So what does an architect usually cost?

[Andy]

I have a hankering for a new house on a slab with all the wheelchair accessible trimmings like no stairs anywhere along with some custom stuff like a hottub in a big wheelchair sized bathroom. I dont think any of the cookie-cutter designs available have stuff like this so I'd have to have a custom plan made up. Anyone have experience with custom house building and how much in general getting plans made up would cost?

[lonecoaster]

Don't forget the bulletproof glass. It can be pricey.

[Foolish Old]

I started with a prefab plan and highly customized it using a cheap, easy to learn program called (I think) 3D Architect. I emailed my drawings and the company sent me back "official" [raised seal stamp] plans with my specifications. I was charged $500 for the drawings.

I hired a local architect/engineer to do the site plan (concrete and steel raised stilt foundation, setbacks, sewage, elevator shaft and machine room, rainwater runoff calculations, . . .). He charged me $2,500, which was a bit higher than other bids I got. He lived (now deceased) in the next block - a big plus. I think the local fees would be comparable today.

Some friends in another state hired their trusted neighbor/friend, a big name architect, to design their dream home. He charged them $50,000 to never quite complete the plans for his version of their dream home. They paid, but never built.

[flying]

For all my building needs, commercial and residential, I have been using a local draftsmen. Much cheaper then an architect.

[Foolish Old]

Originally Posted by flying

For all my building needs, commercial and residential, I have been using a local draftsmen. Much cheaper then an architect.

You bring up an interesting point, that being the question of what purpose do the plans serve?

In my case, I had to have certified plans that attested to the fact that everything complied with the very strict building codes. One requirement is that all structural components can withstand a minimum 155 m.p.h. wind force.

[MSspouse]

There no seal/stamp requirement in MI. I've always done my own plans - even for houses I built for others. As long as the plans detail the requirements needed to pass the local building code that's all they care about. Of course you do need to have the code requirements so you can spec out the details on the plan. Engineered joists, beams and trusses require documentation but the supplier of those items generally provides it. Detailed plans of HVAC, dlectrical, and plumbing are generally not required unless it's HUD of other federal involvement.
One thing my local guys require that is not actually in the code is 1/4'' to 1' scale. I bought a used large format inkjet to print plans. A stupid requirement in the digital age. I work from multiple sheet of 8.5 # 11 laser prints. But by the time I have planned and drawn it I don't really need the prints much anyway.

[Andy]

Interesting stuff to think about, thanks!

I'm thinking this would be some prime times to build something...get some short-sale shithole, bulldoze, and build (assuming MERS can actually cough up a clear title, lol). The only sticking point is where I want to live isnt condusive to remaining employed, and chunks 'o land with a house on top that are local to where I need to be still need to de-bubbleize some more.

[Sue Pendleton]

Andy, you can PM me but where are you thinking of? We just retired to Madison, WI. I would never live on another slab after Maryland. They get buggy (ok, we had a garden shop with mounds of chip wood to compost that our ants probably came from a block away) and if you stay in the midwest buckling is a real possibilty due to cold. You'll need to decide exactly where the fridge with the ice maker will go along with do you want a gas range and where before pouring. We bought a built home in Maryland and certain things were just too much to change the way we wanted them. This time we also got a condo that is about 10 years old but knew what we needed, wanted and to find out what we could renovate without leveling the entire building. Great price due to the economy here last summer and room, with a designer's eye, for a jacuzzi for me and a roll/walk in huge shower for both of us. Hot tubs/soaking tubs will depend on your abilities and you need to really think about this. I would have drown by now in my first few picks. We closed one door and made it a wall to add even more room in the master bath for great double vanities. Well, let's just say the entire thing has no steps and an elevator down to the basement heated garage a floor below below us. With just 16 units and on a lake...happy.
About finding a short sale shithole... Do you want to build in that kind of neighborhood? Most short sales are of rather nice places where a bulldoze order might be a problem. But if you think you can find a good place..go for it now. Sales and prices are going up now.

[titanium4motion]

I hired a architect on the request of my general contractor. I hired Mike Brady; yes you know him! He charged $1.50 per square foot. Even though I did 90% of the drawings he had to do the roof loads and made sure everything was up to city code.

Many municipalities are requesting an architect approved set of plans before the city approves your plans.

One issue I had during construction was Mike dropped a square in for the furnace and a circle for the hot water tank. When it came time to install them we had to move a wall over to make everything fit.

Sub-contractors are another story.


Ti

[Sue Pendleton]

Ti, would a hot water on demand unit have fit? The water heater when we moved in was the original and electric. We decided the possibility of a flood before replacing the heater wsn't worth it. We got the HWOD and switched it to gas. We really like it.