The apt that we bought needs a renovation, the range looks like $2-300,000. Looking at two options. The first is an architect/designer that runs the job and acts like a GC and his fee is 17% of the total and includes all permits and drawings. The second is a GC who brings in an architect and the GC fee is 12% and his architect is $19,000. The architects fee includes the window permit. The job... [more]
The apt that we bought needs a renovation, the range looks like $2-300,000.
Looking at two options. The first is an architect/designer that runs the job and acts like a GC and his fee is 17% of the total and includes all permits and drawings. The second is a GC who brings in an architect and the GC fee is 12% and his architect is $19,000. The architects fee includes the window permit.
The job includes replacement of large casement windows in a Landmark district and in both cases the window drawings Landmark permit and processing are included.
A third option is to deal with a window company that takes care of the permit and installation of the windows and in this case the architect’s fee would be reduced.
Both the architect and GC are OK with breaking off the window part of the job if we want to go that way but say that it would be more trouble than it’s worth.
So, it’s a math puzzle and more and we’re looking for some help/advise/comments etc or other alternatives.
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Response by bhh
about 15 years ago
Posts: 120
Member since: Sep 2008
It is only a math puzzle if you don't give a shit about what your apartment looks like.
Hire an architect because you have a specific vision or appreciate your architect's design aesthetic.
Hire a contractor because you want it built as cheaply and quickly as possible.
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Response by e76
about 15 years ago
Posts: 226
Member since: May 2009
one of my commercial properties is currently undergoing a significant renovation project. i wish i had gone the design/build route (architect and GC in one) as it cuts down on countless re-designs, speeds the process by reducing the number of players, and allows for easy on-the-fly changes as they come. i'm dealing with a nightmare as the architect and gc bicker at each and every meeting. as for the windows, take multiple bids, lay them out and see what makes sense.
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Response by Primer05
about 15 years ago
Posts: 2103
Member since: Jul 2009
As a contractor I always like when I can bring in my own people as I know them and know how they work, as far as hiring someone for a very specific thing like windows I think that is fine. I would even offer some money to the contractor for supervision.
It is only a math puzzle if you don't give a shit about what your apartment looks like.
Hire an architect because you have a specific vision or appreciate your architect's design aesthetic.
Hire a contractor because you want it built as cheaply and quickly as possible.
one of my commercial properties is currently undergoing a significant renovation project. i wish i had gone the design/build route (architect and GC in one) as it cuts down on countless re-designs, speeds the process by reducing the number of players, and allows for easy on-the-fly changes as they come. i'm dealing with a nightmare as the architect and gc bicker at each and every meeting. as for the windows, take multiple bids, lay them out and see what makes sense.
As a contractor I always like when I can bring in my own people as I know them and know how they work, as far as hiring someone for a very specific thing like windows I think that is fine. I would even offer some money to the contractor for supervision.