Housecleaning

[peonyfoxburr]

There's nothing like the prospect of company to motivate an otherwise sloppy housekeeper like myself to get cracking. NRE and I both share the tendency to not put things away, in a nutshell. And with two long haired cats and a German Shepherd living here as well

Comments

[mattiescottage]

Thanks for sharing your home improvement venture.

I am planning on an addition in a couple years. If you have the inclination, I'd be interested in comments you'd like to share about your experience working with an architect on this type of project: How did you find/choose an architect? Do they quote you a cost or charge you by the hour? How did the process work for you?

[peonyfoxburr]

As we're only at the very start, I can't answer all your questions, yet. You will laugh, but I looked in the Yellow Pages to find someone who lives and works in our area, called up, and chatted a few minutes with the architect. He came out to our house and talked to both of us. His charges are structured based upon how far you get in the process. So if he gives you drawings that you don't care for, or you've changed your mind, you only owe a flat charge. And I believe that, at least through the detailed blueprints stage, we would still pay in a lump sum, vs. per hour. But I suspect every architect would be different.

Another factor in this whole equation is that we are very well acquainted with the general contractor we plan to use. So, frankly, if there were some minor detail that came up while the project was in progress, I think I could say, "Hey, Craig! Can you make those bookshelves 16 inches deep instead of 12?"

I'm sure the subject will come up again (!), so you should get a complete answer eventually.

[mattiescottage]

Great! Thanks for sharing on this!

I know one of my possible contractors does some remodeling plans himself (with the assistance of his wife--it's her thing), but when building an addition, it does seem wise to get some plans down to make sure everyone agrees on what is contracted.

[peonyfoxburr]

Also, to make sure you're not doing something structurally unsound:). Do you ever watch "Holmes on Holmes" or "Holmes Inspection" on HGTV? Ye Gods, some of the things he finds...