All Forum Posts by: Jared W Smith

Being an architect, when I recently purchased a home for my family I was closely watching any modifications and renovations that occurred and if they were legal. Ultimately the home I purchased had a 200 SF addition. It was permitted but was not yet "closed out" (finalized) with the City's building department. Prior to closing on the home owner had to legalize everything with City and include revised Certificate of Occupancy (CO). 

My advice would be to find out what work was done. The extent of renovations should greatly affect the sale. How open has the owner been? Were licensed contractor(s) used? How is the quality of their work? Have your own contractor walk the property with you. If it's internal plumbing revisions, electrical upgrades and/or wall removal/additions, then unless you have pre-renovation floor plans showing what changed, you may be at a lost. However, if it's an exterior modification (an addition, deck, dormer, accessory building, etc.) it should be apparent on current CO. Definitely ask for this to be legalized prior to closing. 

Whatever becomes yours after closing becomes your problem.   

I second what Matthew has said. Why isn't your engineer coordinating this work? You should ask the city directly or contact the proper utility company.  

 Firstly I wouldn't bank on the previous owners and their contractor. Of course they would say it's leak proof and sound. It would suck if you were wrong and new owners had issues days, weeks or months after they close. You should know for sure independent of those that are part of the transaction and ultimately benefit from its sale. 

Get your own contractor or better yet an engineer to occupany you and make an assessment. This could be billed at one to two hours which will be well worth it. 

@Arturo Borges This is totally possible. It just depends on how you structure the business venture. This may be a matter for legal counsel and financing source since you will have to determine how the funds are transferred and who will ultimately "own" the property & building(s). 

You may want to work with a "Design-Build" firm which is basically a combination of architect/engineer and builder combined. However this varies on the firm and their ability to complete large buildings.   

I can kind of understand the surveyor since they are providing the existing conditions, but your architect couldn't provide this? 

I am an architect. This does not seem complex at all. Quite easy in CAD. What are all the angles @Matt Mainini? 

EDIT: just saw that you said no known angles. Why isn't your surveyor able to get the angles? That's kind of important. 

 Hello. I just commented on your other post. I am an Architect. Rather than go in length, I figure I'd give you a link to a pretty comprehensive break down of the design process. This is a pretty thorough description of the standard design process Design-Bid-Build: 

http://blog.buildllc.com/2008/09/the-process-of-ar...

Fast track design is an expedited process and generally there are phases, like foundation scope, which start construction while other components are still in design. This is usually the way large skyscraper are built. They cannot wait for an entire set of documents is complete before starting construction. It would be years and years before any ground breaking. 

Hello @Arturo Borges. I am an architect and have about 10 years experience, licensed here in NY. If you are going to have a large project you will need to establish a relationship with a firm experienced in the type of project you are searching for. Your comfort level is going to be very important. The design process for a large project could be up to a year or more before breaking ground. You do not necessarily have to work with the same team, depends on your overall experience and if the project types are similar. 

You can start your search here: (I am assuming your project is in Florida) 

http://www.aiafla.org/Consumer-Information_Find-an-Architect.cfm

Search the local AIA (American Institute of Architects) for Florida in the locale where the property is. Select project type in drop down menu to narrow your search. Look at their websites and call up a some of them and speak to a senior architect (Associate or higher) to explain your project. It's likely they will have connections for the entire team (landscape, architects, engineers, MEP, etc.) for completing the design.   

Firstly I am surprised you are paying him per hour? I pay my subs and construction on a per job/project/item basis. Provide "X" for $x.00. His slowness benefits his pocket. What exactly is he doing? 

Thank you guys for your responses. 

@Ron Joseph Yes, we are in similar situation. Looks like my gut was right and I'll just sell it. I got your PM. I sent response.  

Yes, you are right. It is in Yonkers. The value is a toss up. So many coops in area and I will admit it's just an okay neighborhood. I am ready to sell. 

Yes the Yonkers market is doing well. So I'm anxious to start. Thanks for commenting.