Advice On Architects/contractors To Use For Tear Down & Rebuild

[gunnerbedlam 0]

Hi

I'm new to this forum java script:emoticon('', 'smid_2')

:(and would like to get more advise on reputable architects/contractors to use for a "tear down and rebuild" project. It involves a landed property about 3,000 sq feet and we have met up with a few architects.

Does anyone have experience with Ace Architects, CLLA and Meridian Homes?

Thanks.

Regards,

GunnerBedlamjava script:emoticon('', 'smid_21')

[gunnerbedlam 0]

Hi

I guess this isn't a very headline grabbing post.

If there is anyone out there who has some experience with these companies or have some things to share with respect to the advantage of hiring an architect to project manage a tear down and rebuild project versus a design & build contractor/company, pls let me know.

Thks.

[yoongf 11]

An independent 3rd party opinion on costs and design is a good insurance policy. Design and Build arrangements does not offer that protection. Design and Build also need to engage QPs, so in the end.. how much can the savings be?

[Chunky Monkey 2]

A friend is using Randy from Zong Architects to build her house for her at Wilkinson Road (Katong). She sounds very pleased with Randy. Hope this helps.

[lindie 0]

My personal 2 cent's worth:

My house is currently undergoing reconstruction. I engaged an architect and the structural engineer is his regular work partner. We engaged our contractor separately, who has never worked with both the architect and engineer before. Throughout the construction period, I could feel the very delicate relationship between the architect/ engineer and contractor:

1. Contractor never dared to propose any changes/ extra things, even though we press them, for fear of offending the architect or contradicting with his design.

2. Pushing responsibilities : each (contractor and architect) saying that "usually this kind of things should be done by (the other party)". In the end, either we the owners chase and chase both sides, or we end up doing ourselves

3. Because the contractor and architect/ engineer have different styles of working, the owners are often at the receiving end. eg, contractor like to verbally clarify, whereas the others want EVERYTHING on black and white. Result : contractor tries not to clarify or contact the architect / engineer if necessary, and many things go wrong, adding to delays.

What I am really trying to say is, whether you go through individual architect or design-and-build companies, make sure all parties can, or better still, have worked satisfactorily with each other before.

Something I heard from some insiders (I do not know whether it's true)... some architect and contractor may be in cahoots to earn extra bucks from you.... so beware too if their relationship is TOO good.

Sorry cannot recommend my architect...... I think he is junk and at this point of time, very angry with him. My contractor not bad though..... except for the delays (but quite usual lah)

[cookcpu 1]

You need to engage a clerk of work also. Normally, to rebuild a house, it will take from 10 to 12 months.

Before awarding a contract to the contractor, it is best to draft out a point by point note on what items are needed to be done and the type of material....etc. If not, without black and white, the contractor will say he don't know about the requested items after the contract are being awarded.

Must have some spare money for your whole project beside the amount allocated for the whole project. There will be bound to have changes to the cost during the cost of building.

Try not to save on the cost of engineers which I make a mistake on my project.