The Blog

Since it’s football season, I want to continue writing about teams. My last post discussed where to “scout players” – architects, designer, and building professionals. Once you’ve collected a list of potential architects, designers and contractors, what do you do next?

Now is the time to do a bit of research on each candidate so that you can compare qualifications, design sensibilities, and reputation. Also, cross-check your list with consumer protection agencies such as the Better Business Bureau, to weed out any bad apples who have flown under your radar. Next, use this information to cut down your list to a manageable number of promising possibilities.

There are several attributes pertaining to each candidate that you should consider. Remember this is your home, and it is all about you! When working with a design professional, look for one who is ready and willing to incorporate your personality and lifestyle into their designs for your home. Also, the individuals you choose should display a willingness to work with the other team members you’ve selected, all working toward the common goal of creating your forever home. You’ll be working with these professionals for a year or more, so go with your gut and choose team players that you like and feel comfortable.

4 Suggested Criteria for Evaluating Professionals 

Education and experience

Gather information regarding each team members’ education and their relevant work experience. Make note of areas where they show particular talent or interest that could affect your project, as well as any areas that indicate reliability and professionalism.

Licensure

Verify that every team member holds the proper up-to-date license, as well as permits to work in your location. Contractors and architects are licensed by the state, and some local governments also license contractors and sub-contractors.

Design sensibilities

Since you are creating your home, you want designers who reflect your individual design sensitivity. Everyone has different views when it comes to beauty, but when it comes to the residence you’ll be living in for years to come, align yourself with a design team whose views on beauty and aesthetics closely reflect yours.

To get an idea of a potential candidate’s design sensibilities, review their portfolio of past projects. Does your vision of your forever home fit in this mix? If their past work doesn’t resonate with your preferences, eliminate this candidate and continue your search for design professionals which are on your wavelength.

Reputation

Reputations provide insight regarding how someone is seen in the eyes of their peers and past customers. For each candidate you’re considering, ask for a list of past clients and follow up with these references, asking about their experience working with said professional. Were they easy to work with and responsive throughout the project? How were conflicts resolved on the job, and was the professional diplomatic or confrontational? As the client, were they satisfied with the end result?

I would enjoy reading your comments. Do you have a success story or a cautionary tale to share? Please leave a note in the comments below.

If you would like to learn more about how to put together a winning design and construction team for your home, check out my Amazon #1 Best Seller, The Forever Home: How to work with an architect to design the home of you dreams. You may order it  from your local bookseller or online from Amazon or Barnes & Noble.