What questions should I ask an architect or building designer before signing?

• Are you registered or licensed in this state, and can I see your registration and insurance?
• Which stages are included, and what exactly do I receive at each stage?
• How are fees calculated, what triggers extra fees, and when is each payment due?
• Who coordinates the engineers and other consultants, and are their fees included?
• Do you attend site, and do you administer the building contract?
• How many design revisions are included?
• Who owns the drawings, and what am I allowed to do with them? Have a lawyer check this.
• What is the timeframe, and what could delay it?
• How do I end the agreement, and what is payable if I do?
• Can I speak to previous clients with similar projects?

Get the answers in a written agreement. Have a lawyer review it before you sign, because it is a legal contract.

In MyBuildHub: keep the signed agreement and fee schedule in your project documents, and add each stage deliverable as a Task.

Check yourself: your state building regulator, your state architects board for architects, and a lawyer.

General information only. It is not legal, financial or professional advice and may not apply to your project. Confirm requirements with your regulator, your certifier or a lawyer before acting.