Questions to Answer

AIA Guide: 20 Things To Consider When Planning A Project

Once you have answered these questions for yourself you will be better prepared to talk with an architect and articulate your project goals and needs.

Questions Copyright © 1992 The American Institute of Architects

  1. Describe your current home. What do you like about it? What's missing? What don't you like?
  2. Do you want to change the space you have? How?
  3. Why do you want to add to or renovate your current home? Do you need more room? Are children grown and moving on? Is your lifestyle changing?
  4. What is your lifestyle? Are you at home a great deal? Do you work at home? Do you entertain? How much time do you spend in the living areas, bedrooms, kitchen, den or office, utility space?
  5. How much time and energy are you willing to invest in maintaining your home?
  6. If you are thinking of adding on, what functions or activities will be housed in the new space?
  7. What kind of spaces do you need - bedrooms, an expanded kitchen, second bathroom, etc?
  8. How many of these spaces do you think you need?
  9. What do you think the addition, renovation, or new home should look like?
  10. How much money can you realistically afford to spend?
  11. Are you willing to pull cash out of your home to invest into the remodel?
  12. How soon would you like to be settled into your newly remodeled home or addition? Are there rigid time constraints?
  13. Do you have strong ideas about design styles? What are your design preferences?
  14. Who will be the primary contact with the architect, contractor, and others involved in designing and building your project? (It is good to have one point of contact to avoid confusion and mixed messages.)
  15. What qualities are you looking for in an architect?
  16. How much time do you have to be involved in the design and construction process?
  17. Do you plan to do any of the work yourself?
  18. How much disruption in your life can you tolerate to add onto or renovate your home?
  19. Do you plan to sell your home and, if so, when?
  20. Are there any special needs or circumstances that you need to address?