Architect vs Designer
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
pso
Member Offline
Member Offline
|
Hi all! I'm new to the forum and so glad this exists!
My wife and I just purchased a small row house that needs quite a bit of work - new kitchen, add a powder room, new floors and subfloors, and possibly redesign of entire layout. I'm wondering if anyone had thoughts on when is it better to hire an architect vs a designer. I believe both can draw up plans that can be used to generate bids from general contractors. If I'm not knocking down walls or doing any major structural changes (such as adding an additional floor or something), would a designer suffice? The possible redesign would entail moving the stairs (currently in the middle of the house) to the side, moving the washer and dryer to the upstairs, and reconfiguring the upstairs layout. Would a designer suffice for this type of renovation or is it best to look for an architect? |
Anonymous
| This is so out of the realm of what a designer does. It also actually does sound like major structural work. An architect will definitely need to bring in a structural engineer for this (moving stairs involved cutting a new opening), moving walls could include load bearing ones, etc. I’m not trying to rain on your ideas, but for a small townhouse, this is major work. Be careful about putting too much money in, erasing historic charm, etc. Als a new homeowner also be careful about only using people licensed for what you need. I’m sure you could find a handyman type contractor to do some of this, but this work is major and needs proper permitting and engineer stamps |
Anonymous
| Moving stairs is a major structural change. Use an architect. |
Anonymous
| With that type of structural work in DC you'll need an architect to stamp the plans for permits. My designer did my initial layout then paid an architect $4k for final plans to be submitted with my permit application. |
Anonymous
| I think you’re underestimating the scope of your project quite a bit. |
Anonymous
|
Part of what’s happening here is you’re just wrong about moving the stairs probably. That’s the kind of thing that sounds easy but actually involves all but rebuilding the house.
If you have the budget, a full service interior designer could help you, someone like Marika Meyer or Lauren Liess. If they are doing your project and an architect is needed I’m sure they could connect you. |
Anonymous
| You’ll need an engineer. |
Anonymous
| OP what’s your budget? It sounds like you have no idea what you’re doing. If you have a ton of money, that’s okay, you need to pay a lot to a really good professional who will help you. I think an architect or a designer would be okay as long as they do a lot of projects like yours. That person will help you find the other pieces. |
Anonymous
This is a massive project that you're envisioning. Moving the stairs will be astronomical in price. You'd be better off building an addition. |
pso
Member Offline
Member Offline
|
PP, your assessment is correct, I have no idea what I'm doing - first time renovator and first time house owner here learning the ropes. Same with understanding how far my budget will go, which I'm quickly learning I have underestimated. I wanted to keep it in the range of 150k, but I'm thinking it will surpass 200k easy. It's ~900 sf house, so pretty small, but the dollars still add up quickly.
If we pivoted to a more bare essentials renovation, i.e., don't move the stairs and keep the general layout the same, just update it all, I'm thinking maybe a designer would be fine -- and cheaper, I think? |
Anonymous
|
I don't understand how you can redesign the layout without knocking down walls.
For the washer/dryer, it's best to put them directly above where they are now on the upper floor, which is easier for extending the plumbing. |
Anonymous
If you just want to update the kitchens and bathrooms without moving anything, you could maybe get in around $200k depending on the specifics and what you uncover about the important stuff like plumbing, electrical, and roof. What you originally described is more like a $1m gut renovation and you could easily spend more than that. And less, probably, but I kind of doubt it because of the thing about moving the stairs. |
Anonymous
|
Yes, you need an architect (and a structural engineer.) And btw there's no way you'll be able to move a staircase, add a bath, overhaul a kitchen, and more for $150k or even $200k. If you're just starting out with home ownership & renovating, I'd recommend talking to design-build firms. They'll at least give you some ballpark numbers and enable you to figure out what's reasonable. In the end, we hired an architect bc it was a more cost-effective approach, but for a newbie, a few early conversations with design-build people were helpful in giving me an idea of what was possible.
|
Anonymous
| ADDING A FLOOR omg |
pso
Member Offline
Member Offline
Yeah, definitely not doing that. Appreciate all your thoughts. Man, I really want to move the stairs - not sure my pockets are deep enough. |