Architect versus online plan - what is the secret?
kalenangel
7 years ago
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robertnp
7 years agoRelated Discussions
Architect versus Designer (Bigkahuna, Macv, other opinions)
Comments (28)I understand this thread is nearling a year old...but sorry to bump it up, I think its important for people to read. It seems I read more often now threads of unhappy people paying their "designer or drafter" 1,2,34K+ dollars and getting horrible plans that can not be built in return as well as many wasted days and headaches. I think bumping this thread up might give people a second thought on architects vs other options. Like any professions, there are greats and duds. Just bc you hire an architect doesnt make them perfect instantly. However there is a much better chance vs a drafter for sure. Do your homework, ask for examples of past work and references. My opinion, and what I emply on a daily basis of an architect is and does for their client: 1. client's needs are #1. They are paying you, you suggest what is best for them. They should be able to trust you to find a design that fits their needs, budget, style, lot, local codes, etc. They also rely on you to assess claims contractors make or review change orders. I review every single change order that comes up, researches the "true" price of it, and decide if it is needed, too high, etc. Alot of times this will be a "scope" contract, or how far you want the architect to go with your project. Designing, drawings, code review, and bidding is one thing. Construction administration is another. I think anyone hiring an architect should keep them onboard throughout the project. Contractors can be like car mechanics...they could attempt to sell you a 2x4 for the price of an I beam. 2. listen, listen, listen. They should listen to what you say, and make it come to life while offering up design suggestions for efficiency in the plan, construction, etc. Listening is extremely important, even down to the tiny details. When we start a new project, we take them through 3 meetings of "design developement". We go over everything from construction types, room requirements and sizes, casework requirements, products and materials, even down to floor finishes and trim types. We do a drawing, present it, revise it, etc etc until it is correct 100%. 3. suggest products and materials to best suit YOUR needs, NOT what the builder gets the best discount on. They should know about new technologies, employ energy efficent designs and construction methods, etc. I have a friend who's builder brainwashed him into thinking they had a "super high efficient house" and paid more for it. They got 2x6 walls with r-19 fiberglass batt insulation (clear wall more like r-11), builder grade vinyl windows that leak 2 years later, and a goodman 90% efficient furnace. In Iowa? Please, that barely meets code. Had I known him then, there would have been many changes I would have recommended. 4. They should know that is going on in your local code. The arch should submit plans to the city for approval. If they need engineered outside of what the city requires from an arch, then they should do that as well. 5. They are a professional with a lot of money and time invested into their degree. My bachelors of arch required 5 years of 21 credits each semester, followed by 2-3 years of interning under specific categories, and then 9 exam tests. but as mentioned, designers can be just as good, and for less money. As the owner, its your job to call around, do checks on past projects, drive and look at their projects, meet with them to discuss your ideas to get a feel for their interactions, etc. Sometimes we are expensive and certinaly not needed. But more times then not, it can be well worth your money. basically the list can go on. but you get the idea...See MoreRhome:Chief architect versus the cheaper home version
Comments (5)Well, I am RHome410 ;-)...and I have the full, actual Chief Architect version, thanks to DH's job. But I have worked with several others here who have the BH&G versions and they do as much as a homeowner designing a remodel could want, it seems to me...or in most cases. Mine will do all sorts of calculations and materials lists, and different construction views that I never use. And since mine is at least a few years old now, the home designer softwares, I think, probably have more and more current finishes and styles for cabinets, appliances, construction details, etc. Plus, the home designer ones are WAY easier on the wallet! At one point I borrowed the Interior Design version of the BH&G software from our library, just to see how it compared. It is one of the cheapest options. It did the renderings similar to my Chief Architect. The websites are probably your best bet in determining which software is best for you. The BH&G softwares, made by Chief Architect for homeowners, come in MANY different versions with different offerings. I have linked the comparison chart below. You can see more detailed descriptions of each one on different pages of that website, too. Just remember that you can likely find what you want for less money than the prices they list. Please do not hesitate to ask me any more specific questions, and if you buy one of the softwares, they are so close in commands, etc., I can often help you figure out little tricks to represent things you may want that aren't in the library, or a pre-set option. You can email me through 'my page,' also. Here is a link that might be useful: comparison chart for BH&G home designer softwares...See MoreArchitect screwed up big time and won't give us plans. Now what?
Comments (56)Bluffing is not against the law but threats of that nature can be construed as blackmail by the person being threatened. Where did you get the idea that making people mad was an effective dispute resolution strategy? The strongest leverage the OP had was the ability to terminate the contract. But that bridge has already been burned for no benefit without consulting a lawyer who would have warned that it would anger the architect and close the door to a timely negotiated settlement. Adding blackmail-like threats is only going to guarantee there will be no short term settlement and the OP doesn't have time to use any other method of dispute resolution. I don't see how your online comments elsewhere about responding to online complaints about your work could possibly be of use to the architect in question. This seems a very odd forum in that contractors can grandstand and post self-serving spam promoting their businesses....See MoreDesign-Build versus Architect & Contractor
Comments (2)The answer to your question depends to a large extent on the degree of expertise required to translate your vision into a workable set of plans and then bring those plans to life. Irrespective of whether you choose an architect, residential designer or a design/build firm, you'll be well served to assemble your team--including your remodeler--before beginning design. Your remodeler can help provide realistic construction costs estimates as design progresses so you'll stand a better chance of getting the project completed within your budget. Best wishes....See Morejilldag
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7 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
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