Many home projects can safely be done by yourself. But when you are building a home, making changes to the structure of your home, or planning an addition to your home, you’ll likely need to hire an architect. If planning a project involving gardens and lawns, you may also want to talk to a landscape architect.

The rules about who can draw the plans for a home project vary from state to state and province to province. Check with your local authorities to see what is required and who is responsible for ensuring your plans meet all local codes.

While you may think you can plan a smaller home project by yourself, an architect has special training and experience, which can prove invaluable. Architects plan and design buildings and additions, ensure everything is done to code, and work with your contractors to ensure construction is done according to their plans.

You should talk to an architect early in your planning process so you don’t get too attached to a plan which may not be feasible. An architect will be able to evaluate the site of your project to make sure your project will be safe, as well as suggest options and ideas which may not occur to you.

When looking for an architect, talk to friends and family who have recently built homes or done similar projects to yours. They can tell you if they worked with an architect they liked. If you have a contractor already, they may also have suggestions from architects they already know. You can also consult BBB’s directory of architects near you.

Once you have a list of potential architects, you’ll want to talk with each one. Make sure you ask about their educational background and relevant licenses.

In the United States, most licensing boards require that architects either hold a degree from a program accredited by The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or document additional experience. In Canada, university programs are approved by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB), and you must pass a computerized exam to become licensed.

Be sure to check with your local jurisdiction to know what license is required for an architect.

It’s important to set expectations and understand the scope of your project before moving forward. Some of the topics you’ll want to discuss with your architect include:

• Reviewing a portfolio of their past work
• Their design process and how you will be involved
• Any concerns they have about your proposed project
• How do they charge (Hourly? A percentage of the construction costs?)
• What is their involvement after the plans are completed?
• Who will handle getting permits?

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has lists of questions for you to consider about your project before meeting with an architect as well as what you should ask the architect

Ensure you get signed contracts and estimates before starting any work with architects or contractors. The guidelines for hiring a contractor are also relevant for hiring professionals like residential architects or landscape architects.

For more information:

• Once you’ve determined the structure of your project, you may also want to talk to an interior designer about what the inside of the new home or addition will look like.
• Other projects you may consider along with your building project include painting, new windows, and patios or decks.
• After you’ve consulted with a landscape architect, you may also want to talk to someone about landscaping, lawn maintenance, or tree services. You may also want to speak to an arborist.
• Visit BBB's home HQ.