If you used a contractor for an extension/dormer...

Did you pay for the architect separately? We just had the blueprints dropped off in our mailbox - along with a $2500 bill we weren't expecting. We assumed that was part of the deal - guess we were wrong to assume!

Re: If you used a contractor for an extension/dormer...

it was included in my parents pricing when they got their stuff estimated/done.

Re: If you used a contractor for an extension/dormer...

Yes - we paid the architect separately...

Re: If you used a contractor for an extension/dormer...

The architect is the homeowners responsibility, along with filing for permits, etc.

Re: If you used a contractor for an extension/dormer...

The impression I am getting from doing the pricing lately is that some of the larger contractors will have an architecht on staff and it will be included but that isn't the norm unfortuantely.

Re: If you used a contractor for an extension/dormer...

my parent's contractor (shell's only) did everything blueprints to permits to everything. But it was all priced out with in their estimate. I guess it depends who you deal with. It was not cheap but they didn't want to be bothered with anything.

Re: If you used a contractor for an extension/dormer...

no, I have seen many many adds lately blueprints architect free- I would complain- they should totally of told you in this economy- this could be the road down to where you will have many many extra's not told to you in the first place.
can you get out of it?
and Im sorry but 2500 is absolutely absurd for a front dormer only.

Message edited 7/3/2009 2:48:26 PM.

Re: If you used a contractor for an extension/dormer...

we are in the midst of getting a dormer done as well, out of the contractors i contacted I asked up front if the blue prints are included , 2 of them said no. One company wanted an extra $5000 to go to the architech crazyass expensive...

Re: If you used a contractor for an extension/dormer...

When we looking into some various renovations we consulted with an architect and he gave us a quote of $3800 for drawings, permit filing, etc. This was for some adjustments to the first floor- expanding living room, moving doors, etc.

We ultimately decided to scrap that plan (it was desirable but not necessary) and decided we would fix flaws that were "must do's" instead - gut and replace three bathrooms, and include a partial dormer which included a master suite with master bath and walk in closet. Our contractor was also a structural engineer and said sometimes the town would accept his drawings but if not, the architects fee would be covered in our quote as he had arrangements with someone. In retrospect, I think I would have preferred to deal directly with an architect and pay additional fees because there are a few minor details that I think could have been worked out better.

I don't think the fee sounds out of line but hitting you with it without your knowledge is an issue. I would try to negotiate that.

Re: If you used a contractor for an extension/dormer...

Yep, architect is separate, but we got the architect on our own. It wasn't a surprise.

Lucky for us, my uncle is an architect and it was free

Re: If you used a contractor for an extension/dormer...

Yes architect was separate
He was not affiliated at all with the contractor, but i have heard of contractors that do the blue prints as well, along with the filing of permits for the town

Re: If you used a contractor for an extension/dormer...

You get what you pay for. Not in a negative light, but if you paid for architect plans as part of the contractor's fees, it should be included. If your contractor costs didn't include the architect, then they are separate.

I hired my architect first, and part of his fees were to file the paperwork and go to the variance hearing with me. Then, he gave me some recommendations for contractors, and I picked out one, completely independent of the architect.

Re: If you used a contractor for an extension/dormer...

I guess we just didn't ask the right questions. Had we known the architect was additional (and the contractor actually told us he wasn't the best during our mtg ) we would have just picked our own and paid for it - not paid for someone they assigned us.

We'll see what draft 2 looks like - but the initial plan neglected somethings that made us We're adding a front porch - not on there, and he gave a bigger closet than us

He just left the blueprints in our mailbox so we couldn't even discuss the issues we had.

Re: If you used a contractor for an extension/dormer...

I interviewed a number of contractors and most of them included the architect in the quote. But they usually ask first if you need the architect. They gave me quotes that includes the architect's fee.

Re: If you used a contractor for an extension/dormer...

It was separate for my parents but they also hired the architect separately from them.

Re: If you used a contractor for an extension/dormer...

Posted by SweetCaroline

I guess we just didn't ask the right questions. Had we known the architect was additional (and the contractor actually told us he wasn't the best during our mtg ) we would have just picked our own and paid for it - not paid for someone they assigned us.

We'll see what draft 2 looks like - but the initial plan neglected somethings that made us We're adding a front porch - not on there, and he gave a bigger closet than us

He just left the blueprints in our mailbox so we couldn't even discuss the issues we had.