Sourcing Architect/Contractor Bids for Small 300sf Com Bldg?

[Neil G.]

Weeks ago closed on tiny 300sf bldg on 1900sf lot in Pioneer Blvd area of Artesia.

Went to city and county to pull bldg info and all they had was permits for electric, plumb, bathroom, signs, fence, etc but no actual blueprint or plans showing the building's interior dimensions and floorplan.

Signed up at arcbazar to collect bids but instead they charged my paypal account over $500 for the project budget, in advance then put it on hold hours later, blocking any bids. When tried to reach them, calls go to a generic robot voice cell phone mailbox that is full, so will escalate that sham for paypal to intervene.

 Would use homeadvisor or similar instead after that ripoff from AB, but alas home advisors says its only for home projects.

What about for pooling bids for Commercial from an actual reputable version of homeadvisor or similar? We've called architects and contractors for quotes on a floorplan but so far all quoted the same figures whether the building were 3000 or 300 sf, which find excessive.

Thanks in advances for any references to commercial bidding sites! =D

[Greg Dickerson]

Neil,

For a project this small you will need to find an architect that does small projects and has a small office or works from home or is with a larger firm ad does side work. 

Larger firms are going to have a minimum and no matter how small the project there is a minimum number of hours needed to do site visits plans etc.

Another option would be to find a small design build contractor or designer/draftsman. You can do a google search to find them in your area.

Either way you will probably have a minimum of $1500 - $2500 to get a complete set of plans and specs from a licensed architect.

[Jared W Smith]

@Neil G., I would have to agree with @Greg Dickerson. It's standard to have a minimum fee to take on a job. Any less and it makes the project profit negative right out the gate. 

Additionally, being a licensed architect, I would never submit designs through arcbazar or any similar site unless I was desperate for work. This tells me that the people on the site are outsourced people likely from outside of the county and they work on volume. This may mean your quality and accuracy will be compromised. Secondly, They are essentially making people complete work in the hopes of possibly being paid IF they are selected. Horrible business practice if you ask me.. but I have been in the architecture, engineering and construction industry for more than 13 years so I am very biased. You will get a much better project utilizing a locale architect/engineer plus have a connection/experience for future work or expansion. Just my two cents..   

[Greg Dickerson]

@Jared W Smith I agree completely. I would never go to a site on the internet for an Architect or Engineer.

Find a local professional licensed architect so they can visit the site. The cost is well worth it and will save you in the long run.

[Matthew Paul]

For 300 sq ft , sit down with some graph paper and a ruler and do it yourself . I have done walk in closets larger than that 

[Eric Teran]

@Neil G. Arcbazar is okay if you are only looking for a design. If you need to take it further and get a permit you need a local architect. Especially for a commercial project.

I am an Architect and my services are offered through HomeAdvisor. I mainly get residential clients but I have had a few commercial jobs as well. I am doing a small art gallery right now and it is a very easy job but I do have a minimum fee no matter how small a project is. If you use HomeAdvisor I believe you don’t pay anything. I and other professionals have to pay a fee for every lead and that is how they make their money. I would try them even if you are commercial. There might be an Architect on their willing to take on your project.

Good luck.

[Nick Marrs]

@Neil G. I’m a Structural engineer in Los Angeles. Agreed with the others the engineer or architect would have a minimum fee for a job that small, probably around $2,000. If you don’t have existing drawings we would need to come to the site, measure, and create the as-builds — plan check usually requires we make a site plan showing the overall existing building and detailed framing / layout in the area impacted by the scope of work. You only need a licensed architect or engineer to stamp the drawings (not both). If you aren’t changing or impacting the structure I would go with an architect. If you are then I’d work directly with the structural engineer as the architect would have to hire the engineer. PM me if you are still looking for a designer for this job.