Have a new house design, and am working with the prospective builder to see how we can fit to the client’s budget. Always a chance they’ll choose a different builder, too, so I can’t assume this is THE builder. Using this as an example of a more general philosophical question.
Focus on the porch. There are many, many ways to design and build this. As long as they meet the design specs (coastal SC, subject to hurricane winds), I don’t much care about the method or materials. If the owners want wood, or metal, or vinyl, or other, I’m not going to talk them into or out of any method. I care more about size, scale, and working with the engineer to make sure it doesn’t blow away. [I know that some designers design to the greatest detail, including selecting trim profiles and lots more. I don’t, and accordingly, don’t charge for that either.]
The general question is, what’s your preferred balance between designer and builder? I can design the porch roof in great detail. But I’m not sure that’s always appropriate. For example, I can specify tube steel columns (sized by the engineer) with a decorative EPS veneer and a curved gluelam beam, and the appearance of the porch roof supports extending from the beam to the dome. But there are a dozen right ways to do that. I also can’t determine the builder’s budget for alternative methods, and don’t want to give him a dozen designs to price out. I don’t mind if a builder chooses one versus the other if it helps the budget or suits his capabilities. I don’t care if the owner or builder specify shingles or metal roofing or other, or if they leave the underside exposed or covered with a flat ceiling. Understand, I _can_ make those choices, but am equally open to the builder (whomever is chosen) having a preferred method.
So, how to balance these considerations? Builder does the estimate, so I don’t want to handcuff him. At the same time, I don’t want to force him to make decisions that should be predetermined by me.
Followup question: if you were the builder, what would be your likeliest approach for the roof structure? Assume something like columns every 8-10′ with their own footer. Porch is stamped concrete. Front curved gluelam beam is 12′ from dome at a 37’R and 3/12 pitch. Owners had a metal roof before and are partial to that. Want vinyl, rather than painted wood, for less maintenance. Site is horse farm, southerrn plantation feel, with large oaks with hanging moss. The larger porch area on left by the front door is modelled after the circular porch from FHB 121, p 100. Budget will call for simpler, rather than more ornate. Is that enough info to get a builder’s perspective, or do you need something else?
Thanks for any insights.
Edited 11/17/2002 3:24:30 PM ET by Cloud Hidden
Replies
Cloud:
I think the problem may be as simple as talking to the owners to find out how much input they want from you, and how much input they want from the builder.
For example, I'm a contractor and am currently working on a porch addition. The project had to be permitted, and we got an architect involved to generate the permit plan set and to take care of red tape. However, since the owner wanted a period look (and that's my specialty), she wanted as much input from me as possible in selecting windows, trimming out columns, selecting other trim, etc.
We had several meetings (the homeowner, the architect, and me) before the project started. That way, we all had a chance to chime in and develop a plan that met the homeowner's expectations. I don't know if this is a "typical" arrangement, but it worked very well for the homeowner. And since we had the design fleshed out 95% before construction started, I (as the contractor) was able to generate a bid based on good information.
Ragnar
Cloud,
Being on the builders side of this equation, I work three ways.
1. I (with the HO) design the structure to fit the project budget and HO wants and needs.
2. I will take designers basic idea for a structure (i.e. size, shape and type material) and change what might need changing (if anything) to fit budget and buildability.
3. Take an approved set of building plans and build it.
It sounds like your situation, where the builder may not be "the builder" requires you to come up with a concrete idea with size, shape and medium to give a builder something to start with. I feel your position would be greatly simplified if you present one or two ideas and keep it to that so as not to confuse the client and simplify the entire process.
Many clients need handholding on most of the decisions they will make, I don't know if this is true with yours, however it sounds as though in this situation you will probably be taking the lead in the complete design of the proch.
Good Luck
TM Rapp