What is the best way to find an inexpensive architect to put together a plan if you know what you want but do not know the technical stuff?

Answer 1

You could purchase a set of home plans for a few hundred dollars, and then hire an architect to put in the items you want and/or that are required by code. You could save money on this by following other ways, but it seems that for proper planning and cost estimates that this would be one thing not to scrimp on.

It depends what you need the architect for. If you're looking for someone to who's a registered architect to file drawings for council approval and for a contractor to build off, the cost is higher than if you're just looking for someone to draw something up for you. Bear in mind, architects spend many years in university for their skills. Filing plans requires a licensed architect who still has professional liability insurance premiums to pay annually. The creation of a plan for a contractor to use is the architect producing a contract for you to use with a contractor. In that capacity architects basically act as graphic lawyers, producing a legally binding document between the owner and the contractor. If you're just looking for a reference drawing, go to architecture schools and ask a student to draw it up for you.

I agree with the previous , but another alternative is to seek out a designer who may be able to produce a set of plans for you that will meet requirements for the Construction permit and the builder.

However, if your project requires some engineering, you might be better off with the architect, whose abilities and license enable him/her to provide the engineering specifications and calculations.

OK, I'd like to add to this. I'm a builder who owns her own business, and I specialize in framing. You don't have to get an architect or an engineer right away to draw the plans for you, it is completely legal to draw your own plans, then submit them to the county for approval, if the county wants specifics or want a certain thing modified, they will let you know what they want, then hire an engineer. But I'd like to let you know that a builder, a framer, can draw plans, as I do, or help you to draw them. As engineers I know get paid anywhere from $300 to $800 per page of plans, a framer knows everything that is required for code for your area, and many know what goes into the plans, since they are the builder. And if your plans are accepted by the county and you get the go ahead, you might consider paying the builder who helps you, about $100 a page. Homeowners really don't know how many rights they have in building their home, so many go to General Contractors. Nothing against the Generals out there, But it is a very expensive decision to hire a General. Any homeowner can act as their own General. You just hire the right qualified and Licensed Sub-Contractor for each thing. You need a Concrete guy, a Framer, an electrician, a plumber, an insulator, drywaller, flooring, and a sider and painter. A lot of times the framer is good at siding too. And ask each sub if they know any of them, they may know a good one.

I'd recommend using UBuildIt. They specialize in helping people build their own home. They'll help you find an architect or designer, or you can choose from pre-exsisting plans. They also provide you with a list of sub-contractors & you're able to purchase all of your building materials at cost.

www.ubuildit.com

A lot of good information here. As an architectural designer and builder, let me throw in my piece. Depending on the jurisdiction in which you live, the building permit administration may or may not require and licensed architect for your plans to be approved. Most do not. As it was stated above, you could draw them yourself (freehand or with a simple CAD program). Or you could have someone such as a builder, carpenter or architectural student do it for you.

In my experience, it's best to have someone who is intimately familiar with the permit department's requirements do it for you, because that process can really get bogged down if not.

The complexity of the project is the criteria here. You need someone who is up to the task and will pay accordingly. An extremely complex job will require someone with a lot of experience in that arena. A simple project will not.

The easiest solution that I would recommend is to locate a contractor referral agency in your area. They can be found online or in the pages. Through them, you can usually find an architect, architectural designer, builder or carpenter. You may then contact the party of choice and explain your project to them. This costs you nothing and can help you find the right person for the job at the commensurate cost. Good luck.

If you know what you want, go to the local college and get a draftsman or architectural student to draw the plans then hire a engineer to check for structural problems and he will stamp the plans for approval by the local municipality. That would be the cheepest way to go. (I've have done that several times)

This can be tricky. A builder knows how to layout a structure to save costs. An architect knows how to design things to look appealing and stay within span limits. By designing a wood framed structure around 48" increments you can get the most effecient building for your dollar. You need to find someone who can give you what you desire without wasting money on the construction end of things. Changing a joist span by only one inch in one room can change the joist requirement for that entire floor and cost you some serious extra dollars.