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For the purposes of
these questions, a contractor refers to a general contractor,
a home
builder or a kitchen & bath company. |
| Q: |
Do we hire an architect first or a contractor
first? |
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A: |
Whether you hire an architect first or a
contractor first depends on what type of project delivery suits you best. The
two typical scenarios for a custom home or addition are as follows:
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1.) Competitive Bid. You
hire an architect like Curtiss W. Byrne Architect, LLC. The Architect designs
your project and produces working drawings and specifications. You interview
contractors and have three qualified contractors bid on the project. Pros: You
get the lowest price through the competitive bid process. Cons: The possibility
that bids come in higher than anticipated and you have to go back to the
drawing board. At Curtiss W. Byrne Architect, LLC we strive to do our best to
make sure the project is within the clients’ budget.
2.)
Design/Build. You talk to an architect and a contractor at the same
time. (Often the architect and the contractor have a relationship, but this is
not a prerequisite.) After the schematic design is completed, the contractor
provides an estimate for the project. As the project progresses, the contractor
helps to value engineer the project and give updated estimates along the way.
Pros: You know approximately what the project is going to cost throughout the
design process. Cons: Without competition, you don't know if you are getting
the best price. Curtiss W. Byrne Architect, LLC can help take the guessing game
out of it by helping the clients prequalify a contractor. |
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| Q: |
What do architects charge for their services?
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A: |
Every project is different, and the
architectural fees are commensurate with the level of services requested. An
architectural fee of 3% of the project's construction cost is a good ballpark
figure for a set of permit ready documents although architectural fees can be
as low as 1% and as high as 10% of the construction cost. Some architects
charge a square foot price typically between $1.50 and $8 per square foot. At
Curtiss W. Byrne Architect, LLC, contracts are typically structured so that the
design time is billed hourly and the construction document time is a fixed fee
based on the square feet of the project. Call Curtiss at 636-449-1032 to set up
a free consultation. |
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| Q: |
My contractor says there is no fee for the
drawings. Why do I need an architect? |
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A: |
The fee is buried in the
contractor’s price to build the project. The contractor is probably using
a draftsman or drawing the project himself or herself and having someone seal
the drawings to try and save a little money. Having an architect or engineer
seal drawings prepared by someone else is against state laws. Saving money on
drawings often results in delays in permitting or unexpected costs or delays
during construction. Anyone can call themselves a draftsman, but architects are
university-educated professionals who have gone through an internship and
passed a registration exam. Architects are also required to do 12 hours of
continuing education each year. When you hire and architect like Curtiss Byrne,
you know you are getting a well designed and detailed set of plans and a
professional guiding you through the building process, helping you avoid
pitfalls and potentially saving you money. Architect-designed homes typically
maintain a higher resale value and some additions designed by Curtiss W. Byrne
Architect have had a 100% or greater return on investment. Hiring an architect
is money well spent. |
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| Q: |
How do I choose an
architect? |
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A: |
Like choosing any professional, a
referral from neighbors or colleagues is always a good place to start. Be sure
to look at the architect's professional credentials. Are they licensed? Does
their company have the authority to offer architectural services by the state?
(Search Missouri individuals and companies at
https://renew.pr.mo.gov/licensee-search.asp). Do
they carry professional liability insurance? How long have they been in
business? Do they specialize in the type of project I am building? |
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| Q: |
I am only remodeling a kitchen or finishing a
basement. Do I need a permit? Do I need to hire an
architect? |
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A: |
Whether you are hiring a contractor or
doing the work yourself, if you are going to modify any structure, move any
walls, move or add any plumbing or electrical work or add any finished living
space, you need to get a permit. Adding finished space to a basement may
require you to add an additional means of egress like a four foot by four foot
sliding window. An architect can help you navigate the codes and offer design
solutions that you or your contractor may not have thought of. |
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| Q: |
I am only remodeling a kitchen or finishing a
basement. Do I need a permit? Do I need to hire an
architect? |
|
A: |
Whether you are hiring a contractor or
doing the work yourself, if you are going to modify any structure, move any
walls, move or add any plumbing or electrical work or add any finished living
space, you need to get a permit. Adding finished space to a basement may
require you to add an additional means of egress like a four foot by four foot
sliding window. An architect can help you navigate the codes and offer design
solutions that you or your contractor may not have thought of. |
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| Q: |
Why Build Green? |
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A: |
In the United States, buildings account
for:
39 percent of total energy use
12 percent of the total water
consumption
68 percent of total electricity consumption
38 percent of
the carbon dioxide emissions
Green building - also known as sustainable
or high performance building - is the practice of: 1.
Increasing the
efficiency with which buildings and their sites use and harvest energy, water,
and materials; and 2. Protecting and restoring human health and the
environment, throughout the building life-cycle: siting, design, construction,
operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction. |
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| Q: |
What makes a building "Green"?
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A: |
A "Green" building is a structure that
is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout its
life-cycle. These objectives expand and complement the classical building
design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort.
Green
buildings are designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on
human health and the natural environment by:
» Efficiently using
energy, water, and other resources
» Protecting occupant health and
improving employee productivity
» Reducing waste, pollution and
environment degradation
For example, green buildings may incorporate
sustainable materials in their construction (e.g., reused, recycled-content, or
made from renewable resources); create healthy indoor environments with minimal
pollutants (e.g., reduced product emissions); and/or feature landscaping that
reduces water usage (e.g., by using native plants that survive without extra
watering). |
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| Q: |
What are the benefits of Green
Building? |
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A: |
Buildings have an enormous impact on the
environment, human health, and the economy. The successful adoption of green
building strategies can maximize both the economic and environmental
performance of buildings.
1. Energy Savings. Because of increased water
and energy efficiency, you'll save thousands of dollars over the life of your
home.
2. Indoor Air Quality. Green homes feature superior indoor air
quality, which improves their overall livability. Green homes reduce pollutants
and improve ventilation so your family can breathe easier.
3. Peace of
Mind. Green homes are built with the environment in mind. From energy and water
efficiency, to reduced construction waste and the use of renewable materials,
you can take pride in the fact that your home has less negative impact on the
environment.
4. Tax Credits. Several tax credits, saving the homeowner
or builder thousands of dollars, are available for qualifying homes and
products. |
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| Q: |
Is Building Green is
complicated? |
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A: |
Some people go to great lengths to build
green by generating their own renewable power. Others build green by installing
extra insulation or energy efficient appliances. Choose the level that works
for you, and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from knowing that the changes
you made are good for you, your guests and the environment. |
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| Q: |
What does Green building
cost? |
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A: |
Many green building techniques can be
applied at little or no additional cost. According to a Professional Builder
Magazine survey, the average cost of a Green Home was 3%-5% more than a typical
house. Plus, when operational costs, such as heating, cooling and water use are
factored in, green buildings often cost less over time. |
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| Q: |
Why do I need to get my home Certified?
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A: |
The only way to ensure that a home is
Green is to get it independently verified by a third party verifier. The
typical cost is $300 to $500. When you go to sell, you will have proof that you
home is built Green. |
|
 I
have confidence that when we give a project to Curtiss, he will deliver a
design that is on budget, on time and easy to build.
Jerry
Meyer
President
The Meyer Company | TMC Homes
client since 1997
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It is
always a pleasure to work with Curtiss. His design sense is on target, he
understands the demands of budget, and his production drawings are clear and
accurate. I have recommended him to several developers and/or
builders.
Jim Hentschell
Hentschell Architect
Project
Manager for Union West Florissant Housing Solutions
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