“Do you understand what we want”? Before you ask the architect this question, are you sure you know what you want? Careful planning now will save you time and money later. To avoid confusion, you could ask the architect to describe back to you the critical requirements of the project.

And as you start discussing plans in later meetings:

• “Are you sure these designs are practical”? Make sure you work with an architect who understands style is only a part of the job, not a ‘paper architect’ whose ideas only work as sketches. Too often, people find themselves facing large bills for plans that could never be realised, which leads us to…
• “How much will the work cost”? Make sure you clearly establish how fees will be paid. You might, for example, pay fees based on a percentage of the total construction cost, a charge per hour or an agreed lump sum. If the designs seem to keep changing, and the costs rising, challenge your architect.
• “When will the work be completed”? Don’t feel uncomfortable asking for clarity on such a simple point. After all, construction of the Basílica de la Sagrada Família in Barcelona (Spain) began in 1882 and continues to this day. You might not need an extension the size of a cathedral in your back garden but it’s only reasonable to make sure the work you are commissioning will actually be completed before you move to a new house in 10 years’ time!