Chicago Residential Architect

[Daniel Adler]

Hi all,

Looking for an architect to draw up plans for a gut renovation of a coach house. If anyone has recommendations, that would be greatly appreciated. Please note I am looking for flat-fee architects, not % of build amount. So far, I've gotten wide ranges of estimates ($3500-42000) to complete the work, so needing more estimates before I can make any decisions.

Thanks in advance,

Daniel

[Samuel Pavlovcik]

@Daniel Adler PM sent, I'd love to hear more about your project.

One thing that you will definitely find about Architecture is that there is no "Set Price" for anything... $3,500 - $42,000 is definitely a Huge swing, but that just means you need to ask "What am I getting for my money". Some Architects can give you sloppy, low level plans with minimal accuracy and information which may lead to many rounds of questions back and forth with the building department and your GC until the project is actually permitted, and deemed buildable. On the other spectrum you may get an Architect that is expecting to develop fully detailed drawings, with many design revision meetings held with you to find the "perfect" plan and 3D design, along with selecting all materials, finishes, and even provide some construction management services. While the phrase :You get what you pay for" does still apply when it comes to architecture, it is definitely more skewed as the Architect's scope can very greatly.

I expect that as an investor you are likely looking for drawings detailed enough to obtain a building permit as well as get accurate bids from GC's. In terms of a Coach House, the options are still very limited as to what you can do during the "Remodel" as the City of Chicago is still extremely strict and currently only allows for "Repairs" to keep the property in working condition... That being said you can still definitely remodel the place, you will just need to be a little creative and plan ahead for what you plan for on the building permit.

Additionally, there is a ADU Ordinance that is up for vote soon which will allow greater options for remodeling and adding coach houses and other types of ADU's. There have been a few forum threads on the topic as well and I would recommend you check it out.

Here's the link for one of the more recent threads...

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/664/topics/838814-chicagos-aduinsanely-powerful