Should I start with an architect or a builder? Reasons why you should work with them together

June 17, 2024

Planning your home design or renovation is often the most exciting part of the building journey. Yet, jumping into collaboration with an architect without involving a builder, can sometimes lead to disappointment. Many homeowners encounter this when their dream design turns out unfeasible or exceeds their budget during consultations with builders. With over a decade of experience building in the Northern Beaches, we've learned that the best approach is to engage both your builder and architect right from the start. Here are five reasons why this collaborative approach is essential for both conceptualising your plans and successfully bringing them to life.

5 Reasons to work collaboratively with your builder and architect

1. Budget alignment

Ensuring your project aligns with your budget is crucial. While architects excel at designing, they may lack expertise in aspects of the practical construction like material and labour costs. By engaging both an architect and a builder from the beginning, the builder can provide immediate feedback on the design’s feasibility and costs. This helps ensure your design aligns with your budget from the start, avoiding the need for costly redesigns down the line.

2. Less potential variations during the build

One of the major causes of project delays stems from making changes during the build phase.

Collaborating with architects during the design phase enables builders to anticipate potential challenges that may arise during construction, allowing for timely adjustments to the design or schedule. This is especially critical regarding material selections, ensuring that availability and durability meet project specifications.

3. Your build can commence sooner

Usually, there’s a gap between finalising your designs and consulting builders for quotes. Engaging your builder during the design phase can streamline your project timeline, allowing for construction to begin sooner and you ultimately moving into your new home faster.

4. Gain familiarity with your builder

Collaborating with your builder during the design phase offers firsthand insight into their working style. This allows you to assess if they’re a suitable match for your project before finalising construction contracts.If they aren’t an ideal match, having the builder’s input during the design phase can position you favourably when presenting your plans to other builders.

5. The process will be more enjoyable

You’ve probably heard stories of people having a negative experience building their home.

However, by working closely with both your architect and builder, you’re embracing a team-oriented dynamic where decisions are collaboratively made among all three parties. This ultimately reduces your stress and makes the process far more enjoyable.

Northern Beaches Builders

Throughout the years, we’ve partnered with leading architects from Sydney and beyond, and believe these collaborations have contributed to improving our clients’ building experience.

If AAG Constructions sounds like the builder you’re looking for, reach out to us today.