4 min read

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6 days ago

Many people dream of building their ideal home or developing properties, but they often don’t know where to begin. I remember a potential client who reached out to me because he wanted to build a hotel. He thought that all he needed was a site engineer and a large enough piece of land to start the construction. This made me realize that there are likely many others in similar situations — those who either have misconceptions or are unsure of how to get started. In this guide, I will provide you with all the information you need to embark on your project. The first step is to identify potential properties (land). Once you’ve found a few options, it’s essential to consult with an architect before making any purchases. An architect can help you assess the suitability of the land for your intended project. After acquiring the land, you and the architect can begin the design process.

Keep in mind that this process can be quite lengthy, often taking several months for the architect to complete your project design. While this may seem like a long time, architects must consider numerous factors when creating their designs, including:

1. The Scale of the Project: Larger and more complex projects require more time for design. 2. The Architect’s Process and Workload: Every architect has a specific approach to designing projects, and your project may not be their only focus, which can extend the timeline. 3. Client Feedback: The speed at which you provide feedback and approve designs can significantly impact the design timeline. 4. Building Codes

Although it can be a tedious process, investing this time is essential to achieve the perfect design for your project. Once the architect has completed the architectural drawings, the next professionals you will need are structural and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) engineers. They will require copies of the architectural drawings to create detailed structural and MEP drawings. The timeline for receiving these drawings depends on the scale of the project. Typically, structural drawings take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, while MEP drawings may take anywhere from a few days to a few months.

Your structural engineer will request a soil test to be conducted on your land. This test helps the engineer determine the bearing capacity of the soil, which essentially means assessing how much weight the ground can support without settling. A geotechnical engineer usually performs soil tests, but you can also contact a soil testing company directly.

Once you have your Architectural, Structural, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) drawings completed, the next step is to hire an Estimator or Quantity Surveyor (QS). Their role is to quantify and provide a detailed cost breakdown of all the items represented in your drawings. They will study and analyze the drawings to give you a total cost that includes materials, labor, equipment, and other associated expenses for the project. The time required for this process can vary based on the scale of the project, but it typically takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. How do you find the right people for the job? Specifically, how do you locate the right architect, structural engineer, MEP engineer, etc.?

Start with your immediate network. Ask family, friends, and colleagues for recommendations. You can also conduct a simple search on LinkedIn using keywords like “architect” or “structural engineer,” which will yield a long list of potential professionals. You can filter this list by location to find those closer to you. Additionally, freelance websites like Upwork or Fiverr can connect you with qualified individuals.

To narrow down your list, review their profiles and check their portfolios to see if they have completed work similar to your project. Once you have shortlisted a few candidates, reach out to each one with a message that provides a short but detailed brief of your needs. For example:

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Dear [Architect’s Name],

My name is [Your Name], and my email address is [Your Email]. I am looking to undertake a residential project in [Your Location], and I would like to discuss the possibility of working together.

The project entails [description of the project, e.g., a one-story residential house with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a walk-in closet in the master bedroom, a pool in the backyard, and a two-car garage]. I am leaning towards a modern style of architecture and would like to explore options for sustainable design.

I look forward to your reply and to discussing the possibilities further.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

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Feel free to adjust the message to fit your project and personal style!

If you have a specific timeline and budget in mind, be sure to include that in your message. This will allow you to discuss its feasibility with the architect.

I hope this information is helpful. I’ll see you next time!