Shall we employ one? Yes, if the work is sufficiently important to
justify it, and it is a very modest house indeed that is not.
As the professional architect is generally a graduate of one of the
building trades, and has gravitated to that position because of his
peculiar fitness for it, it stands to reason, some will think, that from
among the many builders one can be selected who is capable of taking the
contract and presiding as architect. To such persons we would say: You
are not familiar with the functions of an architect, when considered
separate from the builder. The architect can save you money. He discovers
your wants, your likes, and your dislikes; he reduces them to a tangible
form; he draws up the specifications so minutely that every variety of
material and labor is distinctly set forth as to its quality and kind.
When completed, plans and specifications are presented to a builder for
an estimate; he knows exactly what is expected of him. There is no chance
for controversy or quibble; all has been settled by the owner through
his architect. In consequence, if several contractors estimate upon the
building, it is known that their figures are all upon the same basis.
We will say in general he can save you from five to twenty per cent. in
cost; will give you better construction and proportions, and add a value
to your house, apart from its first cost, that if it does not sell for
more, it will sell more readily than if built without his service.