While you might think that architects only draw blueprints for buildings, they are much more involved in the overall construction process than you might realize. While they aren’t the ones swinging the hammers, architects do the following: 

• Communicate with the homeowner on the project request, including assistance when exact plans aren’t known

• Develop computer-aided models and blueprints of the requested design

• Ensure that the design incorporates form, function, and safety features

• Provide the contractor with the agreed-upon design

• Supervise the general contractor and any subcontractors throughout the project

• Communicate any needed changes to the project with the homeowner and draw new plans accordingly

Before settling on and hiring an architect, it’s beneficial to you as a homeowner to ask some questions to familiarize yourself with their work. After all, you wouldn’t want to spend time and resources on a professional that doesn’t specialize in exactly what you want in a house. Some questions to ask your architect include: 

• How do you charge for services? Is it on an hourly basis, based on square footage, or based on project size?

• How do we work together to stay on budget for this project?

• Do you anticipate any future challenges with this project? How are these communicated?

• What is your project management style? If you are not handling the day-to-day details, who is my point of contact? 

• Can I see previous similar projects that you’ve completed?

• Do you have any specialty experience, like working on historic homes or using sustainable building materials?

The average cost to hire an architect for your home project ranges between $2,200 and $10,500. However, depending on location and project type, you might end up paying as little as $600 or as much as $45,000 or more. For example, the average cost of hiring an architect in North Carolina is between $1,800 and $2,000, but in California, that price tag jumps to $3,600 to $15,200. 

The price you pay for your architect also depends on their experience level. For example, a principal architect, the firm's owner, typically charges $150 to $250 per hour. However, an intern architect with three to five years of experience usually only charges $45 per hour. 

After you’ve spoken with your contractor and agreed on a project, they’ll draw up blueprints, or plans, that the construction crew will use. The blueprint process can take between four and six months to complete. While this can seem like a long time, remember that the architect must communicate with your municipality to determine codes, communicate with you as the homeowner with any changes or adjustments, and coordinate with the construction crew. 

If you simply remodel your home or add an addition, the time to draw up the plans will be shorter since fewer permits and surveys are required. Even still, it’s best to plan for a few months for the architect to complete this part of the project.

Knowing if you need an architect for your project can be tricky, especially if you've never worked with one before. In general, small remodeling projects like replacing fixtures typically don't require the expertise of an architect. However, larger projects, like moving walls or adding an addition to your home, should include an architect to ensure the project is structurally sound.