DO or DON'T: Architect for reno

Talk to Veronica Barrow. (917) 830-4799 hello@veronicabarrow.com. She’s an architect who is flexible in job scope, very smart, and is a pleasure to work with. I relate to your quandary and am so glad we wound up working with her. Her minimal touch had a maximum and lasting positive impact on our skeleton design

workisfun

in General Discussion 8 years and 3 months ago

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notfromny | 8 years and 3 months ago

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I am in the early stages of considering buying/renovating a 3 unit townhouse that is approx 20×35.

We would keep the 2 rentals as they are, but update kitchens/bath/floors.

We would do more major work to the owners duplex, replacing a full bath on parlor level with a kitchen & half bath, perhaps moving a wall to make the parlor wider. We would reconfigure the downstairs layout to make 3 true bedrooms.

We would also need to totally redo the basement – repoured slab, and replace all mechanicals & windows.

With the scope of work I’ve described above, the contractor, who comes recommended by this forum, thought that we wouldn’t need an architect, that someone who could do the drawings, an engineer, would be fine.

The architect, also recommended by this forum, described how they would carry out the project from start to finish, including bidding it out to 3 contractors, walking thru 1/wk, overseeing the construction contract, finishes, lighting, etc.

I also asked each to react to a rough estimate of 100K/floor (+/-50K). The contractor said he thought it sounded hi gh. The architect said she thought it sounded low.

Here’s my dilemma: I would like someone to think about how we might best use the space, be smart in designing closets, lighting, etc, but I am not sure I need a full service design firm, given we are not making major changes to the layout, etc.

I also don’t personally feel the need for a professional to guide my choices when it comes to finishes, etc. I feel pretty competent in this area and I’m very detailed oriented and hands on with a strong sense of what I like. I’m decisive.

Is there some sort of in between service? An architect that could help you be smart with a space and think about key elements, but not white glove?

Or is that just wishful thinking?

If the latter, convince me why I do/don’t need an architect!

Thank you for any perspective you can provide. Have learned loads from you all by just lurking in these forums over the years!

EJR | 8 years and 3 months ago

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