Architect vs Kitchen store?

Always hire an architect. You will eventually need one during the process and it's nice to know that you in good hands. I have recommendations if you'd like.

You are fine with a kitchen cabinet store if you're just replacing the cabinets, flooring and appliances. Any contractor can help you with the board approval process and take care of installation. You only need an architect if you are moving walls, plumbing, etc. Gardenweb is a great forum for home renovations - on their message boards, people discuss everything under the sun including floors, countertops, kitchen cabinet brands, appliances, etc.

if u use an architect, negotiate a flat rate. none of that "percent of what u spend" nonsense. no reason they should be getting paid more bc u chose a Boffi Kitchen instead of Ikea.

Hi, you absolutely do not need an architect. We renovated kitchen, bathroom, lr and dr in our very strict co-op. Our contractor submitted all the necessary paperwork and we got approval right away. My friend used our contractor in a ridiculously strict condo (yes, condo) on the UWS and had 3 bathrooms completely renovated, etc and our contractor completed that paperwork as well. Their leasing agent was a bit more controlling, but approval was granted for that work as well.

You won't need an architect if you're doing a one-for-one replacement of fixtures and cabinets. The designers in any kitchen shop can handle that. You will probably need an architect if your renovation requires any walls or plumbing lines to be relocated. This work requires a Dept of Buildings approval and contractors and kitchen showrooms cannot get that on their own. Some buildings might allow you to go ahead without a DOB approval in place but you run the risk of a cranky neighbor reporting calling 311 and getting a stop-work order issued. That means fines and delays.