When to get architect involved: buying a brownstone
I am in the process of looking for a brooklyn brownstone and have a viewing set up this weekend (1/2/11) for one that looks very promising and would like to know what is the usual point of getting an architect involved. The property requires significant renovations (hopefully not full “gut”) and I would like to…
I am in the process of looking for a brooklyn brownstone and have a viewing set up this weekend (1/2/11) for one that looks very promising and would like to know what is the usual point of getting an architect involved.
The property requires significant renovations (hopefully not full “gut”) and I would like to tour the property with a good architect who can advise on extent of changes needed, difficulty/realism of select changes, and provide an educated guess on ballpark costs and timing.
We would seek to spend in the neighborhood of $150-250k for immediate renovations, so a full gut renovation is out of the questions.
If we couldn’t do everything we wanted at first, we would do additional changes over time (assuming the initial spend got us to a home we are very happy with.
Back to the core issue…we would like to have either an architect or perhaps a good GC see the property. Is this normal and do architects typically do this? Do they charge for the initial visit? What have others done?
Also, would the architect expect to be locked up to do the job (requiring full vetting prior to meeting). I would assume we would use the architect we brought assuming he/she was competent and reasonably priced.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
I would advise involving an architect during the selection process. She/he can look into your requirements and help finding a good match. This is usually also an occasion for reciprocal evaluation before the project starts.
If it’s not too late I would like to be considered for this project. Please let me know if you want to get in touch.
Kind Regards.
You have some good advice. I wanted to reiterate that. You may have to invest time in investigating and interviewing the Architect best suited to your schedule, budget, site and aesthetic.
good luck with the potential new townhouse.
An architect will also be helpful in strategizing your budget to your design goals, identifying phasing of the work if there are larger goals than your budget allows for, and helping to define a schedule for design, permits, and construction. We are helpful folks to bring along…
Good luck,
Kyle Page, AIA, LEED AP
Sundial Studios Architecture & Design, PLLC
I agree with Maly.
If you decide that this is THE ONE, THEN go back in with a GC and an architect. After you write out your thoughts on paper, (take pix, bring note book, whatever works for you).
This will allow you to see what you think you need to do to make this home work for you, and what it will likely cost to accomplish your goal.
Good luck with this– any purchase is very exciting! Have fun with it!
I agree with Maly.
See the place yourself first. Then sit down with a few architects to see if they suit you and your project.
If you truly want an architect with you right away, that’s ok too. I’m sure one of us here would be happy to go with you! No charge.
Best of luck.
Thanks all for the ideas. Maly, I will do exactly that.
I think it’s a better idea to see the place by yourself first, to make sure you are interested. If so, schedule a second appointment with a contractor or an architect you might want to work with; talk to a few, see who you click with in terms of goals, esthetics, experience, personality and budget. The right person should be happy to come along at that point.
This is something we do quite often, and by “we” I mean me and my contractor. I’m an architect and we work in a kind of design-build relationship. We’ve done a number of these kind of projects and have enough experience to provide a line item proposal for all of the architectural and construction costs for the renovation. If you’re very serious about the purchase, then we would be happy to meet you at the house, even before you have an offer in, and help you get an idea of what it will take to do the work. Unfortunately, I can’t make it this weekend.
Jim Hill, RA, LEED AP
Urban Pioneering Architecture
jim@urban-pioneering.com
I am an experienced GC, and multiple building owner/historic building renovator, and would be available to accompany you during a building tour.
I would not expect to bid or partake in the actual job, to avoid any conflict of interest.
You may contact me bruce at jerseydata.net