All Forum Posts by: Jared W Smith

Love the name.. and an architect as well. Salute from a fellow architect @Jared Milne

Hello @Cory St. Esprit

@Matthew Drouin makes some good suggestions and things to think about. The photo you included is very likely not considered a legal means of egress from the third floor units. You do not want to go cheap on this, especially when it's for life safety. 

Unfortunately, @Jonathan Greene, in nearly all municipalities, fire escapes cannot be newly built and added onto a new project. Only those that legally existed prior to new Codes can be maintained, replaced, etc. So that is not an option. 

From your post you said that there is more than one unit on the third floor, correct? Then your best bet is to add a second stair, make several duplexes or, if possible, see if there are any unique Code exceptions to allow a single stair to be the means of egress. I know NY/NYC has some. All the best.  

If you're new to new build construction (or construction in general), I would get a local Architect onboard to be your eyes and ears in taking on the project and helping to assemble your team. After the first project then you may just need Architect for actual plans and permits but in the beginning they can be a great resource for the whole process. You don't know what you don't know.   

I personally don't use percentage of construction when I provide cost on architectural services. However, before I am aware of all the project details, location, complexity and type of finishes, this is just an initial conversation placeholder. To provide an effective proposal, I need to know a lot more than what you've provided in this post and that's okay. @Danilo Grullon 

You don't know what you don't know. I've had more folks than you think in your same position who look to cut cost with the wrong professionals and then regret it. When you're spending hundreds and hundreds of thousands of dollars on the construction of a project trying to cut $30k-$40k is arguably negligible. (Miami is an expensive market too.) You can save that amount or more simply by designing and specifying the right foundation, exterior facade assembly and/or roof system. Let a Drafter and Engineer design your house and you may face more problems than you think.  

All the best on your project.      

For most, if not all, established architects/firms, that is not how it works. It's not just plans. You're forgetting about knowing the locale, site due diligence, zoning analysis, getting you through filing/permits and many other things as design professionals (Architects AND Engineers) are responsible for. Plus liability. We are responsible for what ever is built and are tied to that project for at least 7 yrs beyond its completion. Find out what all is included in the quote. It should be broken down by phase and/or service. $90k may be a bit high but don't expect to pay $10k. You're spending $400k? $500k on build? Gauge bout 9-10% of construction cost for architecture & engineering services as placeholder.     

And FYI- if you're going to utilize an Engineer, they may not be comfortable being responsible for the entire house. Best to lay your groundwork and engage the Engineer early on. Be aware of Drafters where you are trying to be cheap. You know the saying- don't be penny wise and pound foolish.  

I will try and stop by just before 5pm. I have another meeting at 5:30. 

 Welcome to a fellow Westchester resident! 

This exactly. Agree with @Jonathan Greene. I've had many clients come to me to legalize prior work which comes at a costs to the buyer/new owner. 

A lot of speculation in here. Your best bet is to contact the County you plan to build in (Miami-Dade County or City of Miami) and see if a stamped set of plans is required for the development of land and building Deparment permits. Then you go find the appropriate professional. There are certain threshold from state to state on what single family houses can be built without an engineer or architect.  

Using advice from people with more experience than you in locales that differ from you spells disaster if that all doesn't apply where you are building.   

Couple things to point out. Consulting with several Architects sound like you just asked some questions and you did not actually hire any of them. That's why it's "potentially". Therefore @Bryan Montross has a point. Hence you needing to retain an Architect and have them do due diligence into the feasibility at which part of their services would be checking what is able to be built in compliance with the applicable jurisdictions. 

I talk to at least 10 ppl/month whom are trying to get very specific information on a specific piece of land without hiring me to do the due diligence. Doesn't work that way. Therefore I speak in generalities. Nothing that is remotely concrete. Better to pay an expert and get solid info on your lot.