8 BUILDING OR REFRESHING YOUR DENTAL PRACTICE Architect/Designer All architects are not equal. Some offer a wide array of services, but others don’t, with resulting disparities in pricing. Hiring the cheapest architect may end up costing more. The dentist may save several thousand dollars up front with a less expensive architect, but may spend many times that amount before the project is finished — all because certain important services aren’t included in the architect’s fee, which leaves the dentist vulnerable at critical stages. When comparison shopping, ask for a fee that includes these minimum architectural services: • Creating a “complete” set of construction documents • Obtaining a permit from your municipality to begin construction • Creating a custom “dental equipment specification sheet” with your dental equipment consultant or supplier • Designing cabinetry for your office • Monitoring the contractor bidding process • Completing the design phase for your new office Creating a Complete Set of Construction Documents Any architect you hire will create a set of construction documents. The question is whether they are “complete.” I recommend that you pay the architect to create a fire protection plan (sprinkler system) as part of your construction documents. Many don’t include this service in their fee, relying instead on the contractor to produce it. You’re going to have to pay someone to create it, so the cost is a wash, but if the architect includes it in your construction documents, then you get city approval prior to beginning construction. If the contractor has to produce the fire protection plan after construction begins, he or she must submit it to your municipality separately for permit, which may cause a delay of several weeks. Any architect you hire will create a set of construction documents. The question is whether they are “complete.” I recommend that you pay the architect to create a fire protection plan (sprinkler system) as part of your construction documents.