Rookie Renovater Seeks Architect
I’m interested in buying a multi-family property in Williamsburg. It seems like it’s in good enough condition, the main problem is the lack of light in the ground floor apartment. The plan is to live in the ground floor apartment and rent the existing two apartments on the second and third floor. I have zero…
I’m interested in buying a multi-family property in Williamsburg. It seems like it’s in good enough condition, the main problem is the lack of light in the ground floor apartment. The plan is to live in the ground floor apartment and rent the existing two apartments on the second and third floor.
I have zero renovation/construction experience and want to get an idea of what could be done with the property – opening up the ground floor, the potential for annexing the apartment on the second floor to make a larger living space, adding on to the existing structure, etc.
What’s the best way for finding an architect or a contractor to hire for a consultation? And what’s the expected price of a consultation/site visit? Thanks in advance for any advice.
Hi.
I am an architect and interior designer with over 15 years experience. I have just recently broken away from long time business partner in Manhattan and relocated my practice to Brooklyn – where I have been a resident for six years. I have significant residential design, project direction and construction management experience.
My rates are extremely competitive and you will get the personal attention of the company founder – me. I made this move to Brooklyn because I wanted to get back to working with my clients instead of managing people as I was at my endeavor. I would love to help you with your project. I am confident that I can assist professionally and that the end result will exceed your expectations while meeting your budget.
I have a comprehensive portfolio for review. I hope to hear from you.
Regards,
Alan Barr, founder
GOWANUS DESIGNinitiative
917.749.0119
gowanus.design@gmail.com
Hi Seth,
What you want to do is an easy process. We are a Manhattan-based firm with a lot of residential experience; we have strategic partnerships with contractors, engineers and DOB expeditors and we can give you a complete job from design to permits and construction.
I would love to walk thru your building and discuss things with you.
Thanks,
Anthony LaFazia, RA
Principal
LaFAZIA Architecture, PC
141 East 89th St
New York, NY 10128
212-831-4199
No architect should charge you to come look at a property that you already own, it’s part of the architect’s marketing and new business development budget. If you don’t own yet, they may want you to pay a small fee, in the event they are not chosen for the job, or you do not buy the house. I wouldn’t expect it to be anymore than a few hours of their time, which would be less than $500.
However, you should try to select your architect based on personal recommendations if possible. Barring that, make sure you contact some of their references, if you use someone that was not directly recommended to you by a personal acquaintance. And see some of their work. You’ll learn alot about their character by how they get along with their previous clients.
Hi Seth,
Glad you understand the need for an architect you are on the right track it took me a looog time to figure it out. After buying my brownstone and a lot of mistakes I have found an architect that allows you too sleep. She did a job on my house upstate everything was decided on paper, I left for two months and I never got a call from her or the contractor till the was all done. Not a penny more than what was negotiated. We had discussed everything and I mean everything beforehand. No last minute changes or decisions of the cuff. She will do any style you want. She is very fast so her hourely rate is well worth it.
Give her a call, Silvia Benelli at 212 730 4370
Good luck Joan
Try AllRenovation Construction, they have a coaching service which helps newbies with their project…you can get more info here:
http://www.allrenovationllc.com/services.html
good luck
A.S.
i have never met jim hill, much less worked w/ him, but based on his posts he is a pretty knowledgeable and forthright guy…while you may get someone cheaper, i think that he can get you a far better product in the end
Well, you’re looking in the right place. I’m a LEED accredited architect with a lot of experience in Brooklyn row houses. I’m a partner with a contractor in a design-build firm, so with us you get a complete project from design to building department sign-off.
It’s hard to give a ballpark figure on renovation costs without knowing the specifics of it, especially when you’re talking about so many options. The best way would be to talk with an architect about the scope of the project.
As for how to reconfigure a row house, the sky’s the limit, literally. In most cases, they’re not built to the maximum allowed by zoning, so we often find that you can build up a floor or two, or extend out the back, or some combination thereof.
Internally, again, you can pretty much do anything as long as you’re not making too many/too small apartments. It’s pretty easy to connect floors to make duplexes, triplexes, or other options.
As for consults and site visits, some people charge, some don’t. Typically, we do not charge if the person already owns the place, or if they’re very close to owning and they’re pretty sure they’ll be buying. If you’re just curious and may or may not buy, then we can work something out.
Feel free to contact me directly. You can get my phone from my website or use the email below.
Jim Hill, RA, LEED AP
Urban Pioneering Architecture
jim(at)urban-pioneering(dot)com
www(dot)urban-pioneering(dot)com