Do I Need an Architect?
I’m looking to do a gut renovation of an 1,100 s.f. apartment in an 1870s building. I have ideas to change the layout a bit, maybe even try to move the kitchen, but nothing major structurally. The place is in bad shape – sloping floors, sketchy electricals, no right angles anywhere. An architect quoted me…
I’m looking to do a gut renovation of an 1,100 s.f. apartment in an 1870s building. I have ideas to change the layout a bit, maybe even try to move the kitchen, but nothing major structurally. The place is in bad shape – sloping floors, sketchy electricals, no right angles anywhere. An architect quoted me $5,000 to do plans and help with design elements and $1,500 to file papers and expedite. Does this sound like the type of job that requires an architect?
i am an architect. hire one for this job. the details and thought and planning that goes into every room you walk into reflects this or the lack of.
Can I ask who the architect was? Looking for someone to do similar job in Harlem.
Hire the architect. The GC you hire will have to follow the plans; otherwise you might find yourself in a situation where you’re getting something you don’t want…or not getting something you do want (believe me, I’ve been there). I’d spring for the extra $$ and do it properly at the outset. You won’t regret it.
In theory, you don’t technically need an architect, but you’ll need an architect, structural engineer or some other certified professional to prepare drawings and submit them for permitting, so you’ll have to spend a chunk of that fee regardless.
Yes, you do. I didn’t think I needed an architect and now I regret it. The money your architect is quoting you is totally worth having an expert lay it out for you, the headaches/time you’ll save yourself and the confusion you’ll be able to avoid with your contractor. I thought I was saving money but the time I would have saved using an expert would have been well worth it.
Your G.C. can file all the permits.
Absolutely