We are considering hiring a design company to draw plans for an outdoor space that we will then hire out to be constructed. What would you consider some important questions to ask? What is important in this kind of relationship? What is the best way to locate an architectural designer (ie do I google architects in my area)?
Any other suggestions on the right way to approach a project?
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Gosh, I'm sure another brand new user will be along soon with some business names.
Not looking for names, looking for advice from professionals and other homeowners with experience. I'm trying to do this right. I subscribed to FHB for a while but just recently saw the forum. Thanks for taking the time to provide no useful info.
Thanks, I guess I mean, what should I search for? An architect? A home designer? Not turning up a lot of choices, maybe they're that few and far between.
Looking around here though, it looks pretty useless, like the magazine.
For an outdoor space like you describe, an architect would be overkill. I'd consider a design build company. (Full disclosure: that's my buisness.) Ask friends and neighbors for references. A good design build company will work with you from the start. They will know construction and costs better than an architect or designer and be able to integrate your needs into something workable.
Listen to Mike. My experience with architects is that you’ll be lucky to find one willing to take on the job you are describing. They tend to only work on big projects or projects that get them published. Designers for the most do not have any construction sense at all. They know all the upcoming trends etc, but are basically a glorified personal shopper. Seek out construction firms that specialize in outdoor spaces or a design build company. They’ll get you in the right direction. You will probably have good luck if you look into a smaller, but referred private general contractor as well (my business). Some of us have been around for awhile and witnessed a lot. We know how to handle about any project, but we need to know what you want in order to give you what you want. If you can provide pics/general layouts of spaces you like, a contractor can probably run with that. Give as much info as possible if you are specific in your look. Most contractors have some, but limited design abilities, they should be able to draw something up for an outdoor space.
Thanks. That's helpful and some of what I'm trying to figure out.ive reached out to contractors that were social media referrals. We havent been in the area long and dont have many direct local contacts. The previous referrals we've gotten havent been worthy of a 2nd job. So far of 12 or so I contacted for this project 2 have showed up to look, and one flaked on a 2nd meeting. A 3rd wants drawings and wont come out and what led us to the architect/designer...I dont know what I need! We're looking to add covered space to our deck by extending the roof, but the configuration of the house makes it less than straight forward. I guess I need to ask contractors if they are design/build, it's not exactly a google term.
A covered deck is a fairly basic project. Any good contractor should be able to handle that easily. Something might be missing from your conversations w/ contractors. You may need to tell them there is no design in place and that you are seeking help with that as well. The contractor may be making assumptions you have the design handled. If you don’t, you need to tell them and ask for help with that piece. It is perfectly reasonable for a contractor to charge a design fee as well, especially if your code authority required a lot of detail to issue permit. The contractor may know an architect willing to take on the work as well. From a contractors perspective, when you show up for initial meeting with no plan in place they start to wonder if the project has legs. You can ease that feeling a bit by being straightforward with them by telling them you need help with the design and that you are ready to move on the project. Or you could possibly be in an area w/ not so great contractors. That does happen in some areas. It is hard to sort these things out when new to an area. More patience than what is typically expected may be required until you get an idea of the contracting in your area.
Thanks. Sounds like it is what it is. I appreciate the candid feedback. It tough just trying to figure what something is worth. Chicken and egg.
Try googleing it.You'd be supprised.
I did. That's why I'm asking here. Been burned in the past even after reading countless Google reviews, but I really dont know what to ask to start the process to find out what this will cost. If I could do this myself I would, but it's too large for one man and the aforementioned lack of local contacts for man labor.
Try going to your local lumber yard and speaking to the counter guys. They know who the players are in your area and should be able to steer you toward a few contractors. You will need to ask the contractors for completed project and references that you can take a look at.
Speak to the locals. You'd be surprised at where the referrals come from. One of the best I received was from my local fish market!
Your job, honestly, maybe too small for many/most designers and/or contractors.
I get that you feel it's too much for one man but many designers/contractors need a certain size or amount of work to actually make it worth their while to come out and do the job. The easier you can make it for them to do the job the better. It might require you to do a lot of the groundwork yourself and to take a risk or 2 on getting different companies/business to do different parts of the work, and hoping it all 'fits' together.
Like if you have a designer/architect draw up some good plans then finding a contractor to just come and "build the plan" might be easier than trying to find 1 guy who can 'do it all'. You'll be paying for that method though.
Good luck.
Google is enough, you can also ask in a local forum. A normal company will present you with its past projects. If they will have a successful experience solving your problem and you will be satisfied with everything - do not waste time.
You can try to make your own 3d model. Most of the designing companies are not worth it. A very simple design with a 3d plan would cost you at least 500$. You can order a design from a freelancer, which would be cheaper, but still not worth it. When we had a renovation, my wife made a plan in a planning tool https://planner5d.com/use/kitchen-planner-tool
Thanks, I guess I mean, what should I search for? An architect? A home designer? Not turning up a lot of choices, maybe they're that few and far between.