Great - thank you. Just what I was looking for.

Posted by: reagan9000 at September 27, 2009 9:04 PM in response to Old 30's Photos of B'stones?

Chemical-wise, what did you use to peel away the paint? Or did you just use scrapers and sandpaper?

Posted by: reagan9000 at August 30, 2009 1:18 PM in response to Details Beneath The Surface

Thanks for your responses. The 20% gets me floor plans, electrical, plumbing and verticals, some plan submission (one offers to do this direct, the other requires an expediter) plus weekly onsite consultation, finish (tiles, wood, fixtures, etc.). No project management involved - I'm using a GC that I like to work with who is capable of running the reno himself once the plans are in place - just needs someone to go do for questions.

Posted by: reagan9000 at January 27, 2009 2:02 AM in response to Reasonable architect rates

I had a sewer backup in my basement as well. First flood was as soapy water from the washer; second flood smelled a little bad but was still soapy - so we figured that the washing machine had overflowed; final flood on Christmas Eve was toilet paper and raw sewage, with lots of water coming in fast due to the rain that morning.

I like Vigilante because although they're more expensive they would always show up when scheduled and have a documented fee structure for each type of job. They couldn't send a plumber over until Friday - obviously was not going to work. Consulted here, and called Sessa - they had one of their guys in the neighborhood. He figured out that it was a blockage in the trap of the main drain. Definitely seemed capable - their fee schedule is documented so there are no surprises (unlike other plumbers I've used in the past the charge has seemed random). They offer a service contract - $120 for a year of priority service, discounted fee schedule and audit of plumbing in the entire house. Works for me - proactive and prioritized and works for them - more work at my place.

I called Warren Sobolow - he called back right away, but in the meantime I'd heard from Sessa and had set the appointment up.

Thanks for the recommendations.

Tim

Posted by: reagan9000 at December 30, 2008 3:25 PM in response to Help! Basement Flood !!

As stated by the previous responders, 20% is high. When we were picking architects for our project in May the quotes were all in the 7-12% range and the project has a similar spend and deliverables as the one you describe.

We ended up going with a flat fee and hourly for needs above and beyond the ones agreed upon in the deliverables.

FWIW we also are paying a separate expeditor for the filling, etc but the architect is preparing all the filing drawings.

Posted by: pmmtenement at January 27, 2009 12:18 PM in response to Reasonable architect rates

Hmm, we're looking at architects for a large (500,000) project and the numbers come in closer to 20% (15% at lowest). Is that more common for high-end architects?

Posted by: gussy at January 27, 2009 6:46 PM in response to Reasonable architect rates

We currently opened an office in NYC. Residential renovation projects make up the bulk of our work right now. We offer a fixed fee that will not inflate with the unpredictable construction cost. Our services includes all drawings, construction administration, filing and expediting services to obtain all applicable permits for the project. Consultants (structural, mechanical, inspections, etc.) are invoiced for your approval prior to any work being done. Feel free to contact our office at info@mdesignworkshop.com if you would like to further discuss your project.

Thank you.

Posted by: parker at January 28, 2009 4:01 PM in response to Reasonable architect rates

The architect should have nothing to do with the cost of the renovation. It should be a fixed price. All you really need is floor plans unless you want an interior designer. Don't let him bullshit you about plumbing mechanical etc. For DOB purposes all you need is riser diagrams. Mechanical you can choose to do whatever you want - central air, baseboards etc.
You can wrap this up for 4 - 5k (Including expediting). If you want me to set you up let me know.

Posted by: Ethan at January 28, 2009 5:51 PM in response to Reasonable architect rates

However, beware of people that charge considerably lower than most. The price is usually a reflection of their experience, quality of work, professionalism, knowledge of the business, and proper grammar.... or in Ethan's case, lack there of.... all of the above.

Posted by: guest75 at January 28, 2009 6:26 PM in response to Reasonable architect rates

This posting is for guest 75.
If you truley understand this world - arhc., engr., dob, mta, dep etc. you should know what the real cost of getting things done.

Lets do the math - New Building maybe 50 hours draft work (and i am being generous) X 75 per hour = 3750 USD.
In this case it is not even a new building.

So guest 75 why should anyone pay more ? And don't tell me that they need more than 50 hours.

Posted by: Ethan at January 28, 2009 6:46 PM in response to Reasonable architect rates

ethan, as an architect who has been able to sustain a productive and successful firm for over a decade.... i do understand this "world" as you would refer to it. we do not offer just drawings. we provide a service that caters specifically to each client which goes beyond just providing drawings. clearly you have no need nor are well versed in the new technologies and materials that have been constantly advancing this "world". we go above and beyond for our clients to provide a product that makes a difference.

with that said continuing a conversation with an "entreprneur" such as yourself would be a waste of time.

Posted by: guest75 at January 28, 2009 9:41 PM in response to Reasonable architect rates

i apologize that was uncalled for.

Posted by: guest75 at January 28, 2009 9:46 PM in response to Reasonable architect rates

I'm with guest75. Good architects aren't just draftsmen working by the hour, and not many architects are getting rich doing small residential projects.

It largely depends on the level of design and service you are looking for. If you hire a design-oriented architect, they will likely present you with options on layout, finishes, etc. They will spend a great deal of time developing the design, which may include renderings or models. These types will obviously be more expensive, and hopefully the end product will be better. (if you're looking for design.)

If you know exactly what you want, and it's a simple renovation, then you should find someone with a lower fee.

Many architects tie themselves to a % of construction cost as a means to protect themselves. If a client says "I have $500K for gut-renovating a 2000 SF house," architects can project how much work that will be and how much time that will take. If the budget is 1.5 million, client expectations will be different, many more specific details will need to be designed and drawn, thus the fee goes up.

Many architects will lock into a fixed fee, but the difficulty is that if the client decides to double the budget and add a bunch of detail - the architect suddenly has tons of additional work and no additional fee.

Posted by: squaredrive at January 29, 2009 11:59 AM in response to Reasonable architect rates

I am an Architect with a small practice. I have much NYC townhouse experience, as well as 2nd homes in the Hamptons and northern NY. I have also worked in a few name offices.
That said. I usually charge between 10 and 15 % of construction depending on the scope of work, size of project, simplicity, complexity etc. Every project is different and I have low overhead, that's a key factor.
I can also work hourly not to exceed a certain amount.
If you wish to discuss further with me you can reach me at ra@andradearchitecture.com...
(fyi-my website is under construction-landing page should appear soon)...
I can email photos of work..

Posted by: lucara926 at March 25, 2009 1:52 PM in response to Reasonable architect rates