Home Improvement Contractor - Licensed Contractors

Does a contractor or an architect do this?

I am interested in building homes for people. I have a dream to one day build myself a huge home haha. But my question is, is it the job of an architect or a contractor to build and remodel homes? Thanks for any help!

Public Comments

1. architects make the plans contractors are the builders
2. An Architect - DESIGNS the homes and creates the blue prints/plans A Contractor - BUILDS the homes according to the plans designed by the Architect
3. a general contractor is the executioner of the architect plans and must follow code at all times. eg: framing, electrical, plumbing, heating, insulation...etc even the rear, front and sides elevations on the blue prints drawn by the architect have to be matched to a t, or the building inspector would have the contractor tear it down and rebuild his mistake. very interesting Carrier, i would like to see you on the architect side of things and not the contractor's, because no nightmares there.
4. If you want to build a house for yourself or others, then it would take about 6 years to learn to become an architect, but first you must have the apptitude like an artist and not just the want. Then likely you would apprentice with an architectual firm until you can design your own and so forth and so forth. Lots of cookie cutter homes these days are built so cheaply with high price tags. A contractor hires people to build from the blueprint so he had better know who he hires and everything about building like Mike Holmes.
5. Hi...........It's the builder who does the building of your home young lady. You could actually be one yourself. It's being done all the time....after you have the license and needed bonding, you can do the work yourself or hire subcontractors to do the work for you. The architect merely draws the plans from your suggested idea's. Or if you prefer, he or she will design the house to fit the property and needs of the future owner or builder. He likes to get paid first, but if it's a true custom home, he will be paid in 3 draws of money and actually oversees all work....to make sure it's done the way of his specifications and drawings. That includes all designs and colors and sometimes even the landscaping. He lays out the elevation of all floors, and gives the builder a height from the street or a marker called the "Hub" which everything is referred back to, thru-out the job. Hope this helps....it's actually quite fun. Have a nice day.
6. Yes,I applaud your interests. This will take a tremendous amount of time to become a knowledgeable contractor.I believe finding a competent architect will help you for guidance.Develop a relationship with one and your dreams may come true. Look at the last link from my area,it's very famous in the movies.This an excellent example of how tradition is handed down from father to daughter. On a more personal note: I somehow feel that concentrating on building green and ICF will put you ahead of the others.Once you understand what energy costs for lights/heating are coming to will be a valuable sales tool. My Best PS: I'm a subcontractor and see the reality.