Architect or Engineer Stamp on your own home design (homes, general contractor)

[daijoubu]

I am building my own home in HPP and am looking for some help finding a LOW COST way to get that "architect stamp" that the county requires for owner-builders who submit their own home plans? The "pro" architects I asked want thousands of dollars for just "stamping" the work I did myself. Well, I understand they want some business, but if someone is capable of, and puts in the time to design it themselves, there ought to be some way to get that official approval taken care of?

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by daijoubu

The "pro" architects I asked want thousands of dollars for just "stamping" the work I did myself.

You have a misunderstanding of what you are paying for. They have to review every aspect of your plan for safety and compliance to code, because when their stamp goes on the plan, they are certifying the suitability of the plan, and now have a professional accountability and liability to the project.

[Gyva]

Land of the free, to a degree...

Good luck daijoubu hope you find a way around their red tape.

Every free man should be allowed to build his own house.

[daijoubu]

Originally Posted by OpenD

You have a misunderstanding of what you are paying for. They have to review every aspect of your plan for safety and compliance to code, because when their stamp goes on the plan, they are certifying the suitability of the plan, and now have a professional accountability and liability to the project.

Well, isn't that the purpose of the county building permit inspector, that my plan is reviewed for safety and compliance to code, or else they wouldn't approve it? Why do I need another architect to essentially duplicate this effort?

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by daijoubu

Well, isn't that the purpose of the county building permit inspector, that my plan is reviewed for safety and compliance to code, or else they wouldn't approve it? Why do I need another architect to essentially duplicate this effort?

Because that's how it is done here.

I could give you other reasons and rationales, and tell you about the history, but from a practical standpoint the only thing that really matters is to do what they tell you to do.

Besides, the fee for an architect's stamp is a fraction of what it would cost to have an architect draw custom plans, so just accept it as a necessary cost, and move on.

[daijoubu]

Originally Posted by OpenD

Because that's how it is done here.

I could give you other reasons and rationales, and tell you about the history, but from a practical standpoint the only thing that really matters is to do what they tell you to do.

Besides, the fee for an architect's stamp is a fraction of what it would cost to have an architect draw custom plans, so just accept it as a necessary cost, and move on.

I don't doubt that. I'm sure the rules came about thru a complex history and political maneuvering, like most such things. But I hope changes come soon to reflect the advancement of technology, especially the sophisticated architectural software that's available now that really handles all these structural, safety, and code issues automatically. An owner-builder can confidently design a good sound structure this way. The county should allow these without the services of an architect.

I have nothing against architects, and I think the vast majority of people who build their own homes do not have the knowledge, time or inclination to do it this way, and so hire architects and general contractors 99% of the time. It won't hurt their business, but I think if someone wants to do it themselves using approved software, this should be allowed as well.

BTW, if you could recommend some architects in the Puna area who might be willing to work with an owner-builder with the right software, and sign off on the plans for a modest fee, please let me know privately.

Mahalo

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by daijoubu

BTW, if you could recommend some architects in the Puna area who might be willing to work with an owner-builder with the right software, and sign off on the plans for a modest fee, please let me know privately.

Check your mailbox.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

I think "thousands" is probably too much, but it is not just the act of stamping the plans. The architect must do all the work of measuring everything and doing all the math and calculating all the loads. It is not like he is charging you thousands for a 2 minute job.

For those in the know, does the architect or engineer have to be living in Hawaii? I may ship over a pole barn kit and that comes with all the engineering and specs to get it permitted. Will the plans need to be approved again?

[OpenD]

Originally Posted by oregonwoodsmoke

For those in the know, does the architect or engineer have to be living in Hawaii? I may ship over a pole barn kit and that comes with all the engineering and specs to get it permitted. Will the plans need to be approved again?

Yes, plans must be stamped by an architect or engineer with a Hawai'i license.

I had some plans done by a Denver architect, who sent them to an associate in Hawai'i to be stamped.

[stevo6]

...but the Architect doesn't need to live in Hawaii to have a Hawaii stamp. He /she needs to have either passed the Hawaii exam, or received reciprocity through the NCARB.