Our Architecture Consulting services can be provided just about anywhere in the U.S., but this year we have received requests from Erie, Louisville, Niwot, Superior, Broomfield and Arvada, Colorado.
A Homeowner recently decided to contact a general contractor first, in lieu of an Architect, regarding a new 4,600 sq. ft. custom home they desired to build. They were a bit dismayed with the written estimate they received, compared to what they were told it would cost initially.
So they contacted us for an independent cost analysis. We advised them that the more traditional manner of hiring an Architect first, preferably one who also has builder experience, could have likely taken their budget and then ‘backed-into it’, a design plan that would be compatible; maybe too late now after giving the contractor a deposit.
Additionally, they would have benefited greatly from receiving a one-of-a-kind floor plan design meeting their family’s specific needs, in lieu of having to fit into the contractor’s ‘stock plan’. Considerations for a spacious Junior Suite for family and friends, space in the kitchen for dual side-by-side refrigerators/freezers, a large mud room from the garage into the kitchen, a laundry room on the second floor with a skylight and a shop space adjunct to the garage with its own entrance, could have been part of our luxury home designs for them..
We said we would analyze the general contractor’s cost estimate, that contained (32) line items for this luxury home project. This would be the value of construction costs within the walls of the home, from foundations through finish work.
Bottom line net financial benefit to these client’s: for a $3,500 fee we suggested cost savings that averaged $831/line item for a project cost savings of $26,592 and after consideration of our Consulting fee, a formidable net savings of $23,092.
For more information regarding Architecture Consulting services that can benefit you as well, please contact us regarding your upcoming project.
Best Always!
Barry R. Shaw AIA, GC BSA Inc. Design & Construction www.bsadesignbuild.com