marketing
03/02/2026

5 questions to ask an architect before signing the contract

Before you sign, the right questions to ask an architect are your best tool for finding out whether that practice fits you, your budget and your timelines. It’s not just about style: these questions reveal working method, clarity on deliverables, cost control by trade, licence management and the ability to coordinate the aparejador (architectural technologist) and contractors. They also let you assess how they approach energy efficiency, construction detailing and the handling of contingencies. At Alejandro Giménez, where we work daily on homes and full refurbishments, we often see that a meeting guided by good questions prevents delays, overspends and misunderstandings. In this guide we set out the five essentials and how to interpret each answer so you can decide with confidence.

What will the work process be and what deliverables will I receive at each stage?

Before signing, these questions for an architect help you validate method, costs and coordination without getting lost in generalities. Come to the meeting with: an indicative budget (plus a 10–15% contingency), desired timings and a short list of needs (use, square metres, level of finishes). Ask for examples of deliverables, a reference bill of quantities, and a schedule with milestones. After the meeting, request a written summary with stages, fees, assumptions and exclusions. With that framework in place, the five questions that follow will let you compare practices on equal terms and move forward clearly.

1) What will the work process be and what deliverables will I receive at each stage?

Beyond “I’ll do you a project”, demand clear stages: concept design (ideas and layout), scheme/basic design (for licences), construction design (technical detail for site) and site management. Ask them to show what you’ll receive at each milestone: drawings, specifications/reports, visualisations, bills of quantities and a timeline.

What to look for: a process with realistic dates, scheduled meetings and well-defined decision points.
Red flag: if everything is summed up as “we’ll see as we go”. Without clear deliverables, the risk of misunderstandings and overspends shoots up.

2) How is the budget calculated and how will we control deviations?

This is a two-part question: the architect’s fees and the estimated build cost. Fees may be fixed, percentage-based or hybrid; the build cost must be based on a detailed bill of quantities (not round numbers).

What to look for: an estimate broken down by trades and quantities, plus a control plan: cost reviews at each stage, contractor tender comparisons, and a 10–15% contingency for unforeseen items.
Red flag: “all-in package” budgets with no breakdown and no quantities. That often hides quality cuts or mid-project surprises.

3) Who will coordinate licences, the aparejador and contractors?

A project flows when there’s a single point of contact coordinating everyone: architect, aparejador (architectural technologist), engineering consultants, installers and the main contractor. Ask who manages the licence (prior notification, sworn declaration or works licence) and whether they handle tendering and comparisons between contractors.

4) How do you guarantee technical quality, energy efficiency and regulatory compliance?

Aesthetics matter, but so do structural safety, insulation, ventilation and comfort. Ask for example solutions: ETICS or ventilated façade, thermal break, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, choice of windows/doors, thermal bridge analysis and compliance with the Spanish Building Code (CTE).

What to look for: technical reasoning and product data sheets; not just pretty renders. Have them explain the energy ratings they are targeting and what that means for your bills.
Red flag: generic answers like “we use good materials”. Quality is demonstrated with details and justifications.

5) What experience do you have with projects like mine and what results have you achieved?

A detached house is not the same as a full refurbishment in a building with a community of owners. Ask for comparable cases, references and—if possible—a site or completed-home visit. Have them show before-and-after, actual timelines and how problems were resolved.

What to look for: a verifiable portfolio, testimonials and metrics (deadlines met, average budget deviation, efficiency improvements).
Red flag: a generic or unverifiable portfolio, or promises without data.

Quick checklist for your meeting

Stages, deliverables and timetable in writing.
Itemised fees and a detailed bill of quantities.
Licence plan and a single coordination lead.
Documented technical criteria for efficiency and comfort.
Real, comparable cases with outcomes.

Print this list or keep it in front of you during the video call. It will help you compare like for like between practices.

How to evaluate the answers, not just the words

Concreteness: those who master their process speak in timelines, trades and documents, not generalities.
Transparency: if they share quantities and comparisons, they’ll likely share good and bad news in good time too.
Proactivity: a good architect anticipates decisions (e.g., choosing windows/doors before applying for a licence so plans aren’t redrawn).
Functional empathy: they must translate your needs into well-used square metres and maintainable solutions, not just Instagram aesthetics.

Extra questions that make a difference

How will you communicate progress? Ask for a fixed cadence (weekly or fortnightly) with meeting minutes.
What scope for changes do I have at no cost? Define what constitutes a change and how it impacts timelines and fees.
What guarantees will I have? Beyond the legal ones, ask about professional indemnity insurance, site quality control and a handover with snagging.

Sign when you have clarity, control and confidence

These questions to ask an architect are not a formality; they’re your mechanism for assessing method, transparency and fit with your project. When you get concrete answers—supported by documents, quantities and a clear work plan—you’ll be in a position to sign with confidence.

If you want to start on the right foot, at Alejandro Giménez we accompany you from the first conversation with an initial diagnosis, phased proposal, itemised estimate and a realistic calendar. Tell us your idea and we’ll help you turn it into a beautiful, efficient and well-planned project.