Advice on hiring an architect/timing
We’re getting to the home stretch of closing on a small row house in brooklyn. The house is livable, but will need quite some work (hasn’t really been touched in decades)–new kitchen, new bathrooms, potentially some minor structural work, possible reconfiguration of floorplans (hopefully without moving any load-bearing walls or moving plumbing etc.). We plan…
We’re getting to the home stretch of closing on a small row house in brooklyn. The house is livable, but will need quite some work (hasn’t really been touched in decades)–new kitchen, new bathrooms, potentially some minor structural work, possible reconfiguration of floorplans (hopefully without moving any load-bearing walls or moving plumbing etc.). We plan on moving in before starting/completing renovations. I would very much like to work with an architect for design and guidance. A few questions: (1) When do you suggest we get an architect involved? (2) We plan on doing as much realistic work as possible in order to keep costs down. I understand that there are architects who will prepare the design and drawings and handle permits etc. for a flat fee and then possibly consult/project manage as necessary on an hourly basis. Does anyone have a sense of a mid-range flat fee/hourly rate? Is this a prevalant practice or something only a few architects will do? Any advice and any other thoughts anyone might have very much appreciated. Thanks!
from someone who is about to finish a gut renovation, i was very happy that I had an architect with me to walk through the house before we closed. My spouse and I were torn between 2 potential brownstones and the artichect’s feedback was very helpful in making a potentially mistake. I would advice involving an architect if possible as early as possible.
We didn’t use an architect, but I agree it’s best to get one involved early on. Plumbers and electricians too.
If at all possible, do all your plumbing, electrical, floor refinishing, and any plaster repair *before* moving in. The dust will just drive you mad and cause extra work and wear and tear. And if you have young children, it’s dangerous.
Unless you are simply painting and swapping out kitchen cupboards, sinks, etc., in place, though, and don’t need to upgrade, say, an old lead waste line, that pretty much covers everything.
Another thing is that unless you have previous construction experience and also are not currently employed, the amount of stuff you can do on your own is pretty limited. You probably have only three to six hours max per weekend when you can get stuff done.
In retrospect, we would have saved a bundle had we replaced more of the plumbing and done all the skim coating up front rather than thinking we could do it on our own and waiting and waiting.
I agree in general with the idea of involving an architect sooner than later BUT I would also advise you live there as long as you can stand it before renovating. Often your ideas of what to do with a space evolve as you live there.
I’d aim for at least a year. Then you can visit an architect with a lot of your own ideas, merge with their expertise and creativity, and get a lot lot more. As a bonus, you may realize many of the things you thought you “had” to do are really optional. I think many people over-renovate, and most especially right after buying a home.
Also keep in mind you will likely need to hire an expediter to file the drawings, an engineer (hourly) if there are structural concerns, and maybe even an MEP engineer if you need to significantly update electric, plumbing, HVAC.
An architect will coordinate those proposals, and subsequently coordinate with them for a comprehensive bid set.
Jock and Michael are right- sooner rather than later is key to avoid many headaches later on.
Jock deBoer is right (I think)better to get the Architect involved soon than later. That way, the sooner to advance your project. He is right about the various fee structures and talking and meeting various Architects for what suits your budget, schedule and aesthetic.
Michael Simeone AIA
I am biased, being an architect, but you want to get the architect involved as early as possible. You will find some who do hourly, percentage of construction and a flat fee. You can get as simple as possible and request just permit drawings on up to full blown drawings that design every nook and crany. It is up to you. Give a few of us a call, there are several here on the site who answer questions.
Jock deBoer, AIA
deBoer Architects