Architect wanted!
We are in contract for a brownstone on the Upper West Side – it’s a 4-family in reasonable shape which we’re planning to make into a triplex & garden rental. We’ve gotten scary quotes of 300+/sqft from architects for the reno (just the triplex part) and are wondering if you (and readers of brownstoner) have…
We are in contract for a brownstone on the Upper West Side – it’s a
4-family in reasonable shape which we’re planning to make into a
triplex & garden rental. We’ve gotten scary quotes of 300+/sqft from
architects for the reno (just the triplex part) and are wondering if you (and
readers of brownstoner) have any recommendations for architects & general
contractors. We’re thinking 100 – 200/sqft.
that’s wgati@architecturestudio.us
I am a Queens architect and I use Queens and L.I. contractors. $100 – $150 psf is possible.
wgati@architecturestuio.us
New Question for same audience: What might you consider cutting out when you are getting bids back that are very expensive and you need to keep within a budget? Have you ever delayed doing a project that can be pushed back because of $ concerns during a gut reno?? If so what goes, what stays? Seems like you could argue for doing everything at once, but what if you really can’t afford to?
Just to throw another name and idea in the mix, I am a small design/build architecture firm that focuses on sustainable design of brownstones(if that is your thing). The design/build structure can allow for better consistency throughout the whole project and results in a lower overall cost. Please email me or call for a free consultation and to get references.
Good luck!
Jeremy Shannon, AIA, LEED AP
Prospect Architecture, PC
718-783-0348
jrms@prospectarchitecture.com
By the way, in reference to the previous posting, you legally have to use a licensed architect (or an engineer) for this project, but the level of involvement of the professional is up to you.
you can save money by not using an architect
I am an Architect on the UWS experienced in brownstone renovations. All of my jobs have moderate – not low or highest end – budgets around $200/sf. I can be reached @ 212 877-1350 and would very much welcome opportunity to meet, discuss your place, visit and show you completed jobs on UWS.
if you drop me a line, I can show you a brownstone I recently completed for a client in the village, and from there we can talk about costs. it’s next to impossible to have an intelligent discussion w/o knowing what you and the house requires.
Anon 8:36 here. I based my statement “….And never never never trust the architect to tell you what anything costs….” on my experience in 1.) renovating our brownstone, 2.) in building a weekend house (which I am doing now) and 3.) the dozen or two friends I have who have done extensive work on their brownstones or apartments, albeit mostly in Manhattan. BTW, while my architect on the brownstone project turned out to be a dud (he forgot to tell us that he was closing his NYC office and moving to Westchester just when he would have to be at the project to supervise it…and hardly showed up at all!) I love our beach house architect and have an enormous amount respect for the profession. Brownstones tend to lay themselves out (maximize the light at either end, kitchen in parlor floor or garden level, some descisions about finishes and that is about it). Houses, I have discovered, are another thing altogether. The (weekend house) contractor warned us just yesterday “…never never never trust the architect to tell you what anything costs…”. I depend on the architect for creativity and adapting the design to our needs…but he isn’t the person hiring the subs or making sure the plumber shows up before the wallboard guy does. It is an unusual architect who can accurately price out work and maybe they do exist. But not at $100 a sqaure foot. Or IMHO, even $200 unless you’re heading toward IKEA kitchens and plastic bathtub enclosures.
Hello, Our family operates a design-build firm and we work within our clients budget (Soft and Hard costs). This is a family owned business and we’ve been around for over 39 years. We are currently featured in a Taunton Press Article Fine Homebuilding Houses 2006 edition. Call John at 917.309.3682