My husband and I are looking to add on an additional bedroom and bath to our home. Does anyone have any recommendations on hiring an architect? (Or is it better to use a contractor and draftsman?) I'd love to hear anyone's experience with this. Including the costs for the drawing up of the design... I am just out for fact finding right now - I know there's a ton of red tape that comes along with home additions...especially in this town. Thanks so much for any advice!
COMMENT 137752
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2011-01-18 11:59 AM |
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I would recommend Scott Armstrong with Armstrong Construction. Very nice guy and very competant.
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COMMENT 137761
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2011-01-18 12:25 PM |
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Kevin O'Reilly 698 6633
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GECKOGIRL23
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2011-01-18 12:31 PM |
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Bree Medley Designs is a local company that I would recommend. "Bree Medley Designs specializes in custom residential design with an emphasis on "healthy home" & environmentally responsible designs." I know Bree personally and she is one of the most professional people I know. http://www.BreeMedleyDesigns.com
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COMMENT 137765
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2011-01-18 12:35 PM |
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And if you have a problem with the building permit, just give the mayor's office a call for suggestions.
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COMMENT 137768
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2011-01-18 12:48 PM |
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MPR - Alden Fairbanks is awesome!!!!! My new bathroom has added much more than its cost to the value of my home. 455-7416.
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COMMENT 137769
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2011-01-18 12:51 PM |
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I second Bree Medley Designs.
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COMMENT 137774
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2011-01-18 01:04 PM |
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David Burke is great.
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COMMENT 137782
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2011-01-18 01:27 PM |
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You will need a permitted set of plans either way just to get started. You can do that 2 ways: #1. Less expensive bu can take longer: Have a dratsman draw the architectural set and have his structural engineer stamp it. #2. Or the more conventional route which could be faster, hire an architect and have him stamp it. Allen Associates is an excellent general contractor.
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COMMENT 137789
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2011-01-18 01:40 PM |
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Bill Shelly 680-1957
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COMMENT 137795
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2011-01-18 02:15 PM |
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Tom Meaney 805.966.7668 did a great job for us - and he's nice gut despite his last name.
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COMMENT 137798
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2011-01-18 02:24 PM |
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I reccomend Mary Winder (805) 452-9063 She is an excellent architect and has reliable contractors that she works with.
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COMMENT 137802
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2011-01-18 02:46 PM |
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Dennis Allen?
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CEES
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2011-01-18 04:24 PM |
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Go with an architect for the design and drawings as you will get a better design solution. It doesn't necessarily mean more money, even with the costs to hire the architect, as often times the design can save construction costs due to new materials or a more efficient design. My recommendation: Jeffrey Stoutenborough Architect, www.jsa-sb.com, 957-2040. As he says on his website, "My goal in all projects is to provide my clients with design that works, then to add a sense of delight with interesting spaces and pleasing aesthetics which respond to the site and the context of the location. As much as this, good design entails working within the project budget and being responsible with the Earth’s resources." Disclaimer: He's my husband. But honestly I do live in and love his designs!
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COMMENT 137866
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2011-01-18 06:28 PM |
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Curt Moniot, Moniot design hands down.
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COMMENT 137875P
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2011-01-18 06:57 PM |
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Kevin O'Reilly is a licensed contractor who does architectural drawings for other contractors and customers. He has a close association with the Building department and the Building inspectors. He is experienced and is able to creatively design living places. 6986633
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COMMENT 137891P
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2011-01-18 07:51 PM |
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Don't know about architects, but we've used Brian Wingate (contractor) several times now, including some major remodeling, and would use him again.
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COMMENT 137916
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2011-01-19 06:28 AM |
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Tom Ochsner
link
Whether big or small, he is fantastic to work with.
I am a general contractor that just finished a small Upper Westside remodel and had Tom prepare the plans and permits for the City. As I do with all scopes of work, we got three proposals from three architects here in town and Tom ended up right in the middle and my client felt that he was the most attentive and listened to what she wanted in her remodel.
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COMMENT 137921
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2011-01-19 06:34 AM |
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If you can grid out what you want, you will save money, and then when you hire your contractor, make him sign an agreement stating that he will bring the project in withing so many months and if they go beyond it is out of their pocket. It works, they keep taking off trying to get bids and the project just keeps going, and overun costs, watch out!
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EL BARBARENO
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2011-01-19 07:41 AM |
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Not all contractors are a him. Libby Easterday (569-0184) is a wonderful contractor. The work was great and the job site was always cleaned up at 5 so when we came home every evening there was no dust or debris. She does full on construction as well as small jobs. link
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COMMENT 137968
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2011-01-19 08:05 AM |
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Everlasting Construction - Paul is a licensed general contractor who also does design work and architectural drawings. Clients appreciate seamless communication thru every stage of the design/permit/build process. He helps his clients flush out their ideas into a functional design that can be built within their budget. Architectural drawings and structural engineering for a bedroom and bath will run $5-10K. The price depends upon the scope of the project and whether your home is under the jurisdiction of the Goleta, SB, or Montecito building department. Disclaimer: He's my hubby! Check out our website.
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COMMENT 137997
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2011-01-19 08:46 AM |
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Tom Ochsner
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COMMENT 137999
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2011-01-19 08:49 AM |
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Architect Scott Branch with Burnell, Branch & Pester, is wonderful to work with and also has experience shepherding projects through the city and county review process.
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VEGGIMA
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2011-01-19 09:12 AM |
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Corbu Construction - licensed contractors. Great high integrity group!
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COMMENT 138032
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2011-01-19 09:40 AM |
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I would NOT be quick to recommend Scott Armstrong. We had a great experience with the Kitchen Company.
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COMMENT 138040
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2011-01-19 09:52 AM |
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Tom Lutz - Lutz Construction
805-451-2554
Honest, great work and has an architect he works with
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COMMENT 138046P
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2011-01-19 10:01 AM |
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I am an architect, but hesitant to troll for work on Edhat. I am assuming that you don't know anyone who has done an addition/remodel lately? A word of mouth referral from someone you know and trust is always the best place to start. You might contact the SB chapter of the American Institute of Architects. For residential projects, you don't need an actual architect. An unlicensed draftsman or designer is acceptable, but someone will have to stamp the structural portion of the project for submittal to the Building Department. One big difference between most unlicensed drafters/designers and architects is insurance: Most architects carry professional liability insurance, while most unlicensed practitioners don't (but it is good to ask whomever you talk to). They technically don't have to have insurance, but it is always a good sign if they do.
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COMMENT 138059P
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2011-01-19 10:12 AM |
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Best to ask for multiple references when you get to looking for a contractor. Call them up and ask if there were any problems that weren't solved to their satisfaction. There will always be minor problems--its how they are resolved that counts. I chose a contractor who was neat, clean, worked on a good timetable, but who made some minor bathroom plumbing gaffes which were such rank mistakes they left my DIY brother shaking his head, and which cost us about $300 retail in parts (no labor) to fix. Because of our health issues, it was not an option to have the contractor back to fix the problems at the time. Later we did resolve the $ issue with some further labor.
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COMMENT 138084
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2011-01-19 10:59 AM |
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I am a local architect and suggest you contact the SB Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The AIASB website also is an immediate resource with listings of all current member architects, most with links to their websites. There a many highly qualified AIA architects to select from. There are many changes to the building code which took effect January 1, 2011 that your addition will need to be in compliance with in order to be approved by the building department. Licensed architects are required to stay abreast of these code changes. AIA architects are also required to complete 18 units of continuing education credit each year in such areas as green building design, health, safety and welfare to name a few. I encourage you to view several websites and interviewing a minimum of 3 architects before selecting one. I hope you view some projects at my website, www.m2architecture.net Best of luck with your project.
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COMMENT 138095
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2011-01-19 11:16 AM |
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Architect Dwight Gregory 569.5380
Draftsman Permit Planners 895.1414
Contractor Paragon Builders 745.8588 They are all so great to work with and will jump through any hoop given to them. They are efficient and friendly with over 30 years in the SB area. If you need any ideas or leads call anyone of them for help and references. Make sure anyone you hire is licensed and insured.
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COMMENT 138109
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2011-01-19 11:46 AM |
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Recommend SkyeLine Construction - 966-1919 Skye is efficient, has a great crew, and a great eye for design.
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COMMENT 138149P
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2011-01-19 01:38 PM |
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Another local source for contractors and architects is the Santa Barbarba Contractors Association, www.sbcontractors.org and their site for sustainable building, Built Green Santa Barbara, www.builtgreensb.org. Note in the discussion about architects, a professional architect is licensed by the State of California and is now required to attend continuing education to renew the license. Not all licensed architects use the designation "AIA" (it is a paid membership), however only licensed architects are allowed to use AIA with their name.
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COMMENT 138204
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2011-01-19 04:56 PM |
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We think the best architect in town is Dennis Thompson at Thompson, Naylor.
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COMMENT 138210
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2011-01-19 05:17 PM |
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I second the recommendation for Tom Meaney Architect by 137795.
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SPARKEY
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2011-01-19 08:10 PM |
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Architect: Kris Kirkelie: 689-7370 Contractors: Carlos, Island View Construction 698-1243
Randy Hahka, Hahka Builders 895-7629
Ed Koke, Koke Construction 455-1140 All three contractors are wonderful to work with. Randy specializes in kitchens, but we have done additions with him as well. He has a showroom in Goleta.
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COMMENT 138257
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2011-01-19 08:36 PM |
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Nice to have so many to choose from. You will know best by checking their references and meeting them personally. Best of luck to you.
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COMMENT 138260P
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2011-01-19 09:01 PM |
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I am a local kitchen designer and I have worked with Carlos Gonzalez - Island View Construction on MANY projects. He is great to work with and an excellent contractor. He also had a good eye for design. Regardless of which architect you choose, fire them immediately if they do not personally walk your property before starting the project. It is sad that some ( too many ) architects do not bother to consider any of the natural elements when designing. I cannot tell you how many times I have seen lost views and poor choices because of laziness . It is important to consider natural lighting when placing a window etc.... and do not install a skylight in your bedroom if you enjoy sleeping in! It is common knowledge in the industry that Peter Becker is one of the top local architects. I know Matt Hepner personally and have worked with him on some amazing projects in Avila beach. He is relocating and is set to begin a project, but may be able to help you with your initial drawing and planning process. His number is 712-2701
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