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Hello,
I’m a home owner in serious need of advice. My wife and I started a remodel process about a year ago to upgrade our house (i.. replace materials), renovate the kitchen and build a small addition to the master bedroom. To date, the remodel process has been waiting for the architect to deliver blueprints (about 9 months later than promised).
The relationship between us and the architect is getting beyond strained, and I doubt that once the plans are delivered we’ll be able to use him much for advice, changes, etc.
So my questions are – On a fairly simple remodel (almost all the outside structure stays intact and only a couple interior walls being moved), how often does a builder need to work with the architect for clarification, advice, consulting, etc? If change orders are made, what types can be handled by the builder and what type would require the architect’s input?
Anything else you could think of would be appreciated as well.
Thank you,
Replies
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Kurt -
For all we know you could be the worst client an architect ever had, and for all you know I could be a 60 year old grandmother with 20 cats.
Having said that, going by what you have said in your post, you should consider terminating your relationship with your architect. Nine months is ridiculus to wait for a set of plans for a simple remodel. If the relationship is already sour, as you indicate, then he doesn't have your best interests at heart anyway.
If your project is as simple as you describe, any competent builder can build your project without any input from the architect. Any good builder can build to a set of plans, if they are accurate, and the builder does not need the architect to handle change orders or other decisions.
Even if your project is somewhat involved, most good builders could do it without an architect anyway. I am not tooting the builders horn, just stating fact.
Depending on your location and the availibility of competent tradesmen, you could look into a design/build type of firm that does design in-house. But most experienced remodeling contractors do this to some extent anyway.
Good luck with your project.
*Although I am a builder of new homes, I occasionally do additions and remodels. If there are a minimum of structural changes to be made and if the add on is fairly simple, a good qualified contractor should be able to handle the job with no problems. If you run into structural problems or questions, you can seek the advice of a structural engineer.
*How much money have you paid this nob? I would shoot him and hang his carcass outside the door. You cannot be prosecuted- this is justifiable!O.K. (don,t vent, don,t vent...) A design build company can handle most remodels. Structural problems can be dealt with though an engineer. (I will remark that most architectural plans go through an engineer for structural integrity anyway- my experience.) More often than not design/ builders have a better idea how things go together and work.O.K. one bad architect doesn't mean they are all bad.Let's be fair- shoot a bad builder also. How to choose? Swing a cat...
*Kurt,Just so you'll know, an architect agrees with Nick, kcoyner, and Doug. There may be other factors here, but it sounds like you have been stood up. I hope you haven't paid him anything.There's an easy way to select an architect or builder. Look at their work. If your taste buds only perk up when in houses with unusual architect-designed details, then go that way. Make sure you get a good one though, and one who normally does your style house. If you really like a particular builder's houses, and he was responsible for their design, then go directly with him and skip the architect.Same goes for this remodel. If you find a builder with renovation work that he designed and you really like - go with him.Luck with the remodel,Dave, AIA
*Dave- I like you already.
*Hi Nick -I think it's safe to say I'm currently high on the list of the architect's least favorite clients. The plans are almost ready to go to the engineer prior to submittal to the city. I've gone into whine mode the last month, which has produced results, but makes you feel somewhat unclean.Anyway, thank you for your advice and I appreciate the response.Kurt
*Hello Dave,Thanks for your post. Unfortunately, about half the expected fee has been paid. 25% installments at certain points. In retrospect, there are a lot of things I could've done better in this process, but that's the beauty of hindsight. Right now I'm at the point where the plans are almost complete and I'd really like to keep moving forward.We selected the architect based on some of their previous plans/projects, plus they had a some good ideas. Unfortunately, the firm was way overbooked with larger projects and the good ideas would've cost a lot more to realize than the designer thought, so we got the back-burner treatment quite a bit.Regards,Kurt