All Forum Posts by: Wesley Davis

And when you are ready to renovate or build your next project from the ground up. My company offers architectural and civil engineering services. We are located right here in Tampa specializing in residential and small/medium commercial projects. 

I agree with Doug, what exactly are you looking for? I am a Florida licensed architect and have a Georgia architect I work closely with. 

We are currently permitting residential new build & renovation, along with small to medium commercial projects. 

If needed we also provide civil engineering services. 

And reach to me If you need an Architect, I have the best guy (me). I am currently permitting residential new builds, renovations and small/medium commercial projects. 

As an Architect, both Henry and Jared are correct. While a drafter may be cheaper, they may not have the experience required to come up with creative solutions that meet the building code requirements. In your situation it sounds fairly straight forward but I would double check your local jurisdiction requirements, you may need a licensed professional to sign off. While a drafter is happy to take your money, they are working at your direction. The permitting process isn’t cut and dry. There can be several rounds of comments from the city/county and guess what you are paying the drafter for each revision on an hourly basis. While working with an architect that is familiar with the local codes and requirements may be able to pass permitting the first round with no comments.

I say this because I have had plenty of clients come to me stating they hired a drafter, and they cannot get past the permitting process. So, they hired me. If they would have gone straight to the architect, they would have saved time and money.

So, the simple answer is as it always is, it depends. your comfort level, your budget, your time frame, your jurisdiction, and many more.

I am currently permitting 4 ADU's (and several other residences) in Tampa Fl and recently started a YouTube channel to provide some good tips for people building anything. Check out my channel on my BP profile page.

Sounds like a fun project. I know you mentioned not wanting to be involved in the building aspect but I run a small architecture firm here in Tampa and work with several builders. If you or your future partner have any architectural questions, feel free to connect.   

Alex, while I am not a wholesaler I do run an architecture office here in Tampa. When you are ready for permit documents or would like us to manage the project for the renovation or new build feel free to reach out. 

Did someone say Architect? I run an architecture firm in Tampa specializing in residential new construction, remodels and small/medium scale commercial. Feel free to reach out with any questions. 

I am not sure if you folks have run into this in the architecture world but with an investor mindset. I sometimes have clients come to me saying "I have this piece of property that I want to build on. Can you help me put some plans together?" You say, "sure here is my proposal for services." They quickly balk because "wow I was not expecting that cost."

Have you ever used your design fee as equity in the project for clients. Like a deferred payment but put an additional multiply on it?

P.s. James Petty's book is like Rich Dad Poor Dad for architects. 

Going off of Stephens comment, it is very important to check the local zoning codes and future land use. If it can be used for what he is saying also be aware that if it requires a rezoning that is an 8-10 month process (sometimes over a year) before you even break ground and could cost up to $30k+. Picking up land cheap and taking it through rezoning to add value is a great business model but if you have never gone through this process, it is wise to consult with a licensed professional. This is also not a self-plug as I am an architect and rezoning is for Civil Engineers and Land Use Attorneys. While I know some that can help, I do not profit from the referral. I like building vertical not horizontal.

If you ever want to build ground up, let me know. I work closely with some real estate brokers, and I then provide the architectural services. Finding existing properties that just need a little reno is tough. Most investors are locating land that is underutilized, demolishing the existing and building new.