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Bidding and negotiation

A contract may be either bid by a number of contractors or negotiated with an individual builder. The architect will help you choose which is the most appropriate for your project and then help evaluate contractors. Bidding requires organization, to ensure each contractor gets the same information throughout the process and gets their questions answered in a timely way. Negotiation means the architect must have a working knowledge of building costs as well as a thorough knowledge of the specific needs and potential problems of the project.

Construction administration

During construction, the architect visits the site and keeps in contact with the builder on a regular basis. However, the architect is not there to supervise or oversee construction. The architect is your agent on site and with the builder, to represent your interests and check to see that construction is consistent with he drawings. Usually, communication between owner and builder is primarily through the architect. This minimizes confusion and allows the architect to analyze whether or not any changes may affect other parts of the project.

However, one of the most important things an architect does during this phase is solve problems. Building is not a trouble free process. When problems arise, it is crucial that the owner, the builder, and the architect work together to find solutions.

The rule: Keep talking and listening.