Browse Forums General Discussion Re: Is an architect best and how to choose one 14Feb 26, 2008 6:18 pm Quote: 20k Helyn ... my goodness surely it didn't cost that for drawings etc. Did he start the build and then cease when he realized how much it would cost?? Well, I admit this is second hand information, didn't see the payment myself, perhaps brother exagerated or rounded up a tad, however my understanding was that this was solely for architect services, it certainly wasn't for any building as idea got canned before anything got started. The point is that surely architects should have some idea of the industry they are working in and be able to give rough idea of expected costs, not give advice from an ivory tower. To say brother was p***ed off, was an understatement!!! Re: Is an architect best and how to choose one 15Feb 26, 2008 6:35 pm I personally would NEVER engage an architect….(Sorry if there are any watching this thread)
I have never come across one that does not waist space and get the specks right. I had to work with one recently on a large reno and extension of an old hotel, nice man, don’t get me wrong I really liked him, but…..I have found builders and Home Plan Designers more switched on to the needs of their clients. And NO, architects don’t know the price of the selections they are choosing for you, just like me, I don’t know the exact price of them either, that’s not our job. We choose your design, not cost it. It’s a real catch 22. For me, I would employ a Home Designer……1/2 the price of an architect. Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: Is an architect best and how to choose one 16Feb 26, 2008 6:52 pm Two quotes I've had from builders about architects :
"Architects like spending other people's money" and "Architects like building monuments to their own egos" Justin. Re: Is an architect best and how to choose one 17Feb 26, 2008 6:53 pm Justin Two quotes I've had from builders about architects : "Architects like spending other people's money" and "Architects like building monuments to their own egos" Justin. Internal and External Building and Colour Consultant Online - Worldwide http://www.denovoconcepts.com Re: Is an architect best and how to choose one 18Feb 26, 2008 7:12 pm Quote: The point is that surely architects should have some idea of the industry they are working in and be able to give rough idea of expected costs, not give advice from an ivory tower. To say brother was p***ed off, was an understatement!!! They do!!!! The achicentre guys have a concept phase now designed to overcome just these issues. Check out their website. My advice to anyone considering an architect - and they are useful at their job - is to ensure you both fully understand how and where they will fit into the project, what you want - how many $$$ you expect to spend - and define up front exactly what the deliverables and the payment schedules - in writing and both signed and agreed to for a set cost. If they can't do that - then find a better architect. I'm in IT and I've seen many a project that has gone off the rails because both the client and sales/ software developer have not done the hard yards to setup these guidelines first. Just like building with physcial timber bricks and mortar, the main issues arise when changes of mind happen, noone says I wasnt this - and each party wastes time talking things over changing it etc etc. Be clear, be concise and be definite on what you want from the start. Then once that's done - you have concept plans - take it to a quantity surveyor who will cost it up for you to the nearest $. Then youcan decide from there. and remeber each area costs more or less to build in. For Instance - my mate was building a big shed on KI - he thought the quote was excessive - I rang a mate of mine who is a Quanity Surveyorand asked him how much to build a shed of this size, he looked up his books, said XYZ + add XX% because it was on KI to cover extra labour and transport costs. They have it all in a book clearly defined to cover most variables and it is updated whenever it changes. Rant over Steve Re: Is an architect best and how to choose one 19Feb 26, 2008 9:28 pm Quote: Quote: The point is that surely architects should have some idea of the industry they are working in and be able to give rough idea of expected costs, not give advice from an ivory tower. To say brother was p***ed off, was an understatement!!! Quote: They do!!!! Well, this one didn't !!!!! But, Ok, can't judge from one bad experience. As you said, perhaps the key is picking the right architect in the first place. Re: Is an architect best and how to choose one 20Feb 26, 2008 9:45 pm Helyn Quote: 20k Helyn ... my goodness surely it didn't cost that for drawings etc. Did he start the build and then cease when he realized how much it would cost?? Well, I admit this is second hand information, didn't see the payment myself, perhaps brother exagerated or rounded up a tad, however my understanding was that this was solely for architect services, it certainly wasn't for any building as idea got canned before anything got started. The point is that surely architects should have some idea of the industry they are working in and be able to give rough idea of expected costs, not give advice from an ivory tower. To say brother was p***ed off, was an understatement!!! I can understand his annoyance . You would think an architect would have some idea of costs. We've had one good and one bad experience with architects. But I agree in general they have their head in the clouds. Fantasy does not always = reality. Your build is relatively simple, I believe your job can be easily done by a good building designer, you really do not need to pay for the architect. Remember, architect's… 3 11317 I've just had a look at the website. The company are just building broker's. There are plenty of similar companies that basically draw your plans (they own them so you… 8 11739 I have stone pavement (?) in my backyard around the pool. I have not tended to them and so there is moss growing on them. I intend to clean them but was wondering what the… 0 2484 |