InstaBidsInstaBids
Skip to content
InstaBids
Menu
Use your AIConnector, agent API and ready promptsOpen in ChatGPTOpen in ClaudeOpen in GrokOpen in GeminiCopies the prompt, then opens
Add InstaBids to ClaudeMCP connector, sign in onceSteps for every assistantFor AI agents
How InstaBids works
Use your AIStart my request

What is an architect?

An architect plans and designs buildings, including homes, and prepares drawings and construction documents. Agree on the services your home project needs before work starts. In California, Business and Professions Code section 5536.22 calls for a written contract, with an exception when the client authorizes an earlier start in writing.

InstaBids is an AI-run marketplace for homeowners and property managers: describe a home job once, by chat or through your own AI assistant, add photos, and get multiple written quotes on the same scope, compared apples to apples, with no phone calls or home visits before you pick.

By InstaBids editorial team with AI research agents. Updated

What this means for your home project

  1. List the rooms and space needs for your home project so you can review a concrete brief with the architect. Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor, read 2026-11-05.
  2. Request a written service description naming the drawings and contractor documents you expect to receive; compare it with the proposed scope. Source: California Architects Board, read 2026-11-05.
  3. Ask the architect to state in writing whether site observation is included or additional, so its scope is clear before construction. Source: California Architects Board, read 2026-11-05.
  4. Review the agreement’s change procedure before requesting a redesign; identify how service and compensation changes will be documented. Source: California Architects Board, read 2026-11-05.
  5. After a project meeting, send a written recap of the decisions so you retain a record of what you understood. Source: California Architects Board, read 2026-11-05.
InstaBids assistantAI · builds your written scope with you

What architect job do you need done in your home? Describe it once to start your written scope.

Start from a common job
You choose who gets your number
Or send it from your own AIChatGPTClaudeGrokGeminiMore ways
  1. Describe it onceBy chat, or through your own AI assistant, and add photos.
  2. Post it and send itContractors bid in writing on that scope.
  3. Compare line by lineEvery quote is written against the same scope.
  4. You chooseContact details stay hidden until you pick and they confirm.
InstaBids

For your AI assistant

MCP connector · REST API · plain HTML

Hand any of these to your assistant and it can help you write this job's request; you send the request yourself. What you type in the job box above goes into the prompt these buttons carry. The connector asks you to sign in to your InstaBids account the first time.

  • MCP connector URLhttps://instabids.ai/api/agent/mcp
  • Agent API (OpenAPI)https://instabids.ai/openapi.json
  • Start-request linkhttps://instabids.ai/intake?from=glossary-architect&page_type=glossary&job=Describe+the+home+design+project+and+request+a+written+architectural+service+scope&utm_source=us&utm_medium=page&utm_campaign=glossary
Open it in your assistantAdd InstaBids as a connector

Every page is plain HTML. Steps for every assistant: add to your assistant.

What services will you provide for my project?

Use CAB’s California guidance (read 2026-11-05) to check when to document the work and what the service description covers. “Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 5536.22 requires an architect to ensure that a written contract is in place prior to commencing any architectural work, unless the client authorizes the architect, in writing, to start work before the contract is executed.” (source) “A description of the services to be provided by the architect to the client.” (source) “Prepare scale drawings or architectural designs, using computer-aided design or other tools.” Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor, read 2026-11-05.

How will your fees for my project be determined and what services do the fees cover?

CAB’s consumer guide (read 2026-11-05) identifies scope and scheduling provisions to discuss when comparing an architect’s fee proposal. “A provision for fee and construction budget cost escalation or contingencies for changes in the project scope during design and construction phases or for delays to schedules.” (source) “A description of any basis of compensation applicable to the contract and the method of payment agreed upon by both parties.” (source)

What do construction observation services entail?

O*NET (read 2026-11-05) describes the purpose of construction observation; CAB’s California guide distinguishes whether that service belongs in your agreement. “Conduct periodic on-site observations of construction work to monitor compliance with plans.” (source) “Whether construction observation services are included and a description of the intent and scope of these services, and if they are part of basic or additional services.” (source)

Will you provide probable construction cost estimates for my project?

O*NET (read 2026-11-05) identifies estimating among architectural tasks; CAB’s California guide tells you what a written budget should clarify. “Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time.” (source) “An estimated construction budget and a description of what it includes.” (source)

How are additional charges computed for design changes requested by me or requested by a contractor?

Use CAB’s California contract guidance (read 2026-11-05) to discuss how requested changes will be handled before they become disputed charges. “A description of the procedure that the architect and the client will use to accommodate additional services and contract changes, including, but not limited to, changes in the description of the project, in the description of the services, or in the description of the compensation and method of payment.” (source)

Should I hire an architect?

CAB’s California consumer guide (read 2026-11-05) frames the decision to hire and identifies a relevant distinction when considering residential experience. “It is generally recommended that you hire an architect; however, not every building project requires an architect’s services.” (source) “Some architects specialize in designing certain types of structures such as single-family dwellings, multiple residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial structures, while others design a variety of building types.” (source)

Sources

Related pages

Related pages

Start my requestUse your AI