When it comes time to develop the plan for a custom home, many of our clients come to us and ask – do I really need an architect? The answer is – probably.  A custom-designed home is created specifically for the family who will live there.  In most cases, custom-designed homes require the services of a licensed architect. Architects are licensed professionals. Like doctors and lawyers, they have completed university programs and lengthy internships, and they have passed a series of rigorous exams. Their training covers many areas, ranging from landscape design to structural engineering.

You may find stock building plans that are drawn by architects and home designers for mass marketing through magazines, catalogs, and Web sites. The main advantage here is that you can easily find stock plans for houses in a wide variety of sizes, styles, and budgets. If you are able to find a stock plan that works for you, you could save the cost of hiring your own architect. However, the architect who designed your stock building plan has never met you and does not know your tastes and needs. Moreover, stock building plans cannot take into account the nature of your building lot or the climate in your region. Another caveat is that stock and/or catalogue plans viewed on a website do not have the required architect and/or structural engineers stamp that is required in Massachusetts. Obtaining this stamp would result in additional fees. In summary, many people who purchase stock building plans eventually decide to hire an architect to make modifications. 

Another cost-saving alternative is to hire a Certified Professional Building Designer (also known as a Home Designer) to design your now home. Home designers do not have the same level of education or the same licensing requirements as architects, and their fees are usually lower. Nevertheless, professional home designers do hold professional certificates which demonstrate that they have completed coursework and achieved experience in the field. Ultimately you will need to have a licensed architect to stamp your plans.

Even if you are working within a tight budget, it does not make good economical sense to cut corners on design. Talented professionals will help you avoid costly mistakes - and can assure that the home you build is ideally suited for the way you live. Sterling Homes is happy to recommend one of our preferred designers or architects to work on your project.