Do I need an architect or structual engineer for this old house?

[Anonymous]

We purchased an old house and the top three things we need are: repair the carport, add screened room and pergola. The roof on the carport is sagging due to floor settling. I would like to keep the carport and enclose it like a garage. But I need to make sure that it is structurally safe to do so. Otherwise, we would replace it with a new garage. The screened room and pergola would be added to the back of the house.

I have never hired an architect or engineer but I know that professionals should be consulted to avoid that "designed by homeowner" look. Do I need both? Anyone know architect or structural engineer that does smaller projects in No. Va.?

[Anonymous]

Are you planning on doing the work yourself or are you going to hire a licensed contractor?

[Anonymous]

Hire an architect, and they will figure out the structural engineer part. They will call someone in if they think it's necessary. We did a complicated renovation and they had to call in an engineer on a few items.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you planning on doing the work yourself or are you going to hire a licensed contractor?

OP here. We are clueless when it comes to home repairs. We would like to hire a licensed contractor to do the work. But first, we need an architect or engineer to give us the overall design plans and building specifications. We want to ensure that it blends in with the existing part of the house.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hire an architect, and they will figure out the structural engineer part. They will call someone in if they think it's necessary. We did a complicated renovation and they had to call in an engineer on a few items.

OP here. Would you recommend your architect?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hire an architect, and they will figure out the structural engineer part. They will call someone in if they think it's necessary. We did a complicated renovation and they had to call in an engineer on a few items.

OP here. Would you recommend your architect?

Where are you located? What we found is for smaller projects, the bigger architect firms (espeically design/build) won't take it on as it's not worth it to them. Then you're best with a smaller firm like a one-man shop. I'd say the cut-off number is $100k in this area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hire an architect, and they will figure out the structural engineer part. They will call someone in if they think it's necessary. We did a complicated renovation and they had to call in an engineer on a few items.

OP here. Would you recommend your architect?

Where are you located? What we found is for smaller projects, the bigger architect firms (espeically design/build) won't take it on as it's not worth it to them. Then you're best with a smaller firm like a one-man shop. I'd say the cut-off number is $100k in this area.

We are in McLean.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hire an architect, and they will figure out the structural engineer part. They will call someone in if they think it's necessary. We did a complicated renovation and they had to call in an engineer on a few items.

OP here. Would you recommend your architect?

Where are you located? What we found is for smaller projects, the bigger architect firms (espeically design/build) won't take it on as it's not worth it to them. Then you're best with a smaller firm like a one-man shop. I'd say the cut-off number is $100k in this area.

We are in McLean.

Try Landis Construction though your project may be too small for them. Another technique is to drive your neighborhood and look at signs up for renovations in progress and contact them.

[Anonymous]

Get a good gC or construction company that specializes in these things. They will often get the engineer to review plans for permits.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the suggestions.

[Anonymous]

Hi, I am an architect and I think I can help you with your project.
Feel free to contact me,
ileana
www.ileanaschinder.com