Ever hire an architect? (floor, build, houses, construction)

[Archguy]

If someone brought me a xerox of a xerox and wanted it modified, I'd have no trouble complying.*
Most 'stock plans' are generic in the extreme, and most are in desperate need of improvement.

* Although it would probably be better if there were no copyright notice

[Robyn55]

Originally Posted by Archguy

They died of starvation right?

Not exactly - but it wouldn't surprise me when it comes to certain architects .

And apropos of the current conversation about having an architect tweak plans...

At least in Florida - you need an architect or an engineer to sign and seal plans in most cases:

http://www.fleng.org/images/files/03...actice%20-.pdf

I doubt you'll find an architect to sign and seal plans if you're just paying him/her a small amount of money to tweak those plans. Robyn

[straight shooter]

With the economy and the greed of many people you would be surprised at how many Architects and Engineers are willing to sign and seal anything for a fee. Professionalism in this country is going downhill quick, I see it everyday.

[Shooting Stars]

Well, I've seen web sites with stock plans that have staff available to change the plans.

The plan I'm talking about is a Southern Living plan. I know at least one person has modified it because they blogged about their construction process. They completely changed the kitchen, the windows, the fireplace, and the entire look of the ceiling. To be honest, they ruined it. They should have chosen another plan because they didn't have the budget to do justice to the original.

Anyway, I thought as long as you bought a set of plans from Southern Living, you could have someone make changes. There can't be a law that says you have to build a plan the way it was drawn.

[slo1318]

Originally Posted by Robyn55

Not exactly - but it wouldn't surprise me when it comes to certain architects .

And apropos of the current conversation about having an architect tweak plans...

At least in Florida - you need an architect or an engineer to sign and seal plans in most cases:

http://www.fleng.org/images/files/03...actice%20-.pdf

I doubt you'll find an architect to sign and seal plans if you're just paying him/her a small amount of money to tweak those plans. Robyn

Florida is a huge market for home designers (non licensed designers). In most states you do not have to be a licensed architect to produce home designs. You may need engineering for portions of plans, but architects would also.
In fact the bulk of the plans you see in magazines for sale are non-licensed designers.
I agree with you on the conversation regarding alterations.

[slo1318]

Originally Posted by Shooting Stars

Well, I've seen web sites with stock plans that have staff available to change the plans.

The plan I'm talking about is a Southern Living plan. I know at least one person has modified it because they blogged about their construction process. They completely changed the kitchen, the windows, the fireplace, and the entire look of the ceiling. To be honest, they ruined it. They should have chosen another plan because they didn't have the budget to do justice to the original.

Anyway, I thought as long as you bought a set of plans from Southern Living, you could have someone make changes. There can't be a law that says you have to build a plan the way it was drawn.

Southern Living plans show who designed them, it would be simple to have alterations made. If you bought it, Im sure there is little bother making minor changes. What you can get in trouble for is handing a local architect or designer that plan and having them copy it with a few minor changes.
Its like copying music, lots of people do it and never get caught, but there are actually very stiff penalties for doing so....

[Robyn55]

Originally Posted by slo1318

Florida is a huge market for home designers (non licensed designers). In most states you do not have to be a licensed architect to produce home designs. You may need engineering for portions of plans, but architects would also.
In fact the bulk of the plans you see in magazines for sale are non-licensed designers.
I agree with you on the conversation regarding alterations.

At least here in Florida - there are practical implications as well. When we built in NE Florida in 1995 (after moving from Miami) - wind code here was only 95 mph - on a coastal barrier island . We wanted 125 mph. And had to work with an engineer (and our architect and our builder) to get to that wind standard. I realize Florida presents some unusual challenges - but they're the challenges we had to deal with. Robyn

[slo1318]

Originally Posted by Robyn55

At least here in Florida - there are practical implications as well. When we built in NE Florida in 1995 (after moving from Miami) - wind code here was only 95 mph - on a coastal barrier island . We wanted 125 mph. And had to work with an engineer (and our architect and our builder) to get to that wind standard. I realize Florida presents some unusual challenges - but they're the challenges we had to deal with. Robyn

Sure and I think thats a good idea in a hurricane prone area. You have the 3 components of design, engineering and construction. Looks like you covered it all and hopefully the silent partner didnt growl too much (the budget).

I am impressed in South Florida how they adapted to the codes after hurricane Andrew. Concrete construction, hurricane rated windows, it probably seemed insurmountable to the construction industry at first....

[straight shooter]

Originally Posted by slo1318

Sure and I think thats a good idea in a hurricane prone area. You have the 3 components of design, engineering and construction. Looks like you covered it all and hopefully the silent partner didnt growl too much (the budget).

I am impressed in South Florida how they adapted to the codes after hurricane Andrew. Concrete construction, hurricane rated windows, it probably seemed insurmountable to the construction industry at first....

But the roofs which are the most important component have not been adequately addressed. They all suck and can't withstand a hurricane, especially shingle roofs. Concrete roofs or properly installed metal roofs should be the norm.

[Shooting Stars]

Originally Posted by slo1318

Southern Living plans show who designed them, it would be simple to have alterations made. If you bought it, I'm sure there is little bother making minor changes. What you can get in trouble for is handing a local architect or designer that plan and having them copy it with a few minor changes.

Its like copying music, lots of people do it and never get caught, but there are actually very stiff penalties for doing so....

Well I figured there had to be a legal way to change a Southern Living plan.

It turns out they have partnered with another company that is authorized to customize the plans.

Customize House Plan | Southern Living House Plans

The only thing I find annoying about it, is that it would all be conducted long distance. It's not like you can just drive over to a local architect and hash it out face-to-face. It seems like it would be more frustrating.