FBG Architects - Single Family Homes (1 Viewer)

[SIDA!]

Was wondering if there were any architects on FBG that might be willing to answer a few questions about building a single family home on a vacant lot. I am primarily interested in understanding the process once you acquire the land.

I recently came across an architect who is operating in an interesting niche that intrigues me. I spoke to a real estate agent who does his listings and she says he is the builder. However, the guy also apparently sells his plans.

I guess what I am trying to get a better handle on is what involvement does an architect usually have with the actual oversight of the building/construction? Do they typically draw up the plans and get all the permitting done and then find contractors and what not to do the actual building?

I was also interested in hearing what the profit margins are. I always here absurd numbers like builders only make 10-12% on the homes they sell and I just don't believe that. So, I was hoping to get some discussion going on that front.

I apologize for the vague/not very well constructed questions. But I am not sure what I don't know...I just know that I don't know and am trying to get a better understanding so that when I approach him for info I don't sound like a moron. Thanks.

 

[johnnycakes]

When we built the first Big House, we hired an architect... he did the plans... handed those to the GC who did everything else, permitting and all.

 

[jon_mx]

Except for drawing, I am not sure much else is covered. I always drew my own plans. He should give you the building plans and the site plan, and then you can take it to the county/city and apply for your permits. You may be required to identify the builder and some of the licences trades like the electrician and plumber and pay the permit fees. There may be other fees such as sewer hookup fees that you may have to pay at some point. The city inspector will tell you when you have to have inspections. Probably your footers will need inspection, an inspection of the framing, an inspection of all the rough-in for HAVC, plumbing, electrical and insulation prior to drywall and the a final. If you built a house, it sat for several months and a realtor was brought in, you may make only 10-15%. On some houses that sell quickly and no realtor is involved you could make 30%. If you are allowed to contract yourself, you may save 15-20%.

 

[nirad3]

Was wondering if there were any architects on FBG that might be willing to answer a few questions about building a single family home on a vacant lot. I am primarily interested in understanding the process once you acquire the land.

I recently came across an architect who is operating in an interesting niche that intrigues me. I spoke to a real estate agent who does his listings and she says he is the builder. However, the guy also apparently sells his plans.

I guess what I am trying to get a better handle on is what involvement does an architect usually have with the actual oversight of the building/construction? Do they typically draw up the plans and get all the permitting done and then find contractors and what not to do the actual building?

I was also interested in hearing what the profit margins are. I always here absurd numbers like builders only make 10-12% on the homes they sell and I just don't believe that. So, I was hoping to get some discussion going on that front.

I apologize for the vague/not very well constructed questions. But I am not sure what I don't know...I just know that I don't know and am trying to get a better understanding so that when I approach him for info I don't sound like a moron. Thanks.

Really depends on the architect, where you're building and a host of other factors.

In many cases he'll pull permits himself. If there's any kind of design review or process with the city in terms of pre-building, then he'll likely do it himself or have a scrub like me do all of that.

If it's just building permits you need, he may do them himself or he may just have the GC do that.

If he's a hands-on kind of architect that is also vested in the building phase, he'll likely come to inspect at various phases of construction to ensure everything is being built to code and his plans.

 

[gianmarco]

I went in reverse. I found a builder who has an architect he works with. I never had to meet directly with the architect as we explained what we wanted to the builder who conveyed the information and brought back the plans. Some back and forths occurred and we ended up with the final plans pretty easily.

I don't know if that's the norm but something to consider, at least.