If you are staying almost completely within the old design... I cannot see the benefit of an architect. A KD perhaps; or post your plan here. We removed interior walls, moved electrical and plumbing, reconfigured the entire kitchen and did not use an architect.

I'm no expert but I wouldn't think an architect is needed for a kitchen remodel. But, another set of eyes is always a good thing if it's in the budget. Maybe you could ask your friend if you could hire him to spend an hour or two with you to get some advice. Maybe that would be enough?

I agree with remodelfla.

What types of potential problems did he identify? When you're staying with pretty much the same layout it seems hard to fathom that there could be that many otherwise unforseen issues as to justify an architect.

Besides, if he already identified them to you why spend the additional money in any case? Not trying to be argumentative, just honestly wondering what the value would be ... there may be something unique about the type or age of your home that we're missing.

the problem is that my apartment building has added many more regulations than when original kitchen was done--plumbing and gas lines can no longer be placed where they were (under the floor) and we may have to move appliances to accommodate. we may lose cabinets if not done carefully. my friend came up with easier, more creative waves to move some our fuse box which also has to be re-routed. I guess there's more to it--the bones of the kitchen will remain the same, but we may have to switch things around to meet building code.

robbi25, not sure if you're in NYC, but if so, I would definitely recommend an architect given the complicated NYC building code and complex condo/coop regulations that help protect you and your neighbors.

FWIW, my SIL did a small remodel with a contractor without getting an approval from the condo. (Her bad... but she did not know and the contractor did not warn her because that's not what they are paid to do.)

Fast forward a few years, she had to take undo the entire thing because of 'issues', mostly neighbor's complaint. The fact that the remodel was 'illegal', she had no recourse.

polie, yes I am in NYC--your advice is well taken! every other day a new "code" seems to appear, and on top of that my building has their own set of rules, which my super or managing company never mentioned until my friend gave me a list of questions to ask them.

We knew our DIY project was difficult because of screwy original house, despite its being an less-expensive original house. We thought we were going to need an architect. Got advice to look into designer working for local construction company that works closely with local officials & suppliers. Was a good idea. We saved money and probably got just as good a result. At one point he declared he needed more money--"this is a difficult place to design for" which indeed it was, and which we knew from the beginning. We paid the extra. We are now very glad to have attacked and solved the rpoblems with the designer's help. He was not a kitchen designer, but was familiar with subcontractors, roof stresses, concrete issues, ventilation, and kitchen design.

robbi, glad to see you're going to bring in an architect. For the record, an architect isn't just to monitor the exterior footprint of your house. It is good to have an architect or at least a structural engineer if you are grossly changing the static loading - i.e. adding more or different cabinets, changing from laminate to granite, want to use tile or stone where you had linoleum etc. OR if you're even thinking of moving walls. Basically have someone verify what loads your foundation and your floor joist/beam/sill/footings etc. spacings and what they can tolerate as is vs. what they can't. Just because people here have done it doesn't make it safe. The good thing about an architect is that they have access to structural engineers, know the codes etc. There are some very good General Contractors who do know the variables; but there are plenty more who don't or won't bother.

We had a GC who didn't know to check any of these and we had to eventually bring in an architect and a small army of structural engineers (not to mention, me doing my own independent verification) somewhat after a few rebuilding mishaps.

So, long and short of it is, don't be like us. Be safe from the get-go.

Good luck!

thank you, mindstorm! we are changing from laminate to granite, and upgrading cabinets, plus, as I mentioned, new codes and building requirements will need gas lines, plumbing and electrical adjustments. Safety is my first priority and your advice is greatly appreciated. Architect it will be!

robbi25, we used an architect for our bathroom renovation in the 2000's to also check/inspect the work by the general contractor to make sure they were following the letter of the design plan. All in, I was pleased by the contractor, but the architect stepped in a couple of times when he thought the contractor was taking a shortcut he felt wouldn't be ideal in the long-run.

We are doing a remodel of the whole house, in the sense that we are upgrading HVAC (no more ACs hanging out of every window in the summer!), and "while we're at it" are rethinking everything, especially the use of space. We intereviewed seven (!) different architects, and they all had VERY different, interesting ideas about how to maximize space, at all different price points.

Just something to think about. We went with an architect who had designed the GC's own house, so they'd obviously worked together before and had a good relationship with each other. That seemed important to us.

What did you architect friend identify as potential issues? As a fellow Apple dweller (BK), I'm thinking that, if there's any room for doubt on code, definitely play it safe and go with an architect. If nothing else, at least interview a few as drbeanie has done. Amazing what you can learn from gathering several points of view on the same project. Good luck!

He questioned if I could have an exhaust fan/hood, whether or not the placement of the oven made sense (and now it turns out the oven has to be moved as the original renovation placed gas and plumbing lines under the floor, definitely NOT ok), also solved an electrical problem using the least effort and cost, something which four different contractors couldn't seem to figure out without doing lots of very expensive electrical work and subsequent wall shifts, etc which would have added thousands on to the cost. And that's just the beginning. He also picked three GC's that he trusts to come by and give an estimate. I have been without a kitchen for 6 mos. now (due to leaks in wall from Irene which resulted in total demolition) and if I had contacted him way back when my kitchen would be done by now!