Do I need an architect or designer ?

9 years ago

Hi All. My husband and I buying a house built in 1950s. It has a huge living and dinning and family room but the kitchen is small. There is a dirty laundry room next to the kitchen. Our agent suggested that we might be able to use that space and expand our kitchen and also remodel it. We dont have a huge budget but would like to use the space efficiently and get everything done in 1 shot. Should I hire an Architect or Designer or both to help with this project? I dont know where to even get started.

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PRO

Trinity Builders & Design, Inc.

9 years ago

That is a question often asked and it is hard to give a definite answer that will apply to everyone.

It really depends on your needs: Do you need assistance with just the space design or also with furniture/decorations? How much reframing will be required (If you will need to move walls, you will possibly NEED to hire an architect regardless of the designer).

My suggestion would be to meet with different pros (including a contractor) and get their opinions are and get their initial opinions and estimates, usually that first meeting will not cost you anything and might give you a better idea of which way to turn first.

Good luck!

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Comments (8)

geoffrey_b
9 years ago
I would make a simple drawing on graph paper with what you have now and something you would want. I'd find a contractor to look at it and give you a ball park bid. This is real preliminary - just to get a feel of the approximate costs.

I don't know your situation, but a lot of first time home buyers have the idea they are going to remodel the home - but they usually will not recoup the cost.
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User
9 years ago
Not a huge budget is what exactly? What DIY skills do you bring to the table to stretch that budget? Are you aware that a medium grade, like for like, plain kitchen redo, averages 62K nationally. Without the structural work and additional labors of attempting to combine spaces.
onlywhnchasd
9 years ago
$62k? Come on.

OP, we gutted and remodeled our small kitchen for a total of around $15,000. That included new cabinets, countertops, appliances, hardwood flooring, and opening up a wall. We did not DIY anything. We hired a GC and had a structural engineer draw up the specs for the wall removal.

Start by thinking how you want to use the space, draw up some ideas, and have a couples of GCs out to give you an idea of cost.
User
9 years ago
There are plenty of below average remodels being done. There are plenty of above average ones as well. That's what average means. 15K though, well, you can't even get cabinets for the average kitchen for 15K. Unless you're doing off the shelf cheepchinesecrapola.
geoffrey_b
9 years ago
@Sophie: I wonder what a '$15k complete' kitchen remodel looks like. In 2005 I remodeled our kitchen - the cabinets alone were $20k.

If you figure 50% of the cost is labor, and the GC makes 10% - 40% of $15k = $6,000 for materials..... unbelievable.
onlywhnchasd
9 years ago
Aw, I'm sorry my kitchen remodel doesn't meet the exacting standards of Gardenweb. I think it's lovely, but I guess everyone needs to spend at least $40k on a remodel.

Start saving, OP, you heard it here.
User
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Oh, I've been involved in 10K kitchen remodels. Small ones though. Stock off the shelf crapinets, 2K. Laminate counters fabricated to fit, 1K. Apartment grade appliances, 2.5K. Vinyl floors $500. Sink, faucet, disposal, $600. New replacement center light fixture, $100. New DIY paint, $100. No electrical at all. Just the plumbing reconnects to the crappy old drains and shut off valves, because penny wise and pound foolish. And 4K worth of licensed, insured, and background checked contractor labor, from someone that you'd actually want to allow in your home, to demo all of the old, legally dispose of it, and install the fresh new in the apartment.