All Forum Posts by: David Edwards

@Daniel Coleman One way to avoid someone posting your plans on the web as well as making it clear that they are looking at a bid set is to apply a big transparent red watermark saying "NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION" on them, a program like bluebeam makes adding something like this to every sheet a quick task. Also the architect should remove their stamp from the set. Contractors are still able to bid these and everyone is clear on the status of the drawings. At that point if they did want to steal them they would have to draft up a clean set, and depending on the scale of the project find some architect to review and then stamp them for a fee (I don't know many architects who enjoy this sort of thing but people have rent to pay). 

In my experience many projects go out to bid prior to having permits in hand so it's important that none of the preliminary drawings are mistaken for the finished construction set which will likely have more detail. The red watermark also acts as an easy check that the team is working off the correct set.

Hey John,

I'm an architect that owns a firm that specializes in owners rep services as well as architecture. As such, feasibility packages are in our normal scope. If you send me some more info I could take a look at the site and give you my initial impression.

@Tamara Glass are you working with an architect to design the proposed development? They should be able to get you in the ball park with costs prior to bringing a contractor on board based on their previous work. You will of course want to verify this with a contractor once you have something for them to go off of and can begin to secure a GMP (guaranteed maximum price) around the time of receiving your permits. Your architect should be able to verify that they have made appropriate assumptions at that time for the items not in the set at that time (since permit drawings are hardly a 100% CD set).In general it will be a good idea to carry a healthy contingency (around 10% or more depending on the number of unknowns) to absorb the unknown unknowns and things that inevitably get missed in the pricing process due to routine human error. 

Let me know if there's anything else I can do to help 

Hello BP,

I recently started a consulting | development | architecture firm and I'm looking for my first clients. 

The services offered are Owners rep and architectural services for developments, homes, hospitality, and commercial space. Services begin at feasibility and budget setting and can continue through construction administration and owner punch.  

As a fellow investor and member of the BP community I understand the investor mindset and strive to bring quality and value to every project I work on. My experience working on a multitude of scales and types of projects over the years makes my company an ideal choice for your next project. 

Please visit our website at ArgyleSt.com for more info on the company and to take a look at our recent portfolio. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

All the best,

Dave Edwards AIA 

P.S. As a way to get the ball rolling I'm offering a 10% discount on all services for my first 5 clients (with signed contracts) just mention the BP ad in your inquiry. 

@Amanda Black Came here to somewhat repeat what @Andrew Hodgson said. 

Also, I'm an Architect in Seattle and if you get me the jurisdiction I can take a quick look and see what leeway you might have with the site. 

Dave 

@Pete M. I've got a couple rentals in Kalamazoo and it does seem like theres some oppourtunity over that way for BRRRR properties. Plan is to target that after I close on the current deal. I'm also originally from the area (St Joe)so our stories are somewhat similar.

@Michael Gonzalez im also interested to hear about your lead generation system, seems like theres still some pretty good stock that way. Any reason you arent flipping in CHI? When I lived there It seemed like there were a few neigborhoods that could have had potential. 

@Jeremy Hostetler Havent pulled the trigger on anything yet. I met with Don and he was very helpful as well as realistic about our expectations. I'm in the middle of a couple projects at the moment but once those wrap up in the next couple weeks we're going to be looking more intently again. 

@Marshall Mok

I don't think you need to throw anyone under the bus but if you could help any of us avoid a mis-step it would be greatly appreciated. 

Ballpark in kalamazoo I usually shoot for somewhere in the 120 - 180 range / mo (obviusly this depends on the value of the building and some other factors but I think I might know what deal you are looking at and it could be potentailly lower) if you are looking for an affordable insurance guy ive had some success in the past and can point you in the right direction if you PM me.