Architect / Professional Engineer Recommendation Needed -- simple jon
I have found this forum to be very helpful in the past and am hoping that someone out there can provide me with a recommendation of an *inexpensive* architect or professional engineer. My husband and I are closing on a co-op next week and are wanting to carve out a doorway between two rooms (on…
I have found this forum to be very helpful in the past and am hoping that someone out there can provide me with a recommendation of an *inexpensive* architect or professional engineer. My husband and I are closing on a co-op next week and are wanting to carve out a doorway between two rooms (on a non load bearing wall) — we just need someone who is licensed to draw up a plan for this for the co-op board. We don’t need them to do anything else — hence, the preference for someone inexpensive (and the fact that we are on a budget). Any advice will be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Ysabelle,
The poster asked for a recommendation of an architect or engineer. Since Knockout renovations does the actual renovation work and is not an architectural or engineering firm, the recommendation was to call knockout renovations and pose the original question. my apologies.
Simone — the price an architect would charge has nothing to do with doing its degree of fancy etc. On the face of it, the project sounds very simple. But the reason the co-op board requires an architect (or engineer) sign off on the plans is for liability.
Once plans are sealed by an architect, that individual takes legal responsibility for the project from that point forward. That means forever. Full personal responsibility that is not shielded by a corporation or business structure (if I am sued they could go after my wife’s assets, for example). So whether or not the project seems simple, or seems like a wall may not be load bearing, etc., it is the burden of this liability that means a competent architect is not going to touch it without a fee that to some degree balances against their professional liability insurance.
So you will probably see a minimum of around $3k for a filing, and that nothing to do with its complexity, and everything to do with risk and insurance.
My name is Robert and I am a licenced architect. I can help you. While I am employed by a firm in Manhattan, I could be of serice to you on a freelance basis.
I can be reached at 646-315-4724.
OK, to clarify — the only reason we need an architect is to satisfy the co-op board’s requirement os submitting a diagram of where we are opening the wall. That’s why we want someone who will do the work inexpensively — we’re not looking for someone to do their best work or do anything fancy — just to put together what the co-op needs (yes, the joy of a co-op). I’m not trying to downgrade the architectural profession by any means — these are just our needs 🙂
I am not an architect, but I have to say the attitude on this forum towards them by many people seems to be over the top. They are licenced professionals who went through grad school, apprenticeship and much training to get where they are. Being human, they are as arrogant, humble, talented, non-talented, etc, etc, as anyone in any profession. They do, however deserve to be decently paid for their professional expertise.
We don’t go around looking for the cheapest doctors, dentists, or even CPA’s. Why should you expect the cheapest architect to be readily available, or for that matter, any good?
I gotta say, avoiding the use of architects in general is always my advice. They often know less than you might think, and they are also, just as often, nothing more than expensive, power-tripping egomaniacs.
Instead hire personally referred contractors; if they need approved plans to file for permits they’ll know where to get them for less money and hassle.
Hi everyone, thanks for the advice so far. We don’t NEED a full service place since we know where the doorway is going and just need that one drawing, but if there is a full service place that would charge a reasonable rate for this work then I am all for it. I will start by looking at PHDesign. THanks!
Try PHDesign in Brooklyn. Anthony and Hillary are very easy to work with, priced right and very helpful. Anthony formally worked in the construction biz and talks the language of contractors. They designed a new bathroom for me and I’d be happy to share my experience with them – leave email and I will contact.
PHDesign: 646-660-1654 or 917-628-8619
phdesign.brooklyn@gmail.com
Knock Out renovations?
They are the most expensive in addition to not being an architectural firm. They are a full service kitchen and bath place.