Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Architect's fee

So someone has wondered whether paying Res4 an architect fee for what is such a simple design was worth it. I think that person was an architect and was being snide. (And I'm sure Res4 would say "what do you mean, simple?") But I'll answer it because I'm sure other people must wonder the same thing.

I was ambivalent about the return on that 15% in the beginning of this process and I can only say that it was an educated leap of faith. You don't know exactly what you're going to be getting for that money other than what your architect tells you and what you can learn about their process. I was satisfied on both counts before we signed up with Res4 that we were going to get our money's worth, and we have. We've taken up more than our fair share of Res4's time and resources over the last year, and been through quite a few designs (and iterations of this design) to get to where we are today. They've encouraged (and enabled) us to be our own GC. They've been spot on with all cost estimates, and they've delivered what they told us they would. They've more than earned their fee.

But more importantly for us, they were the best option (fee included) for the process we had in mind. We looked at the weeHouse, the LV, MKD, the Empyrean offerings, at stock plans that we could stick build. And at the end of the day, for the house we're getting, at the cost we're getting it for, in the time its taking, Res4 made the most sense for us.

No comments: