Using An Architect Instead Of A General Contractor
Most people don't know this, but an architect is allowed
to perform the same tasks as a general contractor. They can actually
replace the general contractors in most states. I would imagine that
most architects are qualified, to perform this task and would do an
excellent job at it.
With that said, I would like to point something out and this affects
general contractors and architects. Nothing can replace experience and
if you have an experienced architect who has done plenty of general
contracting, and has previous clients that are happy with his or her
completed projects, I would recommend using the architect.
I wouldn't recommend having a general contractor perform the architect's
task and design your house, but I would agree that most architects are
extremely capable and should be able to perform the tasks that are
involved by most general contractors.
Here's the biggest problem that I have as a contractor, working under
architects who have taken the general contract for a construction
project. Most of them don't seem to understand how important it is, to
keep the job going and stay on schedule.
If you hired a general contractor, instead of an architect, the general
contractor could push the architect, for plan changes and provide
solutions to your problems on time and without excuses.
If the architect is the general contractor, guess what happens. You
guessed it, they will drag certain changes that require their attention,
for weeks, because no one is placing demands on them to perform.
This happens a lot in the construction business. If you're thinking
about using an architect to replace a general contractor, make sure that
your architect understands that you need to stay on schedule and
complete the building on time and you will not accept anything less.
If your architect refuses or seems wishy-washy, find someone else who is
qualified to keep the job on schedule or you could find yourself with
extensive construction time delays and these delays cost you money, most
of the time, not the architect.