Who do I need - An architect, a GC or an engineer?

Did you end up hiring an architect for this?  If so, would love to hear about your experience here!

jessicist

in General Contractors 13 years and 3 months ago

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gprotos | 13 years and 7 months ago

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I’m looking at a house that needs a lot of work (electrical, plumbing, new kitchen/baths) but not a gut renovation. It’s a 4 story house. I’d like to have someone walk through with me to get a good understanding of the relevant costs and a realistic timeframe. I also want this person to be able to look for any structural problems. Can anyone tell me who I need – architect, gc, engineer? I’d like someone who is very reasonably priced, does very good work and comes in on time? I’ve walked through with an architect on another home we were looking at but he charges for every visit and I’m not sure he is very good at estimating time for work. Thanks!

bullfrog | 13 years and 7 months ago

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We do this all the time with clients looking to purchase properties that need renovations. Feel free to contact me if you’d like to discuss further. Constantine 917-509-8751

karhu | 13 years and 7 months ago

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You will need an architect and GC for sure and maybe engineers, depends on what you want to do. You should start with an architect to set up the the scope of work. You can contact me at generative.arch@gmail.com I am more than happy to meet with you and check out your building, and I am not going to charge you for a site visit.

slopegirl | 13 years and 7 months ago

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I’d think a home inspector is the person best qualified to tell you what needs to be fixed. We used Robert Albani and he gave us a very good idea of what each project would cost and he was exactly right about pricing. Most architects are happy to look at a home before you buy and give you a sense of the total project. Just remember that once you renovate, it’s easy to have things cost a lot more. inspector: _Robert Albani_: _Home Tech Consultants_ (718.819.0174) by the way someone who is cheap, fast and does excellent work is more or less the holy grail. if you find them, post here.

Colonel | 13 years and 7 months ago

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I would recommend Johann Grobler http://www.groblerarchitects.com/.  He is an architect but also does home inspections.  We used him for the same purpose that you are looking for and then ended up using him as our architect for a renovation.

BrooklynButler | 13 years and 7 months ago

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I would recommend an architect. In my experience, even the best GCs always want to do more than what you might actually need.

jockdeboeraia | 13 years and 7 months ago

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You really need both. Bullfrog is a good choice. They are doing several of my BK projects and the clients and I like them. Home inspectors are hit or miss. If you go that route make sure they have some type of real background not just took someline course. Good luck!

AnArchitect | 13 years and 7 months ago

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We are an architecture and structural engineering firm.  We’d be happy to assist you in your search. www.agenciegroup.com

allrenovation | 13 years and 7 months ago

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It would be our pleasure to help you throught his process.  Call me at our offices 718-351-4099.
Best,
Robert Demetrio
All Renovation Construction, LLC http://www.allrenovationllc.com