Architect Fees

From: Sam

If you plan on "designing" your own home, that is you have an exact idea of what you what the house to look like and can come up with rough sketches be it on the back of an envelope, or using software, how would one go about saving on architect fees in this situation. Will also be acting as own GC.

Thanks,
Sam

Hi Sam,
Architects draw very few homes for us average individuals. They can't make enough money drawing the average house unless they sell multiples of a plan trough plan books & web sites, or design for the rich & famous.

Most cities, townships or counties do not require the use of an architect unless the house is over a certain sq. footage or is very complex in design, and then they can require an architect's signature.
That would be expensive. No reputable architect would sign off on some else's plans.

So, call the building inspection department where you plan to build and ask them what their blue print (house plans) requirements are.
Ask them point blank if an architect's seal is required on the plans. Ask them if an engineer's seal is required. Sometimes a separate truss plan is required with an engineer's seal, even if the trusses come from a truss company that has its own engineers. (You can't fight city hall)

The inspection dept. will most likely require a set of plans that include (but are not limited to) a foundation plan, elevations, floor plan, roof framing plan, and cross sectional framing plan, as well as a plot plan.(see page 4 of my Reading House plans: house plans).

You can have a home designer/draftsman draw up most homes. They are not too expensive. In fact, many lumber companies (not the big box home centers) have a draftsman on staff and offer free drafting service if you buy their lumber. They can at least recommend a draftsman which is better than finding one in the yellow pages.

No matter who draws your plans have then reviewed by a structural engineer. It only took one bad experience for me to never overlook that step again. It's not expensive. Structural failure is. Even sags are considered a failure.

Good luck
Carl