Design Build Firm VS. Separate Architect & GC?

We are in the process of closing on a 4 story + cellar Bed Sty non landmark brownstone.
The house does not need a gut job. We have a list of projects we want to accomplish but due to budget I dont think we will be able to do it all. Here is what we must accomplish:

1. Update the whole electric (still has some cloth wiring and not enough amps to support AC and new kitchen)
2. Ad on-open up the existing extension (instead of a back wall, put in a window+door to the backyard)
3. Put in a kitchen (we will be using ikea & semihandmade combo with upgraded stone, fixtures and commercial GE appliances
4. AC (not sure what system is better for our house).

Question : do we need a full on design firm? or would an architect + expeditor for paperwork and permits and a separate GC be enough?

Design firm sounds nice since they take care of a lot day to day operation as well as a professional eye on things like kitchen design but will they eat up a lot of our budget?

Thank you in advance

irozhko

in General Discussion 7 years and 11 months ago

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mw40784 | 7 years and 10 months ago

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Lena,

This is often a challenging equation that involves many parties. The short answer is that you will need an architect, expediter and general contractor at a minimum. An expediter is often recommended by the architect and could fall under their contract.

In my experience a design-build firm can provide all the services for your renovation at a lower cost and with a shorter timeline. They often have pre-negotiated pricing with material, plumbing, and appliance suppliers. In addition, a design-build firm will be able to provide accurate budgets earlier on in the process. This helps to concentrate on what you really want and get the most out of your design.

Andy Urbany, RA
Dixon Projects

mw40784 | 7 years and 10 months ago

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Lena,

This is often a challenging equation that involves many parties. The short answer is that you will need an architect, expediter and general contractor at a minimum. An expediter is often recommended by the architect and could fall under their contract.

In my experience a design-build firm can provide all the services for your renovation at a lower cost and with a shorter timeline. They often have pre-negotiated pricing with material, plumbing, and appliance suppliers. In addition, a design-build firm will be able to provide accurate budgets earlier on in the process. This helps to concentrate on what you really want and get the most out of your design.

Andy Urbany, RA
Dixon Projects

mw40784 | 7 years and 10 months ago

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Lena,

This is often a challenging equation that involves many parties. The short answer is that you will need an architect, expediter and general contractor at a minimum. An expediter is often recommended by the architect and could fall under their contract.

In my experience a design-build firm can provide all the services for your renovation at a lower cost and with a shorter timeline. They often have pre-negotiated pricing with material, plumbing, and appliance suppliers. In addition, a design-build firm will be able to provide accurate budgets earlier on in the process. This helps to concentrate on what you really want and get the most out of your design.

Andy Urbany, RA
Dixon Projects

dexpediter | 7 years and 10 months ago

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wow you need some free honest advice 7183505157

c_w | 7 years and 11 months ago

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You can also consider a hybrid approach of GC and design combined. If you’re interested, please take a look at our page on Brownstoner, Services.

http://www.brownstoner.com/services/general-contractor-nyc/d53a493c9f2cbc/construct-workshop-red-hook-brooklyn-ny-11231/