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Architecture/Draftsman costs

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Expert: - 10/23/2007


Question
WE live in central California, and are remodeling our attached garage into family space and will be adding a detached garage. Our house is a fairly new build (5 years) and we have all blueprints and siteplans. We were quoted a cost of $2800 for a draftman to draw up plans for the attached garage remodel and use and existing plan he has for the new detached. does $2800 sound reasonable? The cost will be $3200 if he submits the plans for permitting.

Answer
Hi Laura - thanks for your question!

Here in Central Ohio, I'd consider that a very reasonable fee, assuming he knows what he's doing and is including everything needed for the permit and for bidding and construction.  It's probably an even better price in CA.

Generally, your contractor will secure the permits, so you probably don't need to spend the additional $400 for a service you're going to get free.  Do be sure that your drafter will fully support the work he's done (for no additional cost) if there's a problem securing permits or a problem in the field.

And I would highly recommend that you have a written contract for the drawing work, spelling out all of the above.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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