Is An Architect Really Needed?

Q. We are planning a rectangular, 12.5 feet deep x 42 feet long addition to the back of our ranch home. The addition will be on the long eave side of our home, which is 30 feet gable side x 50 feet eave side. The problem is that the current roof has a fairly low pitch and we do not think we can put a gable roof over the addition-we think it would stick up above the current roof. (The city requires a 4 in 12 pitch on new work). We are wondering if a shed roof will work, but do not know how or where to tie it in to the current roof. We are trying to do most of the work ourselves, but may need help with this one. Are there low-cost design alternatives to an architect? What can I expect to pay? Is it possible to design it ourselves?

"We are wondering if a shed roof will work, but do not know how or where to tie it in to the current roof?"
In some cases, it may be best to extend the existing ridge to acquire the look I am assuming you desire. And yes, this would require a total re-roof but it looks complete and not look like an add-on. Of course, what is the interior of the addition, flat ceiling, vaulted, room sizes or window sizes.

"Are there low-cost design alternatives to an architect?"
Not knowing where you live, the alternative to an Architect is a Building Designer. They can be found through a good contractor, a major lumberyard or your local Building Official may have some names. Most residential projects, like 98 percent do not require an Architect but this is not to say they are not needed. Some projects, due to the enormous size and structural requirements would have to be done by an Architect. With what you are talking about, this is not a requirement.

"What can I expect to pay?"
Most architects may charge 5 percent to 15 percent of the projected construction cost but you can easily save 50 percent of that cost using a Building Designer. In some cases a simple addition from someone who provides good detail could cost $1500 or more. The other issue is not just designing it but ensuring that what is designed is what you want. There are those that offer a review and redraw method, sometimes submitting designs, then allowing you some time to make changes. They draw it up and you review. Then they draw it up again and you can review before final drawings are done. This process is the best and you are assured that it is what you want. Those that will do it for less usually only provide three or four pages and do not allow for any review. Then you are stuck with a bad set of drawings. They tend to leave to many questions with no answers. Remember, a bad set of drawings could cost you in more lumber and hired help, if needed. Since you are doing this yourselves, you would not be able to build it unless you are a well skilled contractor. The cost is also based upon what your municipality requires and existing structure, what needs to be drawn. Usually a flat fee is given as hourly can be very costly depending on the terms of the contract for doing the design/drafting. Architects can charge $100 and more versus a good Designer for $50 and more. The number of hours varies by what you need and how you direct the Designer/Architect. Bear in mind all contact with them is added to the bill. This may include the site survey, which must be drawn concerning the new addition location. In some cases the existing site survey or mortgage survey can be altered by simply drawing in the proposed addition and stapled to the drawings for submittal.

"Is it possible to design it ourselves?"
Designing this yourself with unknown knowledge of what is really required from a construction standpoint and the homeowner does not usually do what is required on the drawings. I have seen some that have tried but failed to get the permit due to inadequate information. It is important to provide all details, lots of notes as the pretty lines do not get you a permit nor help in getting it built. There are no software packages out there that can do this for you. This is where the software is only a "tool" to design but knowledge of the industry, construction methods and complying with various Codes is always best left to those that do it for a living and have the experience to do it right. This avoids costly delays if the plans do not get approved, you will have to resubmit. This means waiting another two-five weeks just for the permit. In essence hiring someone to do this will save you money and you do not have to worry about mistakes. The other advantage is they will know what can be done in the construction to save you money on products.

In summary, you have to decide if you want to try and save money and if it gets done wrong it will cost more to reconstruct it. Or pay what little it costs when compared to the overall value to have it done right? It always amazes me that we never complain about a real estate company getting 6 percent to 7 percent to sell your home which is existing yet complain about the cost for others to design and draft something for others to build it. Guess who puts in more hours overall?