Cleveland, OH · Member since 2016 · 42 posts · 12 votes
Hello, we are planning on opening a residential assisted living (up to 8 beds) in Ohio. The Board of Building Standard Department informed us that we need to work with a design architect or engineer to draw the plans, and those plans need to be submitted to the building department for review. How much on the average does it cost to hire an architect? Any insight you provide is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Architectural fees typically range between 6-10 percent of the construction budget. It depends on size and scope of the project as well as what engineering is required. Most likely the architect would have structural, electrical, and mechanical engineering included in his fee for this type of project. Civil and Geo-Technical engineering is done by the owner and consults with the architectural team.
Architectural fees typically range between 6-10 percent of the construction budget. It depends on size and scope of the project as well as what engineering is required. Most likely the architect would have structural, electrical, and mechanical engineering included in his fee for this type of project. Civil and Geo-Technical engineering is done by the owner and consults with the architectural team.
You really don't need that level of plan for that type of an approval. A clear floor plan with the exits and safety elements are what is needed. This isn't a construction document that they are requiring. Do not spend that kind of money if you don't have to. I seriously don't think you have to. Gene
Thanks Kinney and Gene for your response. The County Building Standard Department here in Ohio mentioned that since we are changing the usage of the property from a residential to R4 (6 to 17 beds), we have no choice but to comply with today's standard, and the property cannot be grandfathered. Getting an architect to professionally design the plan will cost approx 12k (6% of the construction cost). With this amount of money to spend on the design (excluding $46,600 for sprinkler system install), I really have to think twice about venturing into residential assisted living business. The rehab cost is 200k, excluding sprinkler system, fire alarm, and nurse call. It hurts so much thinking how much the initial cost is.
I really think you can get the architect for a lot less then that. It isn't blue prints for new construction that you need. The Fire suppression should be $3-$4 per square foot of sprinkled space. $46,000 is outrageous. Get a 2nd and a 3rd quote. $15-$20,000 would be more accurate.
The property is on well and needs a pump and a reservoir tank. The fire suppression company said that we need to have sprinkler heads in the garage, basement, and bathrooms (that have more than 55 sqft). This property is a ranch style home and has a little over 3600 sqft). I hope I can get better qoutes.
The stand alone tank and pump is was is killing you for the sprinkler system. Yes you will need sprinklers everywhere. Fire protection engineers are ungodly expensive as we have a small group of them where I work. They can kill a budget quick at $175 an hour for design services.
I agree with 6-10% of construction cost for design fees. You can figure the design services will run $125-$150 and hour on average. Smaller projects could see 12% range.
There is a lot of work that goes into the drawings and specs that people don't realize. I typically deal with 700 pages of specifications that will whittle down to around 350 pages. How fast can you read 700 pages, make decisions and research the products? This accounts for about 70% of specifications for a project.
Have you considered working with a partner on this? I am an electrical Contractor as well as an investor and I have the ability to get that done at a fraction of those costs. I am also really moving my strategy to the residential assisted living. I am debating on going to Gene's class or just buying it online. I also have a Property of my own that I just rehabbed and have on the market, but I really want to turn into an assisted living facility.. my issue is all my money is tied up in this property until I sell or refi.