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In the following set of Construction Documents, for a 3 story plus basement renovation and conversion into 2 rental apartments, of a house the client grew up in, we provided them with the type of design that will increase their chances of having happy and long term tenants. \u00a0Even one month of an unrented apartment can ruin any expected monthly income a landlord was expecting, so to avert this it is always best to design with certain qualities, and with certain amenities, that regular people always appreciate. \u00a0This keeps the apartments occupied, and attracts the type of tenant who is more willing to keep the apartment in top condition which is yet another benefit to the client.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n Of the diverse type of clients we get calls from, when we think of people who call us in a rush<\/strong><\/em>, as if hiring an Architect is optional, or only if it is absolutely required, we have to chuckle a little because we understand that even a small project may take 2 or 3 weeks to prepare the drawings. \u00a0If they think an Architect is optional then what are they going to do for drawings? \u00a0What about all those notes that are indeed required by the DOB and for that matter the Contractor. \u00a0Are those type of potential clients really willing to put the quality of their investment in the hands of a Contractor? Really? \u00a0Considering construction can easily cost over $100,000 for even small 1 floor projects why would anyone just throw that kind of money at a contractor without having a professional involved? \u00a0And our notes alone are developed over years of experience, added to, modified and adjusted for changes in the industry, zoning or code. \u00a0When is the rushed client ever going to get around to telling a contractor these things without the help of an Architect?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n But one has to admit that like the client featured in this article with this set of drawings, they are smart and take all decisions about their project with careful consideration. \u00a0They are willing to trust the Architect, and listen to the reasoning behind each decision including decisions based on their budget. \u00a0They appreciate that there are priorities that outweigh wishes, items that must be built and compromises that need to be made.<\/p>\n And this article isn’t to point out that one can’t build without an Architect, as if we can hold people hostage in some way, but to hopefully help people better understand what the services of an Architect are all about. \u00a0Just like one would seek a cardiologist if having a heart issue, or a veterinarian if their pet has an issue, when it comes to residential, office, commercial or other building type, there is no better investment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n As I often explain, I will probably save them money in construction cost, speed up the time to finish a project, but will also leave them with a renovation that they will truly love. \u00a0Unlike a vehicle which someone might own for 5, 10 or perhaps 15 years, a building can last for generations, and while there are teams of designers and engineers designing vehicles, when it comes to a home there is no better way than to enlist the right visionary Architect to reflect a positive spirit that can last for decades of appreciation.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n I’m also struct by those who are rushed when making an inquiry that usually their first question is ‘how much will this cost me.’ \u00a0That, without any information about their project they want to know the price tag of our services. \u00a0That, and the ‘rushed’ part of their call makes me think that, because they really don’t want to have to hire an Architect, that perhaps I will be convinced that my services aren’t worth every penny we charge. \u00a0Maybe we will give them a huge discount, or whatever because we never have people asking us to charge them less than what we ask, so I’m not sure but perhaps they figured we reduced our price just for them.<\/p>\n As we always explain, we charge a reasonable fee for our time that reflects the effort we will make for their project.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n