Whether you’re doing a home remodel, building an ohana on your property, or an entire house, you’ll be talking to multiple people before the job is done.
During the project, there are several people involved. Two important people are the architect and the contractor. Why?
• The architect designs and draws the project
• The contractor takes the drawings and makes the project a reality
Some architects have preferred contractors that they like working with, and some contractors have architects on staff. It may make sense for you to hire someone with the other party in-house. It makes things easier, and you’ll know that the two will collaborate easily.
But in many cases, a client hires an architect first, then a contractor. Both work together to bring the client his or her ideal project, and so they must be on the same page. Without this cohesive relationship, a project may go over the budget, stall, or never get finished.
The One Team Approach
Many people may think of architects and contractors as two different teams. But when they’re all working on one project, that’s not always a good idea.
You can find online advice for hiring both, but what’s important is that they work together as one team. As a client, it’s important to bring them both on board early in the process, including the design process. It’s also vital that they have open lines of communication throughout the project.
Collaboration
With a good relationship in place, both parties can work together for the common goal of a well-built completed project. Both parties must understand the property owner’s goals as well as logistical and other concerns.
At the outset, the architect and contractor will discuss the high points of the project. This includes the project’s timeline, materials, and of course, the budget, to reduce misunderstandings.
Both parties may also work together on problem-solving. Issues such as budgetary concerns, change orders, and logistics are some of the most common. When there is a good relationship between the two, collaboration on these issues can make things easier to resolve.
Hiring The Architect And Maui Contractors
So how do you hire two different parties that will work as a team?
• Ask a wide-ranging set of questions when you interview each one
• Carefully examine the styles of communication each party uses
• Don’t interview just one—interview several architects and contractors so that you can compare them and find the right one for you and your project
• Ask the architects about their experience collaborating with Maui contractors
• Ask the contractors about their experience collaborating with Maui architects
When you’ve completed your interviews, decide on the professionals who understand the importance of collaboration and a good working relationship. That relationship is vital to the ultimate success of your project.
Let Pro Draft Design Your Next Building Project
Pro Draft has been helping bring ideas to life in Maui for 30 years. We’re ready to help with drawings, interior design, “green design” with LEED certification, project management, and permit expedition.
We can help with architecture, drawings, blueprints, permits, and answer all of your questions before the first day of construction. We’re happy to help, and will work to ensure your project is exactly the way you envision.
Call Pro Draft today at (808) 579-9050 or 1-800-499-4699 from the Mainland
