Engineer vs. Architect or both?

have u heard of scott schnall? he is an engineer and works with the GC we used, jbj renovations and we are very very happy! scott and james know the job, speak english (james is italian amer and has decades of experience working for his dad, recently started up so his prices are still not a rip off…) he does high end work, highly recommend, really honest and a nice guy to boot!!! james 917-217-6142 jbjrenovations@gmail.com, i hope this helps!!!

japmom55

in About Brooklyn 10 years and 10 months ago

7

Please log in, in order to post replies!

7 replies

Newest Oldest

bbbad | 10 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5152 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5140 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "183134"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(5) "bbbad"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BqdvmViQE23Am.H2/Gx8hOeL21OsCK0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(5) "bbbad"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "anachandvx@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:54:28"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(5) "bbbad"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(183134)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Hi, I bought a gut reno townhouse in Bedstuy and I need a profesional who can oversee it and give me advised in the work that need to be done, the cost and if possible to oversee it. Also be familiar with city code and permits. On one hand, I want to know the status of the structure (the basement was all covered with sheetrock) and how strong is the roof. On the other hand, I want to build a deck on a rear extension but it need an structure to support the weight. But I’m sure there is more to be fixed. I would like to know if some of you had the similar experience and what did you do? Should I go to a architect firm specialized in old townhouses who can also act as a project manager? or should I go to an engineer and hire separately all the people involved (pluming, contractor, etc.) Any recommendations? Thank you!! Ps:For the people who is asking about buying a gut reno. We knew it was a cheap renovation and that there was work to be done but we didn’t know how bad it was until we open the walls. So save extra money for sure.

jockdeboeraia | 10 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5151 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5150 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "40876"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "jockdeboeraia"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BTfkV3DGGseot8oNyuG6kVhsNhUD2n1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "jockdeboeraia"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "jdeboer@jockdeboer.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(31) "/forums/users/deboerarchitects/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:15:51"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(20) "VK4zWrfWbTPHLfSSlGZI"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "jockdeboeraia"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(40876)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

You can go either route, but if you want some design mixed in start with an architect. They will have an engineer to work with.

Lurker | 10 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5147 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5153 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "113126"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(6) "Lurker"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$Biam83uc193o8.v5qK1VChb9yjJ5vu."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(6) "lurker"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "jcjedi_10003@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(21) "/forums/users/lurker/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2011-01-19 18:44:20"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(6) "Lurker"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(113126)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

As someone going through a similar process, I wish I had gone with a design-build firm. It would have been far faster and cheaper with fewer layers of miscommunication. Otherwise you have an architect, engineer, contractor and expediter to deal with. If you do go architect route sign for a set price rather than hourly rate.

bbbad | 10 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5152 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5154 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "183134"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(5) "bbbad"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BqdvmViQE23Am.H2/Gx8hOeL21OsCK0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(5) "bbbad"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "anachandvx@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:54:28"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(5) "bbbad"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(183134)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Thank you for the information!

architensions | 10 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5151 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5155 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "177222"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "architensions"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BrGEeYio4DmvQxrOTEgUmrqLhBMnVc0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "architensions"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(22) "info@architensions.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(24) "http://architensions.com"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:16:51"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "architensions"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(177222)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(2) {
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(2) {
    [0]=>
    string(10) "subscriber"
    [1]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(4) {
    ["read"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["level_0"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["subscriber"]=>
    bool(true)
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Our studio have several gut renovations done in the area. We would be happy to further talk about your project. email us at info@architensions.com architensions.com to see some of our portfolio projects. Best,

mikehouse33 | 10 years and 11 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5154 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5147 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "127250"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "mikehouse33"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BSYYs/jXi./wKcxhZWVCgpLA3Lx9MS1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "mikehouse33"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "mikehouse33@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:54:27"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(11) "mikehouse33"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(127250)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

Hi I agree that a design-build type in this situation makes sense here. I would say that you should make sure that any design build firm you hire has a competitive bid process with their own sub contractors. They will likely have an in house architect or designer who can design and manage the entire process. Send me a note if you need some more advice. designpronyc@gmail.com

jill11222 | 10 years and 10 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#5152 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#5156 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "181364"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(9) "jill11222"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B67UQuMgngisNbIhnQXXczTftPC/CL/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(9) "jill11222"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(21) "sourbetty@hotmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:45:07"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(60) "1750621412:$generic$BqccBzZ-0NXZhrEwe4QkJH2IJ2d4tq_tqDfYELwM"
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(9) "jill11222"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(181364)
  ["caps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["cap_key"]=>
  string(15) "wp_capabilities"
  ["roles"]=>
  array(1) {
    [0]=>
    string(15) "bbp_participant"
  }
  ["allcaps"]=>
  array(1) {
    ["bbp_participant"]=>
    bool(true)
  }
  ["filter"]=>
  NULL
  ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=>
  int(1)
}

I would hire an architect and they will have engineers, expediters, etc. they work with. Having just gone through a gut reno this worked well for us.