The Value of a Strong Contractor and Architect Relationship

If you're planning to hire an architect and a contractor for an upcoming building project or remodel, it's important to seek out professionals who understand the value of teamwork and good communication. As a property owner, you may not be aware of the ways in which architects and builders work together on construction projects. Before you can understand the value of a strong relationship between the architect and contractor, you must first understand the role of these two professionals in a building and construction project.

The Role of the Architect

Not all building projects include an architect, but those that do will start with a meeting between the architect and the property owner. Together, they create a plan for the design of the building or remodeling project. At these initial meetings, the architect will talk with the property owner to assess the owner's needs and preferences.

The architect and property owner may look at pictures for inspiration. They'll also discuss the aesthetic tastes of the property owner. Architects place strong emphasis on the importance of design and aesthetics, so they spend a lot of time trying to achieve just the right look. Once the design has been created and approved by the property owner, the blue prints are passed on to the contractor.

The Role of the Contractor

In a home construction or commercial construction project, contractors are the builders, the organizers, and the implementers. The role of a general contractor is as follows:

• Order supplies. Before construction can begin, the contractor must order supplies for the work ahead.
• Coordinate with the property owner. The general contractor establishes a timeline to complete the work. This information is communicated to the homeowner, who must be kept apprised of the situation throughout the entire project.
• Oversee construction. The general contractor reads blueprints and follows designs from the architect. On small projects, the general contractor may complete the work alone. On larger projects, the general contractor may work with employees or subcontractors. Either way, the general contractor is responsible for the quality of the work.
• Stick to the timeline. Throughout the project, the general contractor works to keep the project moving and on time. If the timeline changes because of complications or problems, the contractor works with the property owner to ensure that the property owner is prepared.
• Make the logistics of the design work. The general contractor works to achieve the look and function of the original plans.

The Partnership Between Architect and Contractor

Throughout the building process, the architect and contractor remain in communication with one another. The contractor may have questions for the architect about the architect's intentions, and the architect must answer the questions with clarity in order to achieve the goals of the property owner.

Often architects and contractors must work together to accommodate problems or issues that arise during construction. Since many construction problems are not apparent until ground is broken, problems like this come up frequently. These problems often require the contractor and architect to make changes to the original plans. They must work together to keep the plans as close to the original design as possible.

Communication is key to an effective working relationship between an architect and a contractor. It's important to hire a contractor who has many years of experience working with architects on building projects ranging from home additions to large commercial construction projects. Without good communication, the project can lose focus and desires of the property owner may be lost.

If you're embarking on a construction project in the New Haven area and are planning to work with a contractor and architect, seek out a contractor with many years experience working with architects. To find out more, call Litchfield Builders today.