All Forum Posts by: Jacob Bek

Full disclosure, I'm an architect.  I can't speak to your local municipality, but in most jurisdictions if you're moving any walls, plumbing, ect you need to file for building permits.  To do that you need a licensed architect or PE.  You have no choice, it's the law.  Regardless of your local laws, hiring a professional architect will save you time and money in the long run.  A good architect's advice and design expertise will be invaluable to maintain schedule and budget, and also will add value to your project.  Having a proper set of construction drawings will allow for the contractor to properly bid the job and understand the scope of work.  This will save you time onsite (ie $$), reduce coordination issues, additional costs, and change orders.  An architect will also oversee the contractor, ensure quality control, and advise in the bidding process to negotiate the best price.  

At the end of the day, you will make money off your architect.  There is a reason you hire a professional.