Is our architect too INEXPENSIVE??

Can you please provide me with the name of the architect? I'm looking for somebody very reasonable myself. Thanks

you get what you pay for. sometimes, you dont even get that.

sparc_spread, if it's too good to be true....Ask yourself this. How much less is it than the competition? If it's (in your opinion) a huge difference, avoid it now. Pick one from the middle price range.
If you would like recommendations of others - email me direct stephen@capitalcraftsmen.com Good Luck.

I find that there's absolutely no correlation in the design/construction field between what you pay for and what you get -- products or services. Some are good listeners, others simply implement their blueprint again and again. Some are good time/project managers and communication facilitators, some simply don't have it in them, and never will. Some are good marketers, smooth-talkers, et cetera, or have fancy addresses or websites. Don't be blinded by the BS. Don't pick the priciest thinking it's the best. Don't pick from the middle, because the same concept applies to that as well.

Your low quote might be from a noobie, but even then might have some experience under his belt. Think about what he will or won't be able to do.

Feel out whether he's making up the difference on contractor selection and kickbacks there.

If relevant references are available, seek the three most recent ones out and thoroughly discuss with them.

You might even hire separate, more pinpoint-experienced people for DOB expediting and Board presentation. You can bribe your building staff directly, if it appears necessary.

sparc_spread,

It doesnt sound right at all. I know of some relatively slow architects that need work and they will not charge that little.

I would say most architect would charge 8k for plans and the approvals.

I think it would be a good idea to call some of his references and see what they say

Sparc_spread,

If you do hire him you should also have a contractor that he does not choose bid on your project just to make sure everything makes sense

Ours charged around that but it was only for drawings/design plans and necessary onsite visits. We vetted our own vendors and didn't need to file with DOB.

Don't dismiss him just because he's too cheap. I got 5 estimates from contractors all wanting 40k for some wall framing and demo. One contracting company came back and asked for $12k. Contracting or architect's plans are not surgery - you do not need a high priced specialist or an artisan.

I would make sure he has good references. We are paying about that amount to work on about half of our apartment, but that does not include onsite meetings. This might be starting out on his own (versus at a firm), or hungry to build up his business. I wouldn't dismiss him just because he is less expensive. FYI, I also know of a contractor that has bid much less than the competition, but delivers good work.

Curious what the other architects were charging for your apt

If you have X amount of bids on the same service/product and one is "far less" or "far more", isn't this a red flag in any situation? Primer05 makes a great point; if you hire him, get a GC to bid who has no ties with the RA. Alanhart as well; research recent project references. If they're great, you've got a great deal. I'm skeptical you're going to hear that though from them. Remember, you will have a close relationship with the RA for the next several months. Is this person the right fit for you? Make a judgement call. We only have <8K and "far less" to go off.

**the small amount of info to go off

Thanks all for the helpful responses!

@lemony: here is another typical quote:

Plans: $7K
Board and DOB submission: $2.5K
Construction Admin: $6 to $10

So total is between about $16K - $20K

How does that seem for a 1600 SF lower Manhattan gut reno?

Curious - for 1600 sq ft of reno, what have NY architects and general contractors averaged in terms of time to completion for the project?

Hire him on the spot

That price is too good to pass up