I am struggling with whether I need an architect for my renovation project. I am in the early planning stages of renovating the back-half of my floor-through condo. This back-half includes the master bath, the master bedroom and the second bedroom. I will be tackling the front-half in the future. Below are some details on the scope of the project I am envisioning and was hoping to get some advice... [more]
I am struggling with whether I need an architect for my renovation project.
I am in the early planning stages of renovating the back-half of my floor-through condo. This back-half includes the master bath, the master bedroom and the second bedroom. I will be tackling the front-half in the future. Below are some details on the scope of the project I am envisioning and was hoping to get some advice on whether I should get an architect. Also as reference I live in a boutique condo building that is rather flexible in terms of what they allow in terms of renovations. Thanks
Structural changes include:
- Demolishing some walls that form the closets in the master bedroom to create a dressing area. Also demolish some walls that form a closet in the second bedroom.
- Moving the door to the master bathroom to facilitate the creation of the new dressing area.
Master Bath:
- Gut renovation (new tile, shower, tub, sinks, toilet, etc.)
- Potentially move footprint of shower and tub
- Add in wall sound
- Add radiant floor heating
Master Bedroom:
- Replace hardwood floors and floorboards
- Create wood cabinets/storage for dressing area and for the area with the TV and bed
Second Bedroom:
- Transform into office/music room
- Replace hardwood floors and floorboards and doors
- Create wood desk, cabinets, storage
- Replace closed-in closet with wood cabinets/storage
Electrical:
- Create in-wall sound system and internet wireless throughout
- Potentially increase lighting or add accent lighting throughout
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Response by Primer05
about 13 years ago
Posts: 2103
Member since: Jul 2009
Froboy411,
Have you reached out to your buildings management company and discussed your scope of work? It sounds like you will not be required to have one
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Response by froboy411
about 13 years ago
Posts: 6
Member since: Jun 2010
Thanks Primer. The management company nor my board will require a scope of work.
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Response by matsonjones
about 13 years ago
Posts: 1183
Member since: Feb 2007
"The management company nor my board will require a scope of work."
I don't even know where to begin with how many things I find wrong about that sentence.
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Response by Primer05
about 13 years ago
Posts: 2103
Member since: Jul 2009
Froboy,
In Manhattan? They let anyone do what they want? I wish i lived in your building. If thats the case you only need an architect if you want one.
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Response by froboy411
about 13 years ago
Posts: 6
Member since: Jun 2010
Thanks Primer.
Let me get specific on building/board arrangement. It is a 6 unit building and each unit is owner-occupied (except for the commercial space on the ground floor which is leased to a business). All the residents of the building sit on the board and we all are long-term residents. Given the small size of the building, there are no formal rules in the by-laws or otherwise that dictate how to handle a unit that is doing a renovation. Instead each renovation is dealt with on ad hoc basis with the level of scrutiny dictated by the impact the renovation may have on the structure of the building. For example, recently, the penthouse wanted to build a garden with trees and grass on their outdoor roof space and the board decided we needed to hire a structural engineer representing the building to review the plans as the renovation could impact the loads put on the structure of the building. With this in mind the board has told me that as long as I am not moving load-bearing walls that the building would not ask to have a separate architect or engineer review the plans. I would clearly brief the board/my neighbors on anything I plan to do and I would not do any renovation that would put at risk the structural integrity of the building or have the risk of damaging my neighbors' property (now or in the future). Another reason why I am focused on hiring the right professionals to work with me.
The reason I ask the question on architect is that I am looking for a professional that can help me design the spaces I mentioned above. I need someone who can optimize the space, help me take my goals and objectives and turn it into reality, help pick materials, furniture, hardware, accessories and manage the contractors and renovation project. Since I don't think I am planning on moving any load-bearing walls I have been getting conflicting advice on whether I need an architect. Some say I should hire an interior designer but I need someone who is more than putting a color palette together or helping pick fabrics and drapes and pulling furniture together. Some say there is a professional called an "Interior Architect" that would be best suited for a renovation like mine.
I guess the question is which is the right type of professional for this type of renovation?
Thanks
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Response by staciruiz
about 13 years ago
Posts: 38
Member since: Feb 2007
of course you need to consult with an architect....not sure what the fear may be. Let me make some suggestions, staci@staciruiz.com. Email me your cell and we can speak in the morning...
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Response by bu1320
about 13 years ago
Posts: 0
Member since: Aug 2010
I can recomend an architect who would do great work for you at reasonable price. Khris Karastathis
(212) 355-8686
420 E 51st St
He can provide free consultation to start.
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Response by HirshsonDesignGroup
about 13 years ago
Posts: 20
Member since: Feb 2012
It sounds like you have a very unique arrangement with your building. It's refreshing to hear that the condo openly explores an owner's wishes to improve their home without the constraints that often slow down and dictate the course of many Manhattan renovations.
An architect will assist you with layout (demolition and construction plans), electrical layouts, bath elevations, finish materials elections, cabinet details, etc. All of this information will be important in obtaining fair and accurate pricing to select the general contractor to complete your renovation. In addition, this may be a good opportunity to evaluate how the work you complete in the first phase of your renovation may affect the second stage of construction.
Please feel free to contact info@hirshsondesign.com if we may answer any specific questions about you project.
Best of luck with your renovation!
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Response by Primer05
about 13 years ago
Posts: 2103
Member since: Jul 2009
Froboy,
I would say 60% of the projects I work on have either an architect or designer. I have many architects and designers who work with me. I would be happy to come take a look at your project and discuss the possibilities
You definitely need either an interior designer or an architect for your renovation, because you are moving walls and they would know best how to plan your space to make the best use of it.
I am an interior designer and I worked with several architects. If you want to discuss your project, please feel free to contact me at tse.christine@hotmail.
Good luck with the renovation!
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Response by HK50
about 13 years ago
Posts: 20
Member since: Jan 2013
Froboy, what you described as a designer is actually an interior decorator. A designer can help with laying out your rooms, assuming the structural changes are not extensive (and yours sound like they are not) as well as decorating them.
Froboy411,
Have you reached out to your buildings management company and discussed your scope of work? It sounds like you will not be required to have one
Thanks Primer. The management company nor my board will require a scope of work.
"The management company nor my board will require a scope of work."
I don't even know where to begin with how many things I find wrong about that sentence.
Froboy,
In Manhattan? They let anyone do what they want? I wish i lived in your building. If thats the case you only need an architect if you want one.
Thanks Primer.
Let me get specific on building/board arrangement. It is a 6 unit building and each unit is owner-occupied (except for the commercial space on the ground floor which is leased to a business). All the residents of the building sit on the board and we all are long-term residents. Given the small size of the building, there are no formal rules in the by-laws or otherwise that dictate how to handle a unit that is doing a renovation. Instead each renovation is dealt with on ad hoc basis with the level of scrutiny dictated by the impact the renovation may have on the structure of the building. For example, recently, the penthouse wanted to build a garden with trees and grass on their outdoor roof space and the board decided we needed to hire a structural engineer representing the building to review the plans as the renovation could impact the loads put on the structure of the building. With this in mind the board has told me that as long as I am not moving load-bearing walls that the building would not ask to have a separate architect or engineer review the plans. I would clearly brief the board/my neighbors on anything I plan to do and I would not do any renovation that would put at risk the structural integrity of the building or have the risk of damaging my neighbors' property (now or in the future). Another reason why I am focused on hiring the right professionals to work with me.
The reason I ask the question on architect is that I am looking for a professional that can help me design the spaces I mentioned above. I need someone who can optimize the space, help me take my goals and objectives and turn it into reality, help pick materials, furniture, hardware, accessories and manage the contractors and renovation project. Since I don't think I am planning on moving any load-bearing walls I have been getting conflicting advice on whether I need an architect. Some say I should hire an interior designer but I need someone who is more than putting a color palette together or helping pick fabrics and drapes and pulling furniture together. Some say there is a professional called an "Interior Architect" that would be best suited for a renovation like mine.
I guess the question is which is the right type of professional for this type of renovation?
Thanks
of course you need to consult with an architect....not sure what the fear may be. Let me make some suggestions, staci@staciruiz.com. Email me your cell and we can speak in the morning...
I can recomend an architect who would do great work for you at reasonable price. Khris Karastathis
(212) 355-8686
420 E 51st St
He can provide free consultation to start.
It sounds like you have a very unique arrangement with your building. It's refreshing to hear that the condo openly explores an owner's wishes to improve their home without the constraints that often slow down and dictate the course of many Manhattan renovations.
An architect will assist you with layout (demolition and construction plans), electrical layouts, bath elevations, finish materials elections, cabinet details, etc. All of this information will be important in obtaining fair and accurate pricing to select the general contractor to complete your renovation. In addition, this may be a good opportunity to evaluate how the work you complete in the first phase of your renovation may affect the second stage of construction.
Please feel free to contact info@hirshsondesign.com if we may answer any specific questions about you project.
Best of luck with your renovation!
Froboy,
I would say 60% of the projects I work on have either an architect or designer. I have many architects and designers who work with me. I would be happy to come take a look at your project and discuss the possibilities
You can email me at primerenovations@mac.com
To view my work: www.primerenovationsnyc.com
Hi, Froboy
You definitely need either an interior designer or an architect for your renovation, because you are moving walls and they would know best how to plan your space to make the best use of it.
I am an interior designer and I worked with several architects. If you want to discuss your project, please feel free to contact me at tse.christine@hotmail.
Good luck with the renovation!
Froboy, what you described as a designer is actually an interior decorator. A designer can help with laying out your rooms, assuming the structural changes are not extensive (and yours sound like they are not) as well as decorating them.