How does working with an architect differ from working with a general contractor?

If you hire a contractor to design and construct a building, the cost of the design is usually buried within the cost of the construction it is not free. Some contractors will give you a price to design and construct the building, but in order to increase their profit, will lower the quality of the finishes and simplify the details so that more of the construction dollars end up in their pocket and not in the structure. If you hire an architect, you know exactly what you are paying for the design of the building as well as the construction documents. Additionally, an architect typically specifies the quality level for all materials and may draw non-standard details that become part of the contract documents. The construction documents are then bid to several different contractors, allowing you to select the lowest price with the quality level you desire. Thus, there are no surprises that allow the contractor to lower the quality of the building. It goes without saying that because of ...  more