Architecture and Engineering Stamps Costs

[Scott Byer]

I have a flip under contract and about to close. While finalizing my extensive rehab plan (removing walls for an open concept, expanding a shower in the master bath) my contractor mentions we need to have an architect draw up our plans in CAD and then we need to have an engineer bless the plans in order to get through the City of Houston'a permit process. Okay. Fine. He gets back to me with a "discounted" bid from his internal architect and engineer of $2 sqft to get everything done. Usually this price is $2.50 or $3 I'm told. The house is 2,274 sq ft. $4500 seems like A LOT of money to transfer our digital plans into CAD (the contractor already built-out our design ideas on his laptop's software) and have an engineer ensure we're using the right beams in the right places. Am I crazy for questioning this price? What is your experience?