Architect or not?

1/14/2012 at 8:39:28 PM

Hi John,

Yes you will require an architect to complete a working set of drawings, for your project prior to permit application process, unless of course you are capable of drawing them yourself, some townships/citys allow owner drawn drawings, for permit, although you better off spending the few bucks, and use you efforts in thinking through all the small detail that you can include in the addition.

Joe quartarone

1/18/2012 at 9:33:51 PM

Hi John,

It may be worth having an engineer assess the building structure first.

1/31/2012 at 10:05:50 PM

Hi John,

Definitely hire a professional to produce complete construction drawings. This will not only prove invaluable during the construction phase it will also allow your bidding contractors to get closer to those "apples to apples" bids. The more details the better and vet the bids closely to ensure they are being thorough and not "ah, this is how we have always done it". Your quotes can already be all over the map, at least this way everyone is starting (but not necessarily finishing) at the same point.

Architects may not like me for saying this but an Architectural Technologist is legally able to design up to 6000 square feet. While I have done additions that were bigger, I am fairly certain that your addition falls within the 99.999999% and is smaller.

Technologists are well qualified and can easily produce both your concept drawings and complete construction drawings and permit packages.

They are typically quite a bit less expensive than an Architect but regardless of which you choose it is money extremely well spent.

Best of luck.

2/10/2012 at 4:15:31 PM

Hi John,

Definitely hire a professional to produce complete construction drawings. This will not only prove invaluable during the construction phase it will also allow your bidding contractors to get closer to those "apples to apples" bids. The more details the better and vet the bids closely to ensure they are being thorough and not "ah, this is how we have always done it". Your quotes can already be all over the map, at least this way everyone is starting (but not necessarily finishing) at the same point.

Architects may not like me for saying this but an Architectural Technologist is legally able to design up to 6000 square feet. While I have done additions that were bigger, I am fairly certain that your addition falls within the 99.999999% and is smaller.

Technologists are well qualified and can easily produce both your concept drawings and complete construction drawings and permit packages.

They are typically quite a bit less expensive than an Architect but regardless of which you choose it is money extremely well spent.

2/22/2012 at 9:36:19 AM

Good points Dave. I agree.

3/5/2012 at 10:47:05 AM

Hi John,

With out a doubt you are going to need an accurate set of drawings. Your architect will relay your exact wants into detailed drawings allowing the rest of the process to flow far easier. You do not have to use a high end firm to do your drawing, there are many architects to choose from and some may even work out of their home.

Good luck.