When should you bring in a designer / architect on your flip?

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To answer your original question - you bring them in from the start of the project, right before and after you close on the property so they can map out your plans for you. That way they can create a 'map' for your project and start designing your project in a more purposeful way with your other contractors.

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HGTV is a joke, I wouldn't copy anything on that. Bring the designer in during the first week to get an idea of what direction you want to go and what style. I have flipped over 100 houses and only needed an architect on about 5 of them. I also bring over an inspector for $200 on day 1 to point out all issues before I get started. I would then take the designer shopping and purchase all flooring, tile, hardware, cabinets, vanities, etc. You can bang it all out in a day. Also, so much can be bought online now that you can email back and forth too. Let the designer also pick out all the paint colors and light fixtures. Find a great one for $100 an hour, you will need them for about 10 hours, and you will get paid back in dividends when you go to list it. It will look like a designer home, not a typical flip or HGTV house. It will attract a higher end buyer and help people dismiss any negatives with the house (small, busy street, etc).

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Thats because most people go watch HGTV for their "design" ideas and think they can do it good enough to pull something off. Another reason is the cost and time. SFH renovations dont require a licensed architect and if your project isnt that big...good luck getting anyone to even take it on. The market is just crazy right now so they arent taking on the small reno projects. if you do get them to take on your project you have to fit into their schedule...which could be months to even get a small project done. If you really dont think you can do the design or really want a better design you could try finding some freelance designers/architects to do it. They will be cheaper that going to an actual firm. You can try looking on Craigslist or other websites to find a local one.

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@Keith Thomas it depends on the scope of work. If you are doing a full gut rehab with an addition, you will need an architect to get involved. As a contractor I prefer having a set of bid drawings to work off of when doing estimates.

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Find a great designer? Find the most popular designer in the area you are flipping. That will also help your network. That can apply to your entire team and all the trades. Use local that way you become more known, get more housing leads, and get a good reputation.

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I am an architect and am doing a flip with an investor right now. Full interior gut (2 fls + Bas) and removal of shoddy porch enclosure. The only portion that remains existing is the foundation, exterior wall sheathing and floor/wall/roof framing/rafters. Using an architect depends largely on the location, depth of the renovation and as @Nik Moushon mentioned if an architect/engineer is even needed. NY has strict Building Codes and with energy conservation efforts expanding, their are measures in place to make sure home are energy efficient. Also if you need to deal with the City/Town municipality for permits and inspections, then you may want to have an architect on board who is familiar with the filing process. HGTV is such fluff when it comes to what actually happens in a flip. So much is not shown. Often times they have an architect or engineer plans that they are referring to onsite. They just don't broadcast it. @Keith Thomas

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@Keith Thomas are you talking about design as in the floorplan, or in styling the house, staging, etc.? If you're talking about staging the house, go look at model homes in your area and see what is popular. Developers pay interior designers to style their homes to their markets, use it. If you can't afford all they've done, look at the key elements, what are the must haves that make the room? Style and color of cabinets, countertops, lighting, flooring, then get that look in a price point that fits your budget because the lower price points always have knockoffs of the high end designers. Look at the colors used on exterior. It's not rocket science. After a few houses you'll have your style down and a lot more confidence. Good luck!

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Like Lien started, right at the start is when you bring them in. That said, for your standard flips, it should not be necessary for you to hire an architect or designer. Before anyone starts flipping, they should know their market and that includes being inside and outside of as many homes on the market as possible (and even off market) to get a feel for the finishes and design selections your “competition” has. Then follow that lead to equal or better for the highest resale values.Unless you are knocking down walls, changing the layout, and/or making an addition, you should not need an architect.

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I am a flipper and designer. I work with several investors/flippers around MD, VA and DC. I work with the budget, I am not a luxury and expensive designer. If anyone are looking for better ideas in the budget, I offer a full service. That's is my passion!

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End of the day, you need to decide payback.Designer / architect will want a fee and probably want you to spend more on the improvements.