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I was very interested in the ‘”Adding to a House” biased against Architects’ thread. But the question arises, if you are planning to do a largely DIY addition, with maybe a few subs involved, where do you go for planning?
I am dubious about the prospect of being able to design an addition based simply on reading a book, no matter how fabulous. All situations are unique. I can build a square with a roof on it that would meet code (this was my plan), but the spouse craves more.
So then, who do you go to for the design, given the problems that have been noted regarding geting affordable/buildable designs from architects?
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There is a place for architects, and some good architects (just as there are some good builders).
If you were having an addition built, I would suggest that you find a design/build company with a good reputation.
Since you want to do the construction yourself, maybe the best place to start is with an architect. But know what you want. Do you just want a functional and attractive floor plan or do you want every detail of construction drawn out. Do you want to pick your own faucet later or have the specific one noted in your drawings.
I don't know of any "normal" way to have this done. Maybe others have been there before.
*I would suggest he find a good design/build firm and see if they would help. Or perhaps an architect that does side jobs. Those I have dealt with are usually high up in the firm but maybe too much commercial for their need to draw dwellings. Don't just hunt and peck for these referrals. Study hard and ask questions. You decide how important it is.Best of luck.
*Roger, I asked around and found an architect who specializes in residential remodeling. There are some who do that. It just so happens he's also on my town's architectural review board. He's very, very reasonably priced, and really listens to what we have to say, and the overall function and feel we want to achieve.You can also call your towns Building Department, and ask for a list of architects who have submitted designs for remodels in your town. I did that, too.
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Thanks for the comments, guys.
One idea we were knocking around was to go to the local university and dig up an architecture student who would work on the cheap. Bad idea?
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Not necessarily a bad idea but with it you get not much experience. Course, you might find the diamond in the rough.
*Very BAD idea, IMO. You may have to excavate your student once again after he/she gets in too deep.If you live someplace where you, or a non-architect can do your own construction drawings, I suggest you pay top-dollar for limited general advice from a very experienced local architect and work out the details yourself or with your builder. I think most architects would be willing to give you good general advice (very low liability exposure) for a few hours paid time.Most of the really big mistakes in building IMO have to do with the basic decisions made in design. How big, where, what style, etc.Jeff
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I was very interested in the '"Adding to a House" biased against Architects' thread. But the question arises, if you are planning to do a largely DIY addition, with maybe a few subs involved, where do you go for planning?
I am dubious about the prospect of being able to design an addition based simply on reading a book, no matter how fabulous. All situations are unique. I can build a square with a roof on it that would meet code (this was my plan), but the spouse craves more.
So then, who do you go to for the design, given the problems that have been noted regarding geting affordable/buildable designs from architects?