House additions-Architect needed

[SuperCy]

My wife and I are thinking about adding onto our house. It's not going to be a little project. We've come to the conclusion that we love where we're at and don't really want to move.

When we bought our house we got a pretty sweet deal on it. Looking at houses that we're interested in, we've found that the asking price is $80k-$100k more than what we owe now.

We're looking for some good achitects to come in and give us an idea of what we can and cannot do. This isn't going to be something that we do all at once. We'll probably have to do it in phases over the next 5 years or so.

So, are there any recommendations for firms or individuals that you think might do a good job?

 

[Cyclonestate78]

My wife and I are thinking about adding onto our house. It's not going to be a little project. We've come to the conclusion that we love where we're at and don't really want to move.

When we bought our house we got a pretty sweet deal on it. Looking at houses that we're interested in, we've found that the asking price is $80k-$100k more than what we owe now.

We're looking for some good achitects to come in and give us an idea of what we can and cannot do. This isn't going to be something that we do all at once. We'll probably have to do it in phases over the next 5 years or so.

So, are there any recommendations for firms or individuals that you think might do a good job?

http://alvinstecker.com/about.htm

 

[jpete24]

You sure you need an architect? Do you have a design idea? Maybe you need a structural engineer?

 

[cjb1978]

Real men don't need instructions, just a 20 pound sludge hammer.

 

[GeronimusClone]

Real men don't need instructions, just a 20 pound sludge hammer.

and duct tape.

 

[weR138]

You sure you need an architect? Do you have a design idea? Maybe you need a structural engineer?

Yes, they need an architect. There is a good one in Des Moines named Mike Young. PM me for more info if you'd like.

 

[The_Architect]

 

[jpete24]

Good luck with the 7-10% off the top of construction for your project.

 

[weR138]

Good luck with the 7-10% off the top of construction for your project.

Yeah, I'd ask roughly 10%.

 

[jpete24]

Yeah, I'd ask roughly 10%.

Hey, there is a sucker born every day.....

 

[ISUFan22]

Good grief, the man asked for a specific suggestion and what's with all the attitude?

You may be able to get by without one, if selecting the right builder with an architect/engineer on their team. But regardless, modifying the structure of your home is nothing to fool around with, money spent today can easily save you heartache tomorrow.

 

[cytech]

What kind of idea's do you and your wife have for your home? I suppose you are looking at adding a second level which would bring up your question.

Just a word of advice adding a second level to a existing home is usually more hassle than it is worth.

 

[weR138]

Hey, there is a sucker born every day.....

If you want a structurally sound, efficient, livable, durable, attractive and tailor made home then I'd suggest being a sucker.

 

[SuperCy]

What kind of idea's do you and your wife have for your home? I suppose you are looking at adding a second level which would bring up your question.

Just a word of advice adding a second level to a existing home is usually more hassle than it is worth.

We've thought that as well. Here's where we stand. We're two houses away from an elementary school, a block away from a park and two blocks away from Hy-Vee.
We couldn't ask for better neighbors and our back yard is big enough that we can expand but still have more than enough room.

This could very well be our last house. Do we spend the money and make it the house that we want OR do we go out and buy a house for $100k more than what we owe now.

We're not going to put ourselves in debt over this. We're going to save the money and then do the next thing on the list. that's why we are wanting to take in stages.

 

[twojman]

My wife and I are thinking about adding onto our house. It's not going to be a little project. We've come to the conclusion that we love where we're at and don't really want to move.

When we bought our house we got a pretty sweet deal on it. Looking at houses that we're interested in, we've found that the asking price is $80k-$100k more than what we owe now.

We're looking for some good achitects to come in and give us an idea of what we can and cannot do. This isn't going to be something that we do all at once. We'll probably have to do it in phases over the next 5 years or so.

So, are there any recommendations for firms or individuals that you think might do a good job?

If you want quality, go with this guy. He was my roommate at ISU and is outstanding in his field.

JournalStar.com

 

[HuskerClone]

One of the advantages to having an architect/designer is getting recommendations on the builder. It is a lot easier to waste money on shoddy work than on a bad design. You can always change the design before construction starts but it costs a lot to tear into walls and fix problems later. Check out a program named Holmes on Homes if you want to see some real horror stories about bad contractors.

The only way you can keep a bad contractor from cutting corners is be there to watch the work every minute. Make sure you get someone you can trust and don't just take the cheapest price.

We did what you're doing, expanding instead of moving. We used a designer, got recommended contractors and suppliers and came out of the whole thing happy.

 

[CyBride]

Look at HCS Builders in Ames. They can design the work to be done, and have a great crew. I know that they will work in Des Moines. We built with them and couldn't be happier with the whole process, from design through moving in.

 

[Rods79]

FYI, persons who are not registered architects in Iowa may perform planning and design services for detached residential buildings containing 12 or fewer family dwelling units of not more than 3 stories and outbuildings in connection with the buildings. Also, nonstructural alterations to existing buildings which do not change the use of the building.