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No building permit in Morocco can be legally obtained without the signature of a Moroccan architect. Once he has drawn the plan to include your specifications, the architect spends time with you to discuss, think about and modify the plan down to its fine points. This is a capital moment, a collaboration that is meant to be harmonious and characterized by a true exchange and reciprocal attention. The architect then provides you with the paperwork he is responsible for, in order for you to obtain your building permit. THE ADMINISTRATIVE STEPS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A BUILDING PERMIT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY OR THAT OF A PERSON WHO HAS POWER OF ATTORNEY IN YOUR NAME. The architect's obligation, once the plans are finalized and the building permit obtained, is to conduct two monthly visits to the construction site, in order to ensure that his plans are being correctly and safely followed. Unless you live in the area and are available to oversee your construction yourself, it is strongly advised to hire someone with full power of attorney, who can do this for you and liaise between you and the head builder, as well as represent you on the site in case of issues with local authorities. The architect can make additional visits to the construction site, for a flat rate per visit. He cannot, however, act as full-time liaison with the building crew. The architect is compelled by the Architect's Guild to record his remarks in the Building Site Workbook that is supplied to him by the guild when he registers the project with them. This Workbook (Cahier de Chantier) must remain on the building site at all times and is the responsibility of the person overseeing the project. In terms of the structure and shell work of the house, it is strongly advised to hire a crew known to the architect or previously employed and tested by someone you know. The quality and safety of the building are at stake. The architect can advise you on the choice of your crew or, if they are available, assign the team he ususally works with to your project. In which case, the architect can guarantee the quality and safety of the structure and shell of the house. Once the shell of the house is finished, with its plumbing and wiring in place, the finishes can be done by individual artisans and craftspeople, especially if you are there to supervise. The finishes can also be handled by specialized contractors which can be hired out of Marrakech. It is advised to begin landscaping around the house while the construction is under way, so as to have a semi-mature garden when the house is complete. The architect can put you in touch with someone he recommends and works with. |