Is an Architect absolutely required for a single family rehab

[Brandon Arce]

I have jumped in the water, bid on a property, and contract is in progress.  The biggest obstacle so far has been obtaining repair estimates.  I have had a few contractors over, and they have told me that they won't be able to give me an estimate until they see the drawings from an architect.  I feel this comes about when I mention I want to bring down some walls to open up the space. Is that absolutely necessary? what if I don't change the layout of the property? 

[Jared W Smith]

I think your problem is, the contractors are reluctant in giving cost when the scope of work is not narrowed enough. Contractors work on quantities. They do not want to be limited to a cost they give you and then the scope changes or gets larger or more complex. With architect/engineer drawings, it is black and white.  

If you do not want to hire an architect, at a minimum, you need to sketch out the whole property, floor by floor with dimensions. In each room/space you need to describe in detail what you want done. This may help some but this will depend on your experience with construction and relaying various repairs and renovation items. IF you are not experienced with this, you may be better off retaining an architect on an hourly basis to help narrow and document the current conditions and proposed changes.  @Brandon Arce