, fridge, oven, washing machine, computer...).
- Discuss future needs. Extensions, possible partitioning, conversions for renting out. Addition of fixtures such as an antenna the roof or a clothesline.
- Fix the rates and terms of payment before work starts and discuss all important issues frankly.
(Payment terms are usually fixed on the basis of rupees per sq ft of built-up area or a certain percentage of the overall construction cost .)
Selecting Contractors/ Labour Contractors
- Check out the current commercial terms, the terms quoted to you, and compare with rates from at least three or four sources.
- Discuss with your architect the scope of the contractor's responsibilities, the kind of materials he will supply, the kind of equipment he has - such as the quality of shuttering material, the concrete mixer, vibrator, any other equipment because later these could become sources of dispute.
- Before deciding on the cost of materials from the contractor, do visit the market and find out for yourself.
- Check contractor's/sub-contractor's registration/licence (such as electrician or plumber.)
