— ARCHITECT OF RECORD
— DOB EXPEDITING IN-HOUSE
— DOB PROGRESS AND SPECIAL INSPECTION SIGN-OFFS
Service provided by LENKA ILIC ARCHITECTURE D.P.C.
Service provided by LENKA ILIC ARCHITECTURE D.P.C.
CONTENT PREPARED AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY FULL-SERVICE NYC-BASED ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE LENKA ILIC ARCHITECTURE D.P.C.
GOOD PLAN MINIMIZES ADDITIONAL COST
DEFINE STRATEGY WITH QUALIFIED PEOPLE
Quality assurance protocols correct lack of clarity
New York City Building Code will often trigger need for an Architect, which many Owners lack full understanding.
Kitchen and Bathroom remodel including replacing tile will require an architect, to give perspective. Removing/adding wall needs an Architect.
Many Owners look for a Builder first, not knowing that they need design professional's input on code compliance, approvals and legal contractual aspects of project.
Over time, this became pattern, and Builders started abusing this “opportunity” by various false advertisement approaches.
How can you prevent penalties for work without permits?
Owners are not typically familiar with construction laws and protocols and can't make informed decisions without an Architect's input. Builders are not authorized to advise Owners. Scope of work, plans, approvals, selection of a builder, contracts and construction phase administration are responsibilities of an Architect to review.
An Architect advises on Owner/Builder contract to address scope of work, cost and construction schedule and associated contingencies. Builder's proposed contracts can be one-sided and unfavorable for Owner.
Industry standards chiseled over 100 years suggest that an Architect advises Owner on apartment renovation matters at large. The Architect first, Builder second approach allows transparency for Owner. Protections can be achieved only with the following protocols.
Builders do not hold a Design Professional License and Professional Liability Insurance that would cover for errors and omissions related to design advices. Builders hold Builder's License (General Contractor or Home Improvement Contractor) and General Liability Insurance. Builder's insurance would not cover damages arising from Builders advising Owners on design matter. Be wary of Builders that offer design, floor plan layouts, plans, plans coordination, permitting, approvals — they would most likely advertise as “one-stop shop” or “design-build”. Builder advising on renovation matter is conflict of interest. Best protection for Owner is to have Architect advise on apartment renovation process from beginning through completion.
ARCHITECTS ARE DESIGN PROFESSIONALS. ARCHITECT SUGGESTS BUILDER. BUILDER BUILDS BY ARCHITECT'S INPUT.
Contracts related to renovation projects shall strictly define:
SCOPE + TIMELINE + COST
&
RESPONSIBILITIES of Owner, Architect and Builder
Owner will sign two separate contracts, one with an Architect and one with a Builder.
CONTRACT WITH AN ARCHITECT IS SIGNED FIRST!
ARCHITECT VS BUILDER
Transparency and clarity
Industry protocols that an Architect implements on apartment renovation project offer cost control from Initial Meeting to Final Completion.
A Builder cost estimates before engaging an Architect are not reliable as there are no drawings available at that stage.
Construction contract (Owner/Builder Contract) that an Architect advises on, covers omissions in Builder's estimates for Owner's protection. Change orders proposed by a Builder are reviewed by Architect and Owner together, as architect can evaluate proposed cost changes against contract and drawings.
True-cost estimates are only based on Architect-prepared drawings.
SIGN BUILDER CONTRACT ONLY WHEN COST ESTIMATE IS BASED ON ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS PREPARED BY AN ARCHITECT.
Builder's role on renovation project is critical. Selecting a trustworthy Builder that is highly skilled is a hard task and we have solutions:
OUR OFFICE OFFERS PRE-QUALIFIED BUILDERS.
Builders we recommend:
Working with Pre-Qualified Builders our office recommends sets a healthy undertone for Construction Phase.
BE SELECTIVE AND PROTECTED
Time is money
Similarly to construction cost, an Architect acts as an Owner's advisor to review Builder's proposed Construction Schedule.
Any delays by Builder are linked to their payments in Owner/Builder Contract for Owner's protection. Our office provides Contract template to be signed by Builder.
Construction schedules shall clearly indicate start and completion date and any delays. Builder shall provide bi-weekly construction schedule updates during construction phase for our review and proper project oversight.
BUILDER SUBMITS SCHEDULE. ARCHITECT APPROVES.