Each week, we work with homeowners in Jalandhar, Mohali, and Chandigarh who are about to make one the most significant financial decisions in their lifetime — building or renovating a home. Most of these homeowners are first-time users of an architect. Selecting an architect is often a decision that is made in haste, either as a result of getting antsy to begin the project, or simply because "an architect is an architect." This statement could not be farther from the truth. The architect selection process greatly influences the financial and time constraints and the satisfaction level of the homeowners.
After working on a multitude of residential and commercial projects across Punjab, we have established a list of the most important questions to ask an architect at your first meeting — and their answers — before signing on the dotted line.
Look at Finished Projects, Not Just Conceptual Renders
3D conceptual renders are very impressive and easy to produce. Finished and signed-off projects are much more difficult to produce, yet more impressive and revealing. Ask any architect or firm you are considering the following:
- Can I see pictures of finished and signed-off projects, not just conceptual designs?
- Can I visit a signed-off site or talk to a past client of yours?
- How many projects like mine have you and your firm completed?
If a firm is confident in its work, they will have no hesitation in answering these questions. If only signed-off and polished conceptual designs are presented, treat that with caution.
Understand Who is Managing Your Project
One of the biggest complaints we hear from clients about working with other firms is the lack of consistent personnel. One person is in charge of the design step, another is in charge of the construction step, and no one is in charge of the project as a whole. This is one area where “architecture-only” firms and “full-service” firms differ.
With architecture-only firms, the design of the building is completed and the drawings are completed and given to the client. The client is tasked with hiring and managing the construction staff, which often requires working with multiple construction firms with little to no communication between them.
Full-service firms, like Z Axis Homez, manage the design and construction as well as the turnkey execution, meaning a single team hands everything over.
Neither option is bad, but it is your responsibility to know what option you are choosing.
Get Clarity on Cost Estimation Early
Inconsistent or unclear pricing often leads to issues with construction in Punjab. To avoid the issues, require as part of the bid:
A comprehensive cost estimate by phase (design, construction, materials, finishes)
Clear descriptions of included costs and what will constitute an “extra” or change order
A phased time estimate with clear milestones
A good architect will supply these with accompanying explanations, including estimates and potential outcomes if you choose to alter construction materials.
Look for Local Knowledge, Not Just General Design Skills
Some designs that may look good in a Mumbai high-rise or a Delhi bungalow won't look good in Punjab. Local knowledge is important for things like:
Understanding Punjab's climate when picking materials (hot summers and monsoon humidity)
Knowing the local municipal approval processes across the different cities — Jalandhar, Mohali and Chandigarh all have different city norms
Understanding regional construction costs and having knowledge of good local material suppliers
An architect who's worked in Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Mohali, Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala will usually handle these details better with less surprises than someone who is coming from outside that region.
Discuss Your Lifestyle, Not Just Square Footage
A good architect will first ask you how you live and then how many rooms you would like to have. Do you host large family gatherings? Do you have a large family? Do you work from home? Do you need a room that will adapt as your family grows? These answers dictate important decisions regarding the layout of the design like the placement of the kitchen, the placement of rooms and the placement of natural light.
If your first meeting is all about how many square feet you want and how much you are willing to pay, with no questions about how you plan to use the space, that's something to keep in mind.
Read Reviews and Testimonials Judiciously
Testimonials can be helpful, but you need to interpret the details correctly. Look for comments regarding communication, the timeline, and the resolution of issues (there will always be issues) and not just the positive feedback. A firm that posts extensive feedback from their clients on the different types of projects and their locations is likely to be more open than one that has vague, five-star testimonials.
Communication Should Feel Right Early On
Your architect or project manager will be communicating with you regularly for many months, if not over a year for larger projects. There are a few early signs you should look for:
Are they ready, willing, and able to communicate in the early stages?
Do they make the effort to clarify and explain the rationale behind the technical decisions to you?
Do you feel free to ask questions, no matter how basic?
If you feel that communication is lacking or dismissive as you are still trying to finalize the contract, it will only be worse when the project starts.
Our Approach at Z Axis Homez
Z Axis Homez is designed with the philosophy that clients should not have to work with and manage several different vendors. Our team, led by our Founder & Managing Director Parminder Singh and Co-Founder & Project Manager Gagandeep Singh, provides integrated Architectural and Interior Design along with Construction and Turnkey services for both Residential and Commercial clients in Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Mohali, Hoshiarpur and Kapurthala.
We understand we may not be the perfect match for every project, though we recommend posing the questions above for any hiring decision. These questions usually root out the companies that are all talk and no substance.
If you're thinking of starting a project in Punjab, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with our team, who will conduct your first site visit free of charge.
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