How much does the design-build design process cost?

[Anonymous]

Can anyone tell me how much it costs for the design-build company's preconstruction costs? As in, how much money have you invested before breaking ground? For a $200,000-$250,000 renovation with an addition, how much do you think we'd pay a design-build firm for the preliminary costs? How does it compare to an architect's costs? TIA.

[Anonymous]

They will tell you design fees up front. In our experience its about the same maybe less to an architect.

[Anonymous]

Similar to an architect. For a $275k renovation our up front fees were about $3,000 before we had to make a go-no-go decision. After that, about $5k more before we had close to final plans were really serious about getting bids. Overall cost using the architect was 6% of our construction budget, which was $225k of the $275k.

From what I've heard DB design costs are about the same up front.

[Anonymous]

But that's much less than an architect, rt? Isn't an architect 10% to draw and 10% to oversee? If so, it's 6% vs. 20%. Or am I missing something? Sorry -- totally new to this. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

275k for a reno is pretty steep hopefully it's a 3000 sqrft home.

[Anonymous]

4,500 SF, and if you think $275 is steep you probably haven't been living here long.

Architect fees are generally 6-8% of budgeted cost, not 20%. You do pay hourly for some oversight work or other work outside the original scope.

DB design fees are generally less for the permitted drawings, but they typically make up with the markups for appliances, fixtures, etc. Overall fees are very close. Choosing between Architect/Contractor and Design-Build is generally more about personal preference, desire to work with a specific DB firm, and the scope of a project.

[GreytPets]

Where is property located, as permitting processe vary by county and what plans you need (thus effecting initial upfront costs). I prefer architect/contractor as you can get the plans complete and then put them out to bid to the contractors. But $275k for a 4500 /sf addition seems like a good price, just make sure you have a very well defined scope of work with proper allowances for flooring/finishes etc.

[Anonymous]

GreytPets wrote:Where is property located, as permitting processe vary by county and what plans you need (thus effecting initial upfront costs). I prefer architect/contractor as you can get the plans complete and then put them out to bid to the contractors. But $275k for a 4500 /sf addition seems like a good price, just make sure you have a very well defined scope of work with proper allowances for flooring/finishes etc.

did you have to put down 20%? Or was it the sandy spring 10% 10% deal.

[GreytPets]

I used First Home Mortgage (Michelle Greenwalt). She was much more flexible than sandy spring bank. What we did is put 20% down, then they had an appraiser review the plans and give us an appraisal on what the home will be worth. If the current equity + construction cost allows house to maintain 20% equity, then no money is needed down. I strongly suggest calling her and talking to her. Tell her Diana and Chris and referred you. [e-mail] or 410-729-1025

[Anonymous]

We are thinking of tear down our existing home and build a new home. We live in FFX county and 275K for 4000 sqft homes very reasonable. Please share the builder if you do not mind.

Few of my friends gone with NDI , though their prices are very good ( you cna find from their website) not sure quality is that great. That is why I am in the market to explore more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are thinking of tear down our existing home and build a new home. We live in FFX county and 275K for 4000 sqft homes very reasonable. Please share the builder if you do not mind.

Few of my friends gone with NDI , though their prices are very good ( you cna find from their website) not sure quality is that great. That is why I am in the market to explore more.

The $275k is for an addition not a new home. Most likely it may not include all the kitchens an baths thy a new home would offer. I would be very suspect of a new home for $275k. For 4500 sf with ok finishes (carpet some hardwood etc.) you would be $360+.