Is an architect essential?

[realgoogler]

Hello,

We plan to start constructing a house. Idea is to spend more on interiors and cut down wherever possible.
We have seen many houses/villa plans online and kind of have a rough idea about floor plan.
Is it mandatory to get an architect? what are the disadvantages if we skip architect and take our plan directly to contractor?

[aries31]

If you are willing to learn a bit (actually a lot!) about design & construction, and intend to build a nice house for yourself, an architect is optional. If you are building a Mall or 35-storey apt block, an arch is a must. This is what I understand from my experience

[tvsh]

You can refer to this link and associated posts for advantages/dis-advantages of hiring/not hiring an architect.

http://www.mybdasites.com/viewtopic.php ... ect#p10016

[maheshv]

from my exp. unless you are building a huge banglow you don't need one. Like arires31 and tvsh mentioned if you invest time in getting to know bit of civil, you can bring you own creativity and save lot of money

[sreekbda]

It boils down to your purse, purpose and personality.

[sastry]

Not required for rented house. Not required for even for G+1 kind of houses also. You can find better mastri who kind guide you best. Arch is going to charge min 1 lakh without much output form him being small house.

[Chandu]

If you want to optimize on arch fee you can do that if your building is simple one, but I suggest you take inputs/consultancy from an (structural) engineer for sure for pillar and beams position - those are important.

Most of the contractors/Mastri's you find here are not technically capable - they suggest you things that reduce there burden and for their convenience.
Once you decide to go with mastri only - then you will have no other option but to listen to him .