if you feel like you can’t be honest with them, keep looking. It’s your house, after all.
Yeah, that’s huge. I’d add—don’t underestimate the value of detailed drawings and specs. I learned the hard way that vague plans = budget surprises later. Ask to see a sample set of their construction docs, not just pretty renderings. If they can’t walk you through how they handle changes or cost overruns, I’d be wary. Communication style matters as much as design skills, honestly.
don’t underestimate the value of detailed drawings and specs. I learned the hard way that vague plans = budget surprises later.
That’s a solid point, but I’d say it’s not just about the drawings themselves—it’s about how those drawings get *used* throughout the process. Here’s how I usually break it down for folks starting out:
1. **Initial Conversations:** Before you even look at portfolios, try to get a sense of how each designer or architect listens to you. Are they asking questions about your lifestyle, your routines, what you *don’t* want? If they’re just nodding and sketching, that’s a red flag for me.
2. **Concept vs. Construction Docs:** Renderings are fun, but they’re like movie trailers—lots of sizzle, not much steak. Ask for a sample set of construction documents from a past project (with client info blacked out if needed). You want to see floor plans, elevations, sections, and especially the notes and schedules. If you can’t make heads or tails of them, ask them to walk you through what each part means.
3. **Change Management:** This is where things can get messy. I’ve seen projects go sideways because nobody clarified how changes would be handled—both in terms of design revisions and cost implications. Some folks have a formal process (change order forms, updated budgets), others are more casual... which can be risky.
4. **Communication Style:** You nailed it with “communication style matters as much as design skills.” I’d even argue it matters more sometimes. If you feel like you’re being talked down to or rushed through decisions, trust your gut.
One thing I’ll push back on a bit: sometimes even detailed docs can’t prevent every surprise—site conditions or code issues pop up that nobody could predict from the start. But if your designer is transparent about those possibilities up front, that’s a good sign.
Last thing: don’t be afraid to ask “dumb” questions about their process or documents. If they get defensive or impatient, keep looking... there are plenty who’ll take the time to explain things in plain English.
It’s your house—you should feel like you’re part of the team, not just along for the ride.
WHERE DO YOU EVEN START WITH HIRING SOMEONE TO DESIGN YOUR HOUSE?
I’ll second the bit about “detailed drawings” not being a magic shield. I’ve been elbows-deep in my own build for the last year, and even with what I thought were bulletproof plans, stuff still popped up. Like, who knew the city would care so much about where my driveway met the sidewalk? Not me, apparently.
One thing I’d add: don’t get dazzled by fancy 3D renderings or those glossy portfolios. I got sucked in by a designer who could make a doghouse look like a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece on paper... but when it came time to actually spec out lumber and nail down window sizes, it was like pulling teeth. Ended up redoing half the details myself with a pencil and some graph paper.
And yeah, communication is everything. If you’re getting that “just trust me” vibe, run for the hills. The best folks I worked with were the ones who didn’t mind me asking what probably sounded like dumb questions (like, “wait, which way does this door swing?”). If they can’t explain their own drawings in plain English—or at least try—then you’re gonna have a rough time once the sawdust starts flying.
Change orders are another beast. My advice: get it in writing how they handle changes before you sign anything. Otherwise you’ll end up arguing over whether moving a wall two feet is a “minor tweak” or a “major revision” (ask me how I know...).
At the end of the day, even if you do everything right, there’s always gonna be curveballs—weather delays, weird soil under your slab, inspectors having a bad day. But if your designer’s upfront about that stuff and doesn’t act like they’ve got all the answers from day one, that’s usually a good sign.
Anyway, just my two cents from someone who’s spent more time at the permit office than I care to admit...
Totally agree on the communication piece—if someone can’t explain their own plans in plain English, it’s a red flag. But I’d push back a little on the portfolios. For me, seeing actual finished projects (not just renderings) helped weed out folks who were all style, no substance. I also found it super helpful to talk to past clients directly. One guy I almost hired looked great on paper, but his references were... let’s just say “cautiously polite.” Trust your gut and don’t be afraid to walk away if it doesn’t feel right.
- Totally with you on the value of finished projects over just pretty renderings. Renderings can hide a lot—actual builds show if someone can deliver.
- Talking to past clients is gold. I once got a glowing portfolio, but a quick call to a reference revealed the project ran six months late and doubled in cost... yikes.
- Gut checks matter. If something feels off, it probably is. No shame in walking away early.
- One thing I’d add: ask about how they handle changes mid-project. Flexibility (or lack of it) can make or break the experience.
