How to Hire an Architect for Your Whole-Home Remodel
An architect transforms your vision into buildable plans. For structural changes, additions, or significant modifications, you need someone who can design spaces that are both beautiful and legally compliant. Choosing the right architect sets the trajectory for your entire project.
Quick Summary
Time needed
4-8 weeks to hire
Difficulty
Moderate (many factors)
Cost
$15,000-$50,000+ (8-15% of construction)
Why You Need an Architect for a Whole-Home Remodel
A whole-home remodel isn't just about picking pretty finishes. It involves structural engineering, building codes, zoning requirements, and spatial design that affects how you'll live for decades. An architect brings professional expertise to solve complex problems you might not even recognize.
Beyond the technical requirements, a good architect sees possibilities you won't. They understand light, flow, proportion, and how spaces feel. The best remodels don't just look good—they transform how a home functions.
When an Architect Is Required
- • Removing or modifying load-bearing walls
- • Adding rooms or square footage
- • Changing the roofline or foundation
- • Significant layout modifications
- • Most permit applications (jurisdiction-dependent)
- • Projects exceeding certain dollar thresholds
- Code compliance: Architects know building codes and ensure your project passes inspections the first time.
- Structural integrity: They coordinate with engineers to ensure your home is safe and sound.
- Problem-solving: Hidden issues, weird angles, and impossible wishes—architects solve spatial puzzles.
- Permit navigation: They understand the permit process and create drawings that get approved.
- Value creation: Good design increases home value beyond the cost of construction.
Step-by-Step: Finding and Hiring Your Architect
1. Define Your Project Scope
Before approaching architects, clarify what you're trying to accomplish. The more specific your goals, the better architects can respond with relevant proposals.
Information to Prepare:
- • Your transformation goals (from step 1)
- • Must-haves and nice-to-haves list
- • Preliminary budget range
- • Desired timeline
- • Photos or examples of styles you like
- • Known constraints (HOA rules, setbacks, etc.)
- • Any existing plans or surveys of your home
2. Build Your Candidate List
Start with 5-8 candidates and narrow to 3-5 for interviews. Quality referrals are your best source.
Where to Find Architects:
Ask friends, neighbors, or colleagues who've completed similar projects. Ask specifically about communication, budget management, and problem-solving.
Search the AIA directory for licensed architects in your area. Look for residential specialists.
Browse portfolios and read reviews. Filter by project type and location.
Attend home tours in your area. Homeowners often share their architect information.
Contractors often have architects they work well with. This can streamline collaboration.
3. Review Portfolios Carefully
Look beyond pretty photos to understand their actual expertise and style. You want someone who has done what you're asking for.
Green Flags
- • Similar project types (remodels, not just new builds)
- • Style alignment with your taste
- • Projects in your budget range
- • Before/after comparisons showing problem-solving
- • Projects in your geographic area
- • Repeat clients (indicates satisfaction)
Red Flags
- • Only new construction (remodels are different)
- • Very different aesthetic from yours
- • All projects much larger/smaller than yours
- • No local projects (unfamiliar with codes)
- • Portfolio photos look like renders, not reality
- • No completed projects shown
4. Conduct In-Depth Interviews
Meet with your top 3-5 candidates. Initial consultations are often free or low-cost. This is your chance to assess fit.
Essential Interview Questions:
Experience and Expertise
- • How many whole-home remodels have you completed?
- • Can I visit a completed project similar to mine?
- • What's your experience with [specific challenge]?
- • Do you have experience with my home's era/style?
Process and Communication
- • What's your design process from start to finish?
- • How do you handle client input and revisions?
- • Who will be my main point of contact?
- • How often will we meet during design?
Budget and Scope
- • How do you help clients stay on budget?
- • When do cost estimates become available?
- • How do you handle scope changes?
- • What happens if the project exceeds budget?
Logistics
- • What's your current workload and availability?
- • How long will the design phase take?
- • Do you provide construction administration?
- • How do you coordinate with contractors?
5. Check References Thoroughly
Don't skip this step. Speaking with past clients reveals how the architect actually works, not just how they present.
Questions for References:
- • Was the design process collaborative and pleasant?
- • Did the project stay on budget? If not, why?
- • Were there surprises during construction that better design could have prevented?
- • How did they handle disagreements or problems?
- • Was the architect responsive to your concerns?
- • Did the finished project match your expectations?
- • Would you hire them again?
6. Compare Proposals and Make Your Decision
Request detailed proposals from your top 2-3 candidates. Compare not just price, but scope, process, and value.
What a Proposal Should Include:
- • Scope of services (design phases, deliverables)
- • Fee structure and total estimated cost
- • Payment schedule tied to milestones
- • Estimated timeline for each phase
- • What's included vs. additional services
- • Construction administration terms
- • Revision policy and additional meeting fees
- • Contract terms and cancellation policy
Understanding Architect Fees
Architect fees vary based on project complexity, geographic location, and the architect's experience. Understanding fee structures helps you compare proposals fairly.
Percentage of Construction Cost (Most Common)
Fees typically range from 8-15% of construction cost. For a $300,000 construction budget, expect $24,000-$45,000 in architectural fees.
Fixed Fee
A set price for defined scope of work. Typically $15,000-$75,000+ for whole-home remodels depending on complexity.
Hourly Rate
Principal architects charge $150-$400/hour; staff members $75-$200/hour. Less common for full projects but used for consulting.
Typical Fee Ranges by Project Size:
What Your Architect Will Deliver
Understanding the design phases helps you know what to expect and when.
Phase 1: Schematic Design (15-20% of fee)
Initial concepts and overall direction. You'll see rough floor plans, basic elevations, and 2-3 design options.
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
Phase 2: Design Development (20-25% of fee)
Refinement of chosen direction. Detailed floor plans, elevations, and initial material selections. Engineering coordination begins.
Timeline: 4-6 weeks
Phase 3: Construction Documents (35-40% of fee)
Permit-ready drawings with all technical details. Complete specifications, structural plans, and coordination with engineers.
Timeline: 6-10 weeks
Phase 4: Bidding and Negotiation (5% of fee)
Assistance with contractor selection, answering questions about plans, and reviewing bids.
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
Phase 5: Construction Administration (15-20% of fee)
Site visits, responding to RFIs (requests for information), reviewing submittals, and ensuring work matches drawings.
Timeline: Throughout construction (8-12+ months)
Don't Skip Construction Administration
Some homeowners try to save money by skipping CA. This is risky. Without architect oversight, contractors may misinterpret drawings, substitute materials, or take shortcuts. Having your architect involved during construction catches problems early when they're cheap to fix.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing based on lowest fee
Why it's a problem: Cheap architects often produce incomplete drawings, causing expensive change orders during construction
What to do instead: Compare value, not just price. A good architect prevents costly mistakes that dwarf their fee.
Not checking relevant experience
Why it's a problem: An architect who designs new custom homes may struggle with remodel constraints
What to do instead: Specifically ask about whole-home remodel experience. Visit similar completed projects.
Skipping the chemistry check
Why it's a problem: You'll work closely for months. Poor communication leads to frustration and bad outcomes.
What to do instead: Trust your gut about personal fit. Can you see yourself working with this person for a year?
Not defining scope clearly
Why it's a problem: Vague scope leads to disputes about what's included and surprise additional fees
What to do instead: Get everything in writing: number of revisions, meetings, site visits, and what triggers additional charges.
Hiring before establishing budget
Why it's a problem: Architects may design beyond your means, requiring expensive redesign
What to do instead: Share your realistic budget early. Good architects design to a budget, not despite it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an architect cost for a whole-home remodel?
Architects typically charge 8-15% of construction costs. For a $300,000 construction budget, expect $24,000-$45,000 in fees. Some charge hourly ($150-$400/hour) or fixed fees. Complex projects or high-end architects may charge more.
Do I need an architect for a whole-home remodel?
You likely need an architect if your project involves structural changes, additions, or significant layout modifications. Many jurisdictions require architect-stamped plans for permits. Even for non-structural work, architects provide valuable design expertise.
What's the difference between an architect and a designer?
Architects are licensed professionals who can design structural changes and create permit-ready drawings. Interior designers focus on aesthetics and finishes without structural work. For a whole-home remodel, you often need both.
How do I find a good architect for residential remodels?
Start with referrals from friends who've completed similar projects. Check the AIA directory, browse portfolios online, and attend local home tours. Interview 3-5 candidates and check references carefully.
What should I ask an architect before hiring them?
Ask about similar project experience, design process, communication style, fee structure, timeline, and how they handle budget concerns. Request to visit completed projects and speak with past clients.
Ready for the Next Step?
While your architect handles the structural and spatial design, you'll also want an interior designer to create cohesive aesthetics and prevent costly finish mistakes. Many homeowners engage designers during the architectural phase.