The most common practice we find in India is people opting for a local mason to build their new houses or shops or any kind of buildings. Why?
There are two reasons for this.
1. They don't know who "Architects" are and what they do.
2. They know who architects are but think architects are costly.
Ofcourse, there are many other reasons. But these are the most prominent ones.
So? What happens next? Are they right in thinking so? Why do we need architects when masons are cheaper?
Lets consider a mason:
Pros: A mason is highly experienced. He can control a workplace and complete the project. He advices the client on choosing materials and good masons come up with good solutions to problems.
Cons: Most masons are not educated and hence lack precise structural and design awareness. This result in over-use of materials where they are not needed and unnecessary costs. Most designs they construct are out-dated.
You might ask - what is the big deal? He still gets the job done!
Ofcourse. A mason gets the job done. But at what cost? Outdated design, unnecessary costs and over-budget outcome, not so precise structural elements...and so on!
And the main thing? THE HOUSE YOU CONSTRUCTED WILL BE SO OUTDATED IN ABOUT 20 YEARS, THAT YOUR CHILDREN WILL REBUILD/ RENOVATE IT, in order to match the then design trends.
What does that mean? More money being spent, more structural problems during renovation and much more money spent for maintainence due to the problems arising in the duration.
This..is exactly why you need architects to design your buildings, Architects are professional designers and take all these problems into consideration while designing a building.
You can avoid all the above said problems just by appointing an architect to design the building for a few extra bucks, saving so much more money in the future and the present!
This makes the ARCHITECT MUCH CHEAPER THAN THE MASON!
Think about it!
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