Top questions to ask before hiring an architect

A professional will assist you with scope and estimates, but having a clear idea of what you want to accomplish will help communication.

Do you want professionals to do everything, or do you have the time and skill to do some of the work?

Many projects such as have a DIY component, such as painting or cleanup.

First and foremost, protect yourself and make sure the contractor and any sub-contractors are licensed, bonded and insured.

Everything You Need to Know About Oakland Architects

How do I know that I found the right Architect in Oakland for my architectural design project?

Finding the right architect for your project can be stressful.... when you don't search with Porch. We've pulled together everything you need to know about Architectural Design in Oakland so you can have some peace of mind before starting your project.

Here’s what you need to know to choose the right architect in Oakland:

  • Are they BBB accredited? 1 pros in Oakland are.
  • Check if they are they BBB rated: 4 are A-rated in Oakland.
  • Is the quality worth the price? Make sure to find the architect that can deliver the quality you're looking for, without going way over your budget. Don't forget that every job is going to be different.
  • Speak with them over the phone: Contact multiple architects pros to see if you’re on the same page when it comes to your project.

How many architects does Oakland have?

There are around 41 companies throughout Oakland to help you with your next architectural design job.

  • 4 of them have an A or A+ rating from Better Business Bureau.

How does invoicing/payment work for most Architect projects in Oakland?

Every project differs, but you should ask any architect for an estimate, before they do any work. In fact, ask for their general payment terms before any architectural design work is done.

If the job is large and going to take longer than a day, it's common practice for architects to request a down payment. Usually, this will be around 25% so they can commence work on your architect project.

If it's a quick job, you'll likely be given an invoice/bill when the job is complete. Then it's up to you and the architect to determine if you pay immediately or can send payment at a later date.