Architects & Fees
 

We are starting to make some enquiries into finding an architect to help with the remodel and floor plans of our new home in Fort Collins, Colorado.

I was wondering what experiences any of you have had, what the costs were for drawings, and how friendly your architects were?

Re: Architects & Fees
 

Unless your remodel is something spectacular, I'd guess $50,000 or more, I doubt you need or can afford an architect. Architect's fees are, I hear, typically 10% of the project cost, so $5k on a $50,000 project: which would get you 25 hours of an architect's time at $200/hr (I honestly don't know what an architect might charge per hour, but I would expect it to be at least/ more than $200/hr). .... So for anything up to that I would recommend starting with a conversation with a general contractor, or two, to get ideas and competing quotes. Personally I doubt I would involve an architect until/ unless I was talking about a $100,000 project.

Re: Architects & Fees
 

+1

Go to Home Depot, Lowes, or some large contractor and they will likely send out someone either free or at a small charge. Sometimes they have a computer program that can develop a 3D view (at little expense) of what it would look like when completed and you can make changes as desired. If you are knocking down walls, a large contractor is probably better.

The advantage of Home Depot or Lowes is that usually they have cabinets on display with prices and you can see first hand what the products look like before they are installed.

Although Home Depot, Lowes, or a large contractor may guide you, you will be the primary planner of your space. In a sense, that is good because sometimes an architect will go off in the direction he likes and then keeps charging you more to get back to what you like. The same is true with home decorators.

Re: Architects & Fees
 

We are currently doing some renovations and have instructed an architect.

We are adding a two story addition, remodeling a kitchen which includes knocking down a supporting wall and also adding to an existing deck. All of which require drawings that have to be submitted to the town buildings dept. for approval.

Schematic design drawings cost $2000
Completion of construction documents and drawings $4000
Additional time charged at $125.00 per hour (for town board meetings and weekly site visits if requested)

The above pricing seems to be around the going rate here. What we have found though is that if you use an architect find one that works well with your local town. In our town there are about half a dozen architects who get plans through relatively quickly without any major issues if you don't use one of the "chosen 6" be prepared for a lengthy process.

Re: Architects & Fees
 

I hired a designer when I wanted to remodel my bathroom but the designs he came up with were frankly weird and it was a total waste of money. The contractor doing the remodel was far better.

Re: Architects & Fees
 

That is what I found with home decorators (designers). They seem to want to use your place to see if something works and if it doesn't, well that's your problem.:frown:

Re: Architects & Fees
 

+1

Not sure how big the project you're looking at is, but I tend to agree with Pulaski on this one.

We had a project a few years back...porch, screen room, outdoor bath with sauna and steam room, outdoor kitchen. I reckoned around 40-50k total.

My first thought was to find an architect, as we had new build, foundation work tying into the existing structure and a rework of my existing rooflines, and that's what I would have done in England. So I had initial consults with a couple round here and they both wanted to turn it into a 100 k project:eek: One of them wanted a flat fee of 5000 for a full set of drawings including framing/electric/plumbing. The other wanted $400/hr but couldn't give an indication of likely time involved. I wasn't massively shocked at the costs, but was ticked off that neither of them seemed to be listening to what I actually wanted...

So I approached a few contractors for their ideas, which ranged from around 20k (he was so dodgy I wouldn't have let him cut my grass!) to 125k :eek::eek: Bearing in mind the house at that time was worth around 500k, adding 125k worth of frivolous additions seemed a little excessive to say the least.

We ended up getting a contact for a contractor from one of the local pool companies, and he came in right in my range and did an excellent job. The design was a joint effort from him and me, and he was far more receptive to my "wants" than the architects I spoke to seemed to be. He has since done numerous jobs in the neighborhood, and all are very happy with him.

Don't underestimate the power of word of mouth in finding a contractor. And interview plenty to find someone who you can work with on your terms. If your area is anything like round here, there are tons of them out there and there is absolutely no need to go which anyone you don't feel 110% comfortable with.And don't let the involvement of an architect ramp up the cost more than it needs to be!!

Re: Architects & Fees
 

So having an architect for a two story addition, which will affect the external appearance of your home, and structural changes, makes sense.

Until we know more about the proposed project of the OP it is going to be hard to give any more specific advice or information.

Re: Architects & Fees
 

In California, at least, you don't have to necessarily have an architect to do anything under 2 stories for Type 5 (single family residences) construction. Colorado may have similar standards, in which case you could just hire a contractor.

If you get anything near Pulaski's estimation, $5k is really cheap. And the end result will be a banal stucco box, unless that's what you're into - but then that's what most American's settle for.

On the other hand, I spent the first half of the year working at an office where the project was estimated at $2 million, and he was chosen 'cause he's fairly cheap for doing awesome work.

Re: Architects & Fees
 

However if you are adding or even replacing a deck, most cities require blueprints. I replaced my entry deck at my townhouse and the HOA required me to get a permit from the city even though it was just a 100% replacement. When I applied for the permit, the city wanted blueprints and I went through the city archives for the developer's blueprints and there weren't any. Luckily when the city inspector came out, he said he'd tell the city that there wasn't any need for blueprints since there were plenty of similar decks in the complex.

When I expanded my main deck, I then had to provide blueprints (luckily my son, an architect, was visiting me at the time and drew up the blueprints).

Anyone, including yourself or the contractor, can draw up blueprints or drawings.

Re: Architects & Fees
 

Thanks everyone, lots of food for thought. We are not part of a HOA so don't have any issues there. We won't be changing anything on the exterior, but we do want to change internal walls and spacing. The home was decorated and designed in 1985 and as such we have found lots of rooms, where as we want an open plan main living level. The basement is ok as is the upstairs, Huey just require new decoration. The home is about 5500 sqft in total so it's a decent enough size. The idea of a architect was to get the design of the new spacing right. As much as I would love to project manage myself, I am a great believer in letting professionals do their job....

Re: Architects & Fees
 

I've got to say, if you're looking at moving lots of internal stuff, I think I would want a professional to plan that too. It does seem easier to "rearrange" the interior layouts here with the construction methods used, but I would still want the security/comfort of having someone who knows what they are doing to plan it before embarking on such a project. Better to spend a few dollars up front to get it planned right so the space actually works, and so that you don't end up with an "oops" moment!!!

Re: Architects & Fees
 

Just a thought....not sure when you want to get started, but have you considered the timing of your project in light of the number of people who had flood damage and will be rebuilding. Not that that should stop you, but might be worth factoring in.

Re: Architects & Fees
 

I think I understand the other rooms you mention...but what's an "outdoor kitchen"?

Re: Architects & Fees
 

I believe that is a kitchen under a over hang next to the pool. We all need one of those if we had a pool.:D