We want to enlarge our garage and utility room, and possibly add a room above them. We also may want to add an office and an enlarged family room to the other side of the house. We have some ideas of what we want, but we have no idea on what it may cost. I know this sounds kind of backwards and I don’t want to make it sound like cost is no object (it is), but if the end result suits all of the needs and desires, we’ll find a way to pay for it. We’ve set no budget because, again, we have no idea what these would cost.
I don’t know if I should start with an architech or a general contractor who has experience with home design, and additionally, I don’t know anyone in my area (Monmouth County in Central NJ) who has used an architect or a G.C. that I can get a referral from. The one thing I’d hate to have is for someone to say “That’s a nice addition you put on your house.” It’s got to look like it belongs, not added on. I’d imagine an architect would be best at accomplishing this, but I’ve heard that some G.C.’s can do almost as well, with the added bonus of it being something they can build, while an architect’s design may be more difficult (i.e., costly).
The key obviously is to get a good architech and a good G.C. How do I research this? What are the opinions of using an architect, or just going with a G.C. for everything? Can anyone provide some references for each in my area?
Thanks.
Replies
I would start interviewing GC's first.
you could start interviewing Architects first.
Or interview both.
By the time you go a few rounds with several of these interviews, you'll have a much better idea of what you really need. Your key to success will be this discovery process.
blue
While I don't know the regulations of your specific area, it's hard to imagine that you'll be able to file for anything without a blueprint.....which will require an architect.
Many GCs (Design/Build) have their own, or at least work in conjunction with an architect.
One positive of working with such is that its a one stop shopping deal.
One negative is that once you have the prints you'll not be able to put them out to bid.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
>>>>>>>One negative is that once you have the prints you'll not be able to put them out to bid.Most of the D/B firms that I work for charge for their plans, so consequently, they can be put out for bid (Ask Mike Smith). I often turn in a roof/gitter bid with 2 or 3 GCs on a particular job and it's not completely unusual to see GC A building an addition GC B designed while GC B is building from GC A's plans. Things are kinda flexible around here.
Are we there, yet?
http://grantlogan.net/
I think in most areas you're better off (financially) going with a Design/Build GC, because it sounds like a job too small to interest an experienced architect. I would highly recommend reading the entire thread "Budget Solutions" (I'm not good enough at this forum software to give you the URL), for some hints on dealing with an architect. The reason that thread is relevant is that your post has the same kind of "we're not sure what we want or how much it costs" feeling to it as the poster in the other thread. I'm sure whoever does the design will show you a portfolio of work they've done so you can see how good they are at working into the existing style.
There may be a third option: a "designer" not associated with a GC. I'd like to hear other comments on this. My friend just built a house, and the plans were done by a "designer". At first I thought she was billing herself as an architect, and I looked at my State's web page, and she clearly was not a licensed architect, which raised all kinds of red flags for me, because I thought you needed to be licensed for that kind of work. But apparently not, since she's designed a lot of houses and the permits are issued. This is in Maryland. Anybody know what the deal is and how common it is? I have no idea how you find such a person. She was a LOT cheaper than an architect would have been. My feeling is that computer design software has gotten to the point where the entry cost to be a "designer" is very low.
Realize that I am biased because I am an architect, but it sounds like yo will need one eventually, so start there. In general, if you want a sensitive addition and care about the design, you need an architect. Yes, there ARE some contractors out there who are talented enough that they could be architects, but they are rare. Steer clear of the unlicensed professionals. The 'inexpensive equipment and software' is unimportant, it is the talent and experience you are paying for. Sure, anybody can desk top publish with a computer, but can you write? And do you have a great story to tell?
A good architect would be able to give you a ballpark estimate of what the kind of work you are talking about would cost. They can usually give you references to contractors you can interview, too. I have a fairly large office, and we would do a smaller job like this- but you need to find an architect who does residential design, many don't. Try contacting the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects in your nearest city.
>>>>>>>>>>>>A good architect would be able to give you a ballpark estimate of what the kind of work you are talking about would cost. They can usually give you references to contractors you can interview, too.Excellent point.
Are we there, yet?
http://grantlogan.net/
>At first I thought she was billing herself as an architect, and I looked at my State's web page, and she clearly was not a licensed architect, which raised all kinds of red flags for me, because I thought you needed to be licensed for that kind of work.It's illegal to call yourself an architect if you are not one, and there are specific requirements for that licensing. But that's not the only group who can legally design structures. In NC, for example, one does not need a license to design single family residences, commercial buildings up to $90k, and any building on a farm. Edit: It's typically within the rights of the planning department to demand engineering for any structure, which would then need to be provided by the appropriately licensed person. We plan for that on every design anyway, asked or not, so it's not a burden. The law provides for a range of possibilities and anyone would be advised to conduct due diligence on anyone they're considering hiring, check references, check prior work...whether they're considering an architect, a designer, a design-build firm, or other. Any one of them should be able to discuss estimating with you.
Edited 7/29/2006 9:17 pm ET by CloudHidden
There is a national association of home designers. And they have a certification program (don't have any idea of what is needed for that). And they have referals on their web site.However, I have completely forgotten the name of the organizaiton.
Here's one: http://www.ncbdc.com/
That triggered my memory enough for google to find the one that I was thinking of.http://www.aibd.org/
That triggered my memory enough for google to find the one that I was thinking of.
.aibd.org/
Ugh, I can't abide AIBD, or their red-headed-stepchild TIBD--nothing there but a pozi scheme of fees, so that barely high-school-trained drafters can sell plans to medium-large builders, to hand them off to 'tame' CE's who then weasle word the their stamps that they are only certifying the slab-to-soil conditions; guaranteeing another entire neighborhood of McHouses to blight the next two mortages . . .
But I may be biased.
If you are tough enough to cruise one of the "free ring tone" sites, you, too, could have an AIBD logo in dwg format for your very own . . .
A person using an aibd logo without paying aibd might get a nastigram from an aibd attorney. might could be the ayyorney gets real quiet if you ask them what they are going to say in court when asked what part of paying a fee made them legally qualified building designers under State law. That, then, how the use of their "club's" logo by any party more qualified than their minimum standards "damages" said club . . .
But, I may be biased. Might have been paid to sit in the uncomfortable wooden chair, too. Might not, too, but then Brutus is an honorable man . . . Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
"A person using an aibd logo without paying aibd might get a nastigram from an aibd attorney. might could be the ayyorney gets real quiet if you ask them what they are going to say in court when asked what part of paying a fee made them legally qualified building designers under State law."A. I have no idea what the AIBD logo looks like. but I where does it say that the members are a legally qualified building designer under state law?B. And a number of states a "legally qualified building designer" is anyone that can hold a pencil, specially for residential."That, then, how the use of their "club's" logo by any party more qualified than their minimum standards "damages" said club . . ."Does not matter. What about copyright and trademark rights.
The most important thing is to find someone you can trust. It doesn't matter whether this is an architect or a contractor or even if they end up doing the work for you. They will be able to put you on the right track for the expertise and services you need.
There are frequent discussions about how to find this person and the pitfalls that occur when you don't. There is no general reference or source for finding such a person or avoiding a charlatan. That information is available however. You need to talk to everyone you know whether they have had work done or are simply aware of reputations. Don't stop when you have a couple of names. Look for those people who are highly recommended over and over.
When you contact an architect or builder who has many favorable recommendation, you may find that they are not interested in your project. It may not fit into what they like to do or have time to do. One thing they can do is to give you more names and they will either name good people or none at all.
This personal research takes a lot of time but will teach you a lot about the folks in your community and will, for essentially no out of pocket cost, save you major headaches on your building project. Good luck.
Based on what you are saying I would work with an architect first. Get the house exactly how you want it then contact a GC to bid the project. At this point I still would not set a budget. For all you know your budget might be high for the project and you will leave a lot of margin in it for the builder.
I am in the middle of design for the remodel of my house. I had orginally contacted a GC and asked him to get involved early. I went over the concept and gave him rough budget numbers. Turns out he is no longer involved with this project. He was estimating $1000 per square for a 30 square roof using 40 yr shingles. This would be the cost after it is dried in.
Now I am interviewing other GC's without providing as much detail. in respect to the project budget. I want to see their best numbers.
I would also suggest not haggling their bids. Even if they are high it is the price they feel they need to do the job. AS soon as they retreat from that price they feel they are loosing money. I believe your project will suffer when they feel more crunched 10 weeks in. Just my $.02
Thank you, everyone, for your responses and suggestions. I didn't mean to let this thread die without responding, but things got a little hectic recently.Everyone has reinforced what I suspected I'd have to do: a lot of leg-work. Part of the problem is time is pretty tight, but I'll just have to make the time if I'm really serious about this (I am). I'd still appreciate a reference for an architect and/or general contractor in Monmouth County, NJ, if anyone has one.Thanks again.
In our area residential building doesn't require an architects drawings. I have a few friends who are architects, and a lot of builder friends.
I have never seen an architect involved in any residential construction, addition, garage or new house. Most of the builders can draw you what you want & work with your ideas. My friend had his plans drawn (not by an arch) and paid $1500 for a very simple plan (I wish i had caught him first - I'd have drawn it in an evening as a favor) Save your $$.
You know what you want, don't you? Find a builder you trust (through church, friends at work, wherever) and they can help guide the process (& avoid whatever local hurdles your local gov't has installed) If they suggest an architect for the scope of what you desire, then by all means use the arch.
Treat every person you meet like you will know them the rest of your life - you just might!
I bid jobs like this frequently.
Being a small contractor I have an Arhc. that does an excellent job on small projects. She does all the leg work with the potential client then the customer is free to get all the quotes they want.
The nice part is knowing we are all competing on the same scope of work and the customer can make a fair comparison.
The interesting part is 75% of her clients decide to move or do nothing rather then remodel once they realize what they want and the costs.
Hire an architect .... a GC waving his arms about and blowing smoke into dark orafices only works on unlimited budgets.