Rebuilding ? Architect Vs Builder Vs Designer

[LeeJ 0]

On 7/17/2011 at 11:29 PM, AnneY said:

HI Goodluck, for your reference, my architect's fee is 40K (his name is found in the Board of Arch) , PE 12K, QS 2.5K. And this is for reconstruction of a semi-d land size 3600, 2 levels, 5 bedrooms +family room, and swimming pool. So I think it is possible for get one for under 70K.

Hi Anne, could i bother you to provide me names of your builder and architect? thanks a lot.

[Alkft 0]

Hi! May I ask for your architect and builder contact?

[plucky 0]

On 7/7/2011 at 3:35 PM, AnneY said:

Yes, our current builder is very experienced so if I had known them before, I guess I would consider engaging them directly if I know exactly what i wanted to do and if it is not complex. Although $40K for architect is a lot of $$, but I observed actually it is quite a lot of work for the architect so far. He met us weekly in the "design phase", and we are meeting fortnightly after construction starts. The architect did the full specifications (thick book & drawings) and managed the tender. Besides progress meetings, he has to attend to technical issues separately with the builder and engineer, and ad-hoc meetings on selecting finishes and interior.

Hi AnneY,

Hope this message finds you well. I chanced upon your blog on renotalk. I read that the builder that you have engaged is a good one.  I am currently at the stage of deciding which one (builder vs ID vs architect) to go for,  and would like to get from you the contact of the builder and architect that you have used. 

It would be great if you could share their contacts with me.

 

Best regards.

[angelous666 0]

I’ve done it both ways (builder-led on a simpler reno, architect-led on a heavier rebuild) and it really comes down to how much uncertainty is in the house and how much you want someone to “own” the drawings/specs and protect you during construction. When we went builder-first, it was faster and cheaper upfront, but anytime something unexpected showed up (old plumbing runs, funky beams), it turned into a lot of back and forth and variation costs because there wasn’t a super detailed spec to lean on. With an architect driving and a proper contract/payment tied to completed work, it felt slower but way less stressful, because the builder couldn’t just hand-wave issues.

If you’re choosing now, I’d think about complexity: anything structural, odd site constraints, or you’re picky on finishes and details, I’d still lean architect or a proper design-build team with clear scope and documentation. If it’s mostly cosmetic and you already know exactly what you want, a reputable builder can work, just be strict about milestones, defect period, and what counts as a variation.

If you like the “fewer handoffs” approach, you can also look at integrated design-build-develop firms that handle design and construction under one roof with tighter coordination, like Rothamel.