Hiring Professionals Checklist
Because "Recommended" Is Not the Same as "Verified"
This checklist is for anyone hiring a professional - whether you’re paying for full architectural services or just getting consultation on a ready-made plan.
The verification steps don’t change based on your budget. You still need to check PRC licenses, portfolios, and contracts, whether you’re spending ₱20,000 or ₱320,000.
What does change is the scope of service.
The Scope of Service Differences
Scenario 1: Tight Budget (using ready-made plans or DIY tools)
You might hire a professional just for consultation - to verify your ready-made plan is structurally sound, or to review your SketchUp design
Use this checklist to verify them, but in Part 3 (Service Scope), you’re clarifying:
“Will you review my ready-made plan for structural issues?”
“Can you prepare the permit documents based on this design?”
“What’s the fee for consultation only (no full design service)?”
Expected fee range: Supervision fees are typically charged per site visit or as a monthly retainer. Compare at least 3 quotes.
Scenario 2: Mid-Build (need a completion plan)
You’re hiring someone to create a completion plan based on your existing structure
Use this checklist to verify them, but in Part 3 (Service Scope), you’re clarifying:
“Can you create a floor plan based on what’s already built?”
“Will you identify what needs to be demolished or adjusted?”
“What’s included: just the completion drawings, or also supervision?”
Expected fee range: Varies widely depending on what’s built and what’s needed
Scenario 3: Hiring Professionals (full service from scratch)
You’re hiring someone for complete architectural/engineering services from concept to permit-ready documents
Use this entire checklist - all sections apply
Expected fee range: 6-12% of total construction cost (₱240K-₱480K for a ₱4M build)
Scenario 4: DIY with Professional Consultation
You’re doing most of the design yourself, but hiring a professional to verify it’s buildable and safe
Use this checklist to verify them, but in Part 3 (Service Scope), you’re clarifying:
“Can you review my DIY design for safety and code compliance?”
“Will you prepare the structural calculations?”
“What’s the fee for review and certification only?”
Expected fee range: This is typically charged hourly or as a flat consultation fee. Get quotes from 3+ professionals.
What's in This Checklist
✅ Download Hiring Professionals Checklist PDF
Before You Hire
After You Hire: Ongoing Verification
Part 1: Initial Research (Before First Meeting)
Start here before you even meet with them.
PRC License Verification
□ Got their full name and PRC license number
□ Verified license on PRC website (prc.gov.ph)
□ Confirmed license is active, not expired or suspended
□ Screenshot saved in my documentation folder
Why this matters: An expired or fake license means they’re operating illegally. If something goes wrong, you have zero legal protection.
Part 2: Portfolio & Previous Work Review
Now, verify they can actually do what they claim.
□ Asked for their portfolio (photos, plans, or site visits)
□ Reviewed at least 3 completed projects similar to mine
□ Checked if designs match my style and needs
□ Noted any houses I can actually visit
Online Presence Check
□ Searched their name + “architect” or “engineer” on Google
□ Checked for reviews on Facebook, Google Maps, or forums
□ Looked for complaints or red flags on homeowner groups
□ Asked in OFW/homeowner communities if anyone’s worked with them
Part 3: First Meeting Questions
When you meet them for the first time, don’t just listen to their pitch. Ask the hard questions.
Service Scope Verification
□ Asked: “What’s included in your service?”
Drawings only? □ Yes □ No
Construction supervision? □ Yes □ No
Site visits during build? □ Yes □ No
BOQ preparation? □ Yes □ No
□ Asked: “How many revisions are allowed before extra charges?”
Number of free revisions:
Cost per additional revision (₱):
Why this matters: “Architectural services” can mean different things. Get specifics in writing so you’re not surprised later when they say supervision costs extra.
Fee Structure & Payment Terms
□ Asked: “How much is your total fee?”
Total fee quoted (₱):
Percentage of total construction cost (%):
Standard range check for architectural/engineering fees:
Simple builds: 5-6%
Standard homes: 7-8%
Complex/luxury: 10-12%
□ Asked: “How do you handle payments?”
Per milestone □
Full upfront □
Monthly installments □
□ Got breakdown of payment schedule in writing
Initial payment ( ₱) & due when:
Second payment ( ₱) & due when:
Final payment ( ₱) & due when:
Timeline & Process
□ Asked: “What’s the usual timeline for design approval?”
Initial concept (in weeks):
Final plans (in weeks):
Permit-ready documents (in weeks):
□ Asked: “How do revisions affect the timeline?”
Notes:
□ Asked: “What happens if construction is delayed?”
Notes:
Construction Supervision (If Included)
□ Asked: “How often will you visit the site during construction?”
Frequency:
□ Asked: “How often will you visit the site during construction?”
Frequency:
□ Asked: “What’s your typical response time for questions?”
Response time:
Part 4: Portfolio Site Visit (If Possible)
If they’ve built houses you can actually visit, go see them.
What to Check On-Site
□ Visited at least one completed project
□ House looks like what they showed in portfolio (no bait-and-switch)
□ Quality of workmanship looks good
□ Asked homeowner about their experience (if possible)
What is bait-and-switch?
It’s when they show you beautiful portfolio photos (the bait), but their actual work looks nothing like it (the switch). Common tactics: using someone else’s photos, showing computer drawings instead of real builds, or displaying old work when the current quality has dropped.
Questions for the homeowner:
□ “Were they responsive during the build?”
□ “Did the project stay within budget and timeline?”
□ “Would you hire them again?”
□ “Any issues or surprises you wish you’d known?”
Notes from site visit:
Part 5: Contract Review (Before Signing)
Never sign a contract without reading it carefully. Take your time.
Contract Must Include:
□ Scope of work clearly defined
□ Timeline with specific milestones
□ Payment schedule tied to deliverables
□ Revision policy (how many, what costs extra)
□ What happens if either party wants to terminate
□ Liability and insurance coverage
□ Contact information and signatures
Read the Fine Print
□ Read entire contract, not just the summary
□ Highlighted anything unclear or concerning
□ Asked for clarification on confusing sections
□ Took contract home to review (didn’t sign on the spot)
□ Had someone else read it (lawyer, trusted friend, family)
Before You Sign, Ask Yourself:
□ Do I understand everything in this contract?
□ Am I comfortable with the payment terms?
□ Do I trust this person based on research and references?
□ Can I afford to walk away if something feels off?
If any answer is “no,” don’t sign yet.
After You Hire: Ongoing Verification
Hiring doesn't end with verification. Stay involved throughout the project.
During Design Phase
□ Reviewing each design iteration as it comes
□ Asking questions when something doesn't make sense
□ Getting written confirmation of all changes
□ Tracking timeline against original schedule
When You Receive Final Plans
□ Using the Blueprint Verification Checklist to verify completeness
□ Checking that all agreed-upon changes are included
□ Confirming permit-ready status
Communication Log
□ Keeping record of all major decisions via email/messages
□ Following up verbal agreements in writing
□ Documenting concerns as they arise
Related Resources
Want to understand different scenarios for getting a blueprint? Read How to Get a Blueprint in the Philippines: Costs, Scenarios, and Red Flags for the full story and budget-friendly options.
Want to spot red flags fast? Check Hiring Professionals Red Flags Alert for warning signs to watch for.
Already hired someone and have your blueprint? Use the Blueprint Verification Checklist to verify the document itself.
Disclaimer: Kapwa Homeowner is not a licensed engineer, architect, or construction professional. The information shared on Construction Pulis is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice. Every construction project is unique, so always consult licensed professionals for your specific situation.