el puelche wrote:Generally, the method in Chile, is too hire an architect that not only designs the project but, also builds it.p
Of course, I believe we're talking about different things, large construction companies versus individual house-building (in the south of Chile), but from what I've seen at the individual level, it's been the maestro who builds and also architects the house.
Of course, the architecture is rather informal, being based on the maestro's previous projects... so the maestro will have one basic design in mind with a few minor variations. Approximate sketches in a copy book are enough to start with, and the use of wood as a building material lends itself to some flexibility, as major features such as windows and doorways can be moved from side to side or around corners over days and weeks as the maestro compares with and refreshes his memory. At some point the owner must step in and say "enough" to this game, as more effort is expended on finessing these moveable features than in progressing with the actual house.
Leaving the maestro to manage sub-contractors is a no-no, they may be individually competent enough, but are likely moon-lighting from other projects or jobs and these hard-pressed individuals are only doing the work (or at least they convey that impression) as a personal favour to the maestro. Also, these subcontracted jobs (e.g. plumbing, electrical installation, staircases, etc) are likely to be abandoned unfinished amid recriminations about who paid whom. It's better to manage these specialized jobs personally, and even better to give responsibility to an established company (e.g. for doors and windows).
Surprisingly, in view of the above, the end result may well be very acceptable... which if nothing else is a testimony to the flexibility of wood as a building material. If you should go down this road you will certainly have the feeling of having invested a lot of your personal capital in your house.
PS: About the architect's drawings... who needs them? The architecture will get modified multiple times anyway during the construction work as indicated above. You can always get a qualified surveyor to make drawing post-construction... you'll need these anyway for the fire insurance and for any mortgages you may be tempted to take out later.
PPS: the photo shows a soldier escaping the most unfree Eastern European country for the least free Western European one... I'm sure that's not what was meant at all
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