Gutting a two family frame - where to begin?

If in the end you do decide to go with an architect I would be happy to meet with you to discuss options.  josh@jgoldsteinarchitect.com

josh

in Construction 13 years and 5 months ago

6

Please log in, in order to post replies!

6 replies

Newest Oldest

snarkolepctic | 13 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4941 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4929 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "46009"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "snarkolepctic"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "snarkolepctic"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(23) "snarkoleptica@yahoo.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(22) "/forums/users/miss718/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 13:36:01"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "snarkolepctic"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(46009)
  ["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)
}

We did the inspection with Joe Pasaturo. Now we’re going into contract and want to start getting our ducks in a row so we can hit the ground running once we close.  My husband wants an engineer to work out what is going to be involved in bumping out. (I know Joe is also an engineer but he’s also pushing his own architect which we don’t necessarily want.)  House is currently an L – we want to bump out to a full 18×40\. it’s currently about 18×28 with a 12×10 bump that was part of original construction. FAR does allow this, it’s just a question of logistics and we want to figure out if there are any obstacles that will make this cost prohibitive. (Neighbors also have a bump out so it’s not going to ruin their view). There’s a massive maple tree in the back that may present challenges.  I think my husband wants to get the logisitcs worked out before we hire an architect to draw up plans based on an 18×40 footprint. Any recommendations? And any thoughts on whether it’s better to work with a firm that does it all – engineering/design/construction/expediting vs. hiring individuals?  We once spent a lot of money on beautiful plans for another house only to find out they hadn’t really considered some major engineering issues,which is why we aren’t going right to a design firm. Thanks in advance for your feedback!!

bostudio | 13 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4940 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4939 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "178408"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(8) "bostudio"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B404abr1XIMtSmBGvG5f9nNz.Ez8Jt1"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(8) "bostudio"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(20) "ubochinska@gmail.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(50) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/bostudio/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:19:50"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(8) "bostudio"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(178408)
  ["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)
}

Hello Miss718, There are advantages and disadvantages of using a design-built company versus separate design and build teams.  Here is the reason on why I believe it is better to keep design and construction separate:  you can control pricing and quality of construction better that way, since the architect / engineer act as your agent.  Design-built is the way to go if you do not want to deal with too many parties, but you give up control in return. I do recommend as the first step to make some appointments with architect/engineer teams and design/built companies. You should not be charged for an initial walk-through.  Each professional you talk to will be able to give you information on what is involved, in terms of process, cost and time frame. Each of them will probably give you some different ideas & feedback.  You will be able to get a feel for them to see who you would like to work with, check references etc.  Good luck.  Ula Bochinska, URSZULA BOCHINSKA ARCHITECT, www.bostudio.us

AnArchitect | 13 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4936 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4942 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "89402"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(11) "AnArchitect"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$B1nP7yyKJcLDOOq69fypmL4oqEIQUM."
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(11) "anarchitect"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(24) "acortes@agenciegroup.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(26) "/forums/users/anarchitect/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:36:11"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(11) "AnArchitect"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(89402)
  ["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)
}

Hi. We’re an architecture and engineering firm and are perfectly suited for this type of project.  Please visit our website for more info: www.agenciegroup.com.  We’d welcome an opportunity to be considered.
All best!

2020audiovisual | 13 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4941 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4943 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(6) "179394"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(15) "2020audiovisual"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BzQfGN234CO3ul8IyHHxWzZw6jSxHA0"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(15) "2020audiovisual"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(27) "jeffrey@2020audiovisual.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(57) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/2020audiovisual/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:41:10"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(15) "2020audiovisual"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(179394)
  ["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)
}

In my opinion, going with a separate architect/design firm is the best way to achieve your desired end result. I have personally dealt with design/build firms that do a great job, but leave many details out of their designs due to the relationships they have with their builders. Without it being on paper, some part of your vision will inevitably be lost. Case in point, We design smart homes, and help people control their TVs, lights, sound systems etc…with touch screens, an iPhone or computers from anywhere in the world. Speakers inside the wall and ceiling need a certain distance of clearance to be installed. One of our clients went without invisible speakers because the contractor did not get the memo and put the sheet rock to the brick… Hire a architcht/design firm. If money is an issue, have scheduled meetings with all of the contractors at the same time so that your vision is properly realized. Good luck to you! **20/20 Audio Visual Inc.
…we make it simple.**

masterbuilder | 13 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4940 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4944 (12) {
    ["ID"]=>
    string(5) "26835"
    ["user_login"]=>
    string(13) "masterbuilder"
    ["user_pass"]=>
    string(34) "$P$BEhqCCOZrWesH0da.UZzi2Nb1a4B.R/"
    ["user_nicename"]=>
    string(13) "masterbuilder"
    ["user_email"]=>
    string(17) "salemfilm@mac.com"
    ["user_url"]=>
    string(28) "/forums/users/masterbuilder/"
    ["user_registered"]=>
    string(19) "2017-08-10 14:15:50"
    ["user_activation_key"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["user_status"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["display_name"]=>
    string(13) "masterbuilder"
    ["spam"]=>
    string(1) "0"
    ["deleted"]=>
    string(1) "0"
  }
  ["ID"]=>
  int(26835)
  ["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)
}

We are a general contracting firm who provides design for all of our clients.  We work with numerous architects and engineers.  On one project the engineer is providing bare bones drawings just to satisfy the DOB.  Your design drawings do not need to get filed.  There are a lot of ways to go about it.

jockdeboeraia | 13 years and 5 months ago

string(1) "1"
object(WP_User)#4936 (8) {
  ["data"]=>
  object(stdClass)#4945 (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)
}

Just hire an architect. Every project I have had to take over were done by engineers. An engineer specializes in their field. To expect them to know zoning and such is something they were not trained for.