Contractor and Architect recommendations
For those who have purchased brownstones with renovation loans from either Wells Fargo or Wash Mutual, I would like recommendations of architects and contractors that you worked with and were happy with. I have an accepted offer on a brownstone that I am doing a near-gut renovation on, with a renovation loan (have pre-approval from…
For those who have purchased brownstones with renovation loans from either Wells Fargo or Wash Mutual, I would like recommendations of architects and contractors that you worked with and were happy with.
I have an accepted offer on a brownstone that I am doing a near-gut renovation on, with a renovation loan (have pre-approval from both WF and WaMu). As a next step I am looking to research architects and contractors who have worked on similar projects and meet the lenders’ conditions – and can work to lenders draw requirements etc.
Thanks for the recs.
Wells Fargo is a big pain in the butt. Make sure you understand the terms. There are a lot of hidden fees when you flip from a construction loan to a residental loan. We were very surprised by this. Our WF approved contract is Rosul Construction 718-436-2938. They are more of a gut renovation type company and not a restoration type. My project has been a bit frustrating on both sides. They prefer projects that they can get in and out in no time. We had a lot of original details that we wanted to save and protect. The architect was D&DG in Long Island City, do not use them we fired them. Our architect stopped coming to meetings and we could not get in touch with him when we needed him. He just fell of the face of the earth.
I’d like to recommend my firm ECS Group! We incorporate the latest laser and drafting tech to develop precise AS-BUILT or “as-existing condition” plans — VITAL to the success of ANY renovation planning and design! Please call to discuss how we may help save you time and money by working either directly with you or with your AEC firms!
Thanks,
Gary Frischman, Director
ECS GROUP
800-663-1752
This is typical of most banks. Any architect should be able to help you.
Apologies if I was not clear enough. You are right that the only requirements are licensing, registration and insurance. However, I was looking for architects and subcontractors who have experience working with these banks so that they are 1) comfortable with the draw schedules and 2) familiar with the inspection process preceding draws. Basically so that there are no suprises.
Hope that helps clarify.
I’m sorry, but this doesn’t make sense to me. Why does the contractor or the architect need to have worked with the bank before? I’ve provided several bank drawings before, and have never been asked if I’ve worked with the bank before, nor have any of my contractors. I think you may have misunderstood the information you’ve been given. Can you please explain further? The requirements may be licensing, registration and/or insurance requirements. If so, can you post what those requirements are so we can help you properly?
Original Poster: The reason is I am hoping to work with a Contractor(s) that the architect has worked with before/recommends. And the contractor does need to have worked with WF or WM. That’s my logic anyway.
Why does the architect need to be one that has worked with Wells Fargo or Wash Mutual? Any registered, licensed architect should be able to help you. Can you explain why you think that is not the case?