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Architects in Bristol county MA?

73Lemans

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Aug 13, 2015
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Location
Berkley, MA
Anyone know any good architects for a detached garage build in the Bristol county area of MA? Just in the budgeting/planning stages, but like to start there and get some plans made up so I can talk the same language to the builders in the area.

/Mark
 
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73Lemans

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Aug 13, 2015
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Berkley, MA
I was under the impression the architects would work with engineers to properly design a plan. Thought that might be the most logical place to start. But if I'm incorrect, please lend any opinions you have to the contrary.
 
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jav

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Mar 5, 2010
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Massachusetts
I was under the impression the architects would work with engineers to properly design a plan. Thought that might be the most logical place to start. But if I'm incorrect, please lend any opinions you have to the contrary.

Some architects do- others don't. The reason I ask is that unless you need an engineers stamp for something (like a beam calc), some municipalities will only need a simple plan for an accessory structure so you might not even need an architect.

When I started my garage, which was a fairly simple 25x42 2 level- I had an architect quote it and he wanted nearly a grand to draw it up which included a steel beam stamp and some LVL stamps- which he would farm out anyway. I ended up drawing the plans myself and my lumber supplier was able to stamp the LVL's for free (because i bought them through them) and I was able to pay an engineer considerably less to review my drawings and stamp the beam.
 

SteveeP

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Apr 26, 2013
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74
Location
Pepperell, MA
Another MASS resident here....jav is correct, check with your local building dept. When I built my 36x26 detached, all they needed was simple plans, with the exception of the trusses. The truss manufacturer supplied what was required.
 
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73Lemans

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Joined
Aug 13, 2015
Messages
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Location
Berkley, MA
Fantastic information gentlemen. I had no idea I could get away without an architect. Now at least the possibility exists. I'll call the local building department on Monday to see whats needed. Thanks!
 

rburke65

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Nov 10, 2007
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12,349
Location
Canfield, Ohio
The way I did it was to go to the local building dept. and find out what they needed from me to put up a shop. They had info. already printed up. Then i went to a local lumber yard and worked with them to come up with a material list. They were able to draw on their computer a rough sketch of what. Wanted. We discussed options, trusses, spacing of the posts, windows, costs, a lot of "what if I added this" and "what if I made this bigger" and what would that effect....what would that cost? It really helped. I was lucky to find out from them that they had a build crew....they could supply the material and the builders. It worked out well for me. Ya just have to stop and ask....shop around. I got better looking lumber at the smaller yard than at HDepot or others. It does make a difference in the final outcome. Some things you can put off until later....some you can't. Do not over look site preperation. Make sure your building will sit high. Plan on where the rain water is going to go. Make sure you have a good base for your floor. You can't change these later when your floor is under 3" of water and the drywall is now "wet wall", or when your concrete floor is cracked and constantly damp. Read....then read some more. If you are not sure ASK. Get a contract. And take LOTS of photos. Before...durning and after. Photos are cheap today. Might save your bacon down the road. Good luck.
 
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