I would try to go visit to see the references' work done, if at all possible, so I could gauge for myself the results. If the work is truly equal, I would do a lot of asking/digging to confirm that they finished on time/within budget/using the appropriate grade materials/with minimal damage and good care to the rest of your house, that they honored warranties, etc. if all that was truly equal, I'd go for price and the one you like and can communicate better with.

I've been interviewing Architects for an upcoming addition. There are two that my husband and I really like and I'm not sure how to choose between them. When you picked yours, what was your deciding factor(s) ? I have checked references for both and have gotten great reviews for them. Their hourly rates are similar. Personality wise, I feel like we get along with both. I'm not sure how to proceed....