All Forum Posts by: Jared W Smith

 Hello @Kay Mayes, I am an architect and do work in NYC as well as the surrounding counties. I would be happy to take a look at the property and see if it is possible to do a conversion. DM the property address and we can discuss further. Thanks

Thank you @Ceasar Rosas for the referral. Appreciate it. 

To @Scott Krone and @Barry Ruby's point. Scott you make some great points. Few architects are or seek to be on the equity or full developer side of things. This may be due to the fear of the unknown. Not sure. This also is predicated on if this is a down-in-the-trenches type of architect or mainly in the office designer type. Nothing wrong with either but they both have vastly different skillsets. The financial freedom, in my eyes, doesn't come from only doing architecture.  

@Aaron Vanderpool As architects we are suited for development more than we believe. We typically see all the steps and take part in portions of it also. Not sure where you’re experience is but it’s really not that difficult with out skill set. As other mentioned, your best bet is to partner with a builder or developer and get your feet wet on something small maybe. Then go from there and scale. 

I am actually doing this as we speak. I work in residential architecture mostly now. I ended up working with a developer many years ago. We we have a mutual friend and we linked back up last year. We are partnered on a wholesale deal plus have some JV land / development projects in the works. Kind of the best of both world since I am still running my architecture business also.

@Candace Hall Hello, just wanted to chime in as an architect.  

Asbestos is not uncommon, especially in older homes/buildings. Since you're new in this endeavor, it may seem expensive however $10k for asbestos abatement is not very costly. I recently completed a vermiculite (attic insulation containing asbestos) for a brownstone home in NYC and the abatement was close to $30k. I would advise getting a detailed break down of where the asbestos is located since it can typically be in various materials. [Such as insulation, flooring finishes & mastic (glue), and plaster to name a few.] Then abate these things according to local protocols. After which you can have a demo crew bring down what ever structure remains. The removal of the house needs to be thought of as a line item to get your project built. 

As far as the MFH/Apartment, yes you can do the searching and investigating on your own or look for an architect familiar with your locale. Not sure of your state (I think you said in CA) or the project's complexity. However, you don't know what you don't know and this could hurt you down the line if proper due diligence isn't taken in the planning stages. CA has many restrictions and protocols. An architect could very well fill the voids you may have for the home's demolition plus other related cost for jurisdictional approvals (Building Department, Planning/Site Plan Review, Department of Health, etc.). Plus as @Ceasar Rosas said, speak to some local Builders for preliminary ball park cost.  

Jared W. Smith - Principal Architect @ Architect Owl PLLC

@Evan Polaski spelled it out pretty well in general steps. I have done second floor additions several times. Having a good architect with his design team complete with engineers is a must. The time span and if the first floor can support the second story is what you hire the architect/engineer for. A lot of your questions are specific to the property and the existing home as to what the layout and framing/supports will look like. 

Your last question changes the entire scope. Zoning and creating several units is a tall order and must be done in full compliance with the Building Code and jurisdictional requirements. @Account Closed

Jared W. Smith, RA

Principal Architect - Architect Owl, PLLC

@Alfredo Alfaro

There’s quite a bit to grasp with doing a conversion renovation. I have completed several and it’s can be complex and paperwork heavy. Not something to guess on or try and figure out yourself. You need to contact the local building department and hire an architect familiar within the locale. 
I am located in NY. If you’re in the Tri-State, I am more than happy to walk you through the process. 

Jared W. Smith, RA 

Principal Architect - Architect Owl, PLLC

 Very interesting. I will read through this in depth however what NY State does is likely not going to be the same as NYC. NYC is one of the only cities with its own Building Code and not just a adoption of the State Code with revisions. The density and uniqueness of NYC dictates this. We shall see the outcome and what areas adopt it. 

Jared W. Smith, RA

Principal Architect - Architect Owl PLLC

This is not the recommendation the OP should be going off. Based on the original post he has hired a concrete company. There is no mention of a designer. It appears the OP is fairly clueless on this scope of work sheerly by the post title in itself. Why wouldn't you hire a professional to walk you through an area you lack clarity and is as important as THE FOUNDATION of the house?? Amazes me how "hiring an architect... would be a poor use of funds.." is thrown out there in such a critical part of a home. Build it correctly the first time and avoid future problems. 

To generally answer the OP and for those reading this in the future, foundation piers are located below what ever framing the home has. It supports beams and load bearing walls allowing the loads (dead, live, snow, etc.) to be transferred into the ground. Typically the local Building Codes has minimum loads for each use (broken down to per SF) occurring in a house/building. Following the calculation of the total loads present, you must utilize tributary area to pin point which loads are direct to what load bearing walls or posts will carry it. Piers are then sized accordingly for the loads and the capacity of the soil present. Soo in other words, get an architect or engineer to do the plan and then have the concrete company follow it.       

Jared W. Smith, RA (NY) - Principal Architect @ Architect Owl PLLC  

@Dino Herbert states it well. You're going to have to prove that your units comply with the current code. If you want to avoid sprinklers, then other changes will be necessary to mitigate fire spread by means of fire rated partitions, separations, etc. Did the inspector quote any Codes for reference. If you have engaged an architect, this would be right up their alley of services. 

Jared Smith, RA - Principal Architect @ Architect Owl PLLC  

I concur with @Jamie Hora & @Nik Moushon. 

My fee is likely the same if not a little more if you bring a set to me and I have to go through it room by room, detail by detail to figure out what meets local code and what doesn't. And then the foundation and site plan still need to be developed. 

Jared Smith, RA - Principal Architect Architect Owl PLLC