5-room remodel: architect, or designer?
Lew Bryson
5 years ago
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kazmom
5 years agoDebbi Washburn
5 years agoRelated Discussions
Our layout? New remodeler+young architect+funky house
Comments (32)Lazygardens--- Thanks for the encouragement. I'm afraid "not ideal" could be the name of this house, love it though I do. celticmoon--- I sure like the idea of the range being more "protected." The new window box over the sink would have to move down, though, and would then give a view of the wall of the little foyer extension. So, hmmm... pllog---I couldn't agree more. I sure would be nice to not enter through the kitchen. It's just not in the cards right now, and I think I'd rather start all the way over than to continue trying to whip this house into submission. We're looking for improvement, not perfection. BTW, I think it was you a few months ago who suggested the Kohler Karbon as a wall-mount + sprayer faucet. I'd dismissed it because of the look which I'm concerned will become dated, but function is winning out here. So, thanks for giving me pause to reconsider!...See MoreRoof remodel (pics): Why would architect say this?
Comments (8)When the slopes of a hipped roof are different, the eave overhangs and drips/gutters are different and create an odd condition at the corners that require a good framer to resolve. Most architects don't want to have to trust the skill of the carpenter or draw fussy details that are not likely to be used (or paid for). It's easier to make up silly stories about how architects work. I agree that the taller hip with a short ridge to allow equal slopes is better as long as it still allows the view you want. My advice is to find a compromise scheme rather than use either of the two proposals....See MoreDo I need an architect or a designer?
Comments (6)I'm on the peninsula. It sounds like my scope of work is in the ballpark of yours. I ended up getting, via my realtor (who is well known and leader in my neighborhood), a designer and a GC that know each and have worked together. And they both know the custom cab maker. I talked to multiple GCs and designers before settling on these two. Finding folks through a deep referral (multiple projects) that have worked together makes everything seem less problematic/complex/risky. She's been great (so far; submitting permits soon.) Worth the money, for me. The GC's been clear about the division of responsibilities, what he needs from the designer and design. Certainly he needed things I didn't know how to answer. There is a little structural work on my project, possibly less than yours. The designer's working with a structural engineer to get the necessary plans to support the permits. It's a relatively small part. I'd guess there are great architects out there that would take on the work. I figure it's less about the title (for this scope of work) than it is the person. The designer's willing to be as full-service as I'd like, beyond plans and permits. I figured I was looking for folks that have worked together and that have contacts. I have a really good friend who's a GC but not local. Seemed too risky to have him come do the work on this scope: too many subs/suppliers/etc. needed that he had no connections with. I think having a separate GC and designer (could have been an architect) is working well. I guess with a different GC, they might be able to do the design but in the end, I kind of like having two sets of eyes on things. Not for dishonesty or anything, just more possible ideas to choose from. I have a very good friend who's an architect and who I've talked about the project with a lot. He's very happy with the plans the designer's created. She doesn't do landscaping ... but has contacts, of course....See MoreAdvice on choosing architect, designer or contractor.
Comments (7)A good Design + Build company that has a history with the projects you are wanting is where I would start. I would hire an architect if I were creating a new home from scratch and wanted their design ideas and a place to obtain the completed floor plans and blueprints. A Design + Build company can provide the same thing for the type of project you are desiring, plus they have the construction side in house as well. If your local municipality requires structural drawings approved by a licensed entity, your Design + Build company can contract with a structural engineer to prepare plans for those areas as required (usually footers, maybe loads). Design + Build eliminates the chances for misunderstandings or interpretations of drawings or ideas. Research carefully and run background checks on anyone before hiring them or paying any money....See Morehoussaon
5 years agoLew Bryson
5 years agoJillius
5 years ago
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Debbi Washburn