Q: Would it be foolish to build far away? Should I wait until I can physically be there? I'll be retiring in a few years and would like to build a custom home far (2k miles) from my current location. Ideally, I'd initiate the process about a year before I retire, and the home would be completed by my retirement date. I would hire an architect for the full suite of … [Read more...] about Can I Design & Build A Home In Another State?
Architects
Architect’s Plans Don’t Meet Code
Andrew writes: I hired an architect who drafted plans for a loft in our townhouse. My contractor brought the plans to the city and was denied a building permit because the plans didn't fit the building code. Now the architect is re-doing the plans, and billing me for this cost and for the time required to meet with the building and planning department to sort out the … [Read more...] about Architect’s Plans Don’t Meet Code
Who Owns an Architect’s Plans & CAD Files?
Egbert writes: I have paid an architect in full ($7,000) for plans to an addition that measures 18x30 ft. The plan was declined by the zoning board, which later approved a revised plan for a smaller addition of 18x20 ft. When I asked him for the CAD files, the architect refused to give them to me. Kindly advise whether I have the right to own the CAD files? Also, should I be … [Read more...] about Who Owns an Architect’s Plans & CAD Files?
Finding a Designer to Modify Plans
Terry writes: I have talked to many contractors and they mention that a home designer or adviser is able to work on layouts, provide plans, and file permits for the customer at less cost than architects. Do you know of any in the Dallas area I can contact? For the most part I'm trying to find an organization that offers these options. I have already picked a plan that I want … [Read more...] about Finding a Designer to Modify Plans
Who Pays for Architect’s Mistake?
Q: We had to build a new basement under our home and hired an architect to develop plans. The job included enlarging our downstairs bedroom and adding a garage off the bedroom. The former back entrance was a split-level (you either walked up 5 stairs to the main floor, or down 7 stairs to the basement). The exposed foundation wall at the entrance was about 2-1/2 ft. high. … [Read more...] about Who Pays for Architect’s Mistake?