A good consultation will answer all seven of these questions clearly and specifically — not deflect with vague reassurances like "don't worry, we're a reputable company".
1. Who will directly design my project?
Many large firms hand projects to junior architects while the name on the contract belongs to a senior, well-known architect. Ask clearly who will actually draw and supervise your project.
2. What exactly does the quote include?
Cost overruns usually come from items "assumed to be excluded" — fire protection systems, weak soil treatment, or loose furniture. Ask for a detailed quantity breakdown, not just a single total figure.
3. How does design supervision actually work?
Does the design architect actually visit the site to check progress, or are the drawings simply handed off to the construction crew? This difference determines whether the finished building matches the drawings.
4. How long does each phase take?
A clear milestone schedule — design, permitting, structural work, finishing — lets you control your finances and catch delays early.
5. What are the warranty terms after handover?
Warranty duration, covered items, and the process for handling issues need to be written into the contract — not a verbal promise.
6. Can I see actual completed projects?
Renderings always look good. Only real, built projects — especially ones lived in for a few years — reveal true construction quality and material durability.
7. Who is responsible if a technical issue arises?
When design and construction are handled by separate parties, responsibility is easy to pass around when something goes wrong. A design-build firm needs to clearly commit to final accountability.
Transparent pricing, clear quantities, no surprises outside the contract — that's the first thing we commit to with every homeowner.
If a contractor dodges or gives vague answers to more than two of these seven questions, that's a signal worth reconsidering.
