Do I need an engineer or a architect or both?
Last Post 12 Nov 2011 01:43 PM by dave111. 4 Replies.
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douglrowlUser is Offline
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11 Nov 2011 09:29 PM

Hello all, This is my first post/question. I have designed a house and plan to build using ICFs in the spring of 2013. The custom home was designed using one of the computer software “home design” programs and lacks any engineering or code information. I need to make sure plan is feasible ( both with the ICF construction and the support structure). I know the professions are significantly different, but will an architect have the skills and knowledge to design a workable blueprint from my plans? The same question applies to the engineer. Is he able to make the house work overall as he engineers the details of the structure? Or do I need both for their diverse specialties? Thanks, Doug

AltonUser is Offline
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11 Nov 2011 09:55 PM
Where do you plan to build? 

Yes, an architect and engineer can help you if you know what you want.  However, you may not need an engineer or architect.  It depends upon your local requirements and the design.  If you are building in my area, then I can donate some time to your project or at least answer your questions.

My e-mail address:
Alton at Auburn dot Edu 
Residential Designer &
Construction Technology Consultant -- E-mail: Alton at Auburn dot Edu Use email format with @ and period .
334 826-3979
ICFHybridUser is Offline
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11 Nov 2011 10:01 PM
If you already have the design and you like it, then it is unlikely you need an architect, although a good one could probably make many improvements and suggestions while they draw up the set of plans. An architect definitely has the skills and knowledge to take your concepts and help make them a reality.

Just a set of plans could be handled by a good draftsman, but unless you've got everything correct on codes, you would do well to have a home designer touch it up and generate the plans. Either way, you will need someone with an engineering stamp to verify structure.

Whatever you do, make sure you get an architect or a designer or even a draftsman who is familiar with ICF construction. It will most likely save you loads of time and cost during the build. What I found was that everyone claimed they could do ICF, but only a few really had enough experience to actually pull it off. That means you will have to get into the ICF community including the distributors to find out who does ICF and who does it well.
linelmarhaoUser is Offline
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12 Nov 2011 12:28 PM
Depending on where you plan to build. you may need one or the other if the plans need to be stamped or none if the comunity do not require and you can save some money that way. I build custome homes with icf and much more. I am available as consultant if you want just email me.
dave111User is Offline
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12 Nov 2011 01:43 PM
I would suggest the engineer, but make sure s(he) is experienced with ICF. Last big project I did I hired one of each, the engineer just told me to build it as I drew it and I could have his stamp. The architect wanted to change my design. I found I was always arguing with him, not a satisfying experience. My current project is a DIY ICF house, and again I did my own design, but this time didn't bother with an architect. I did need a stamp so the planning department would let me go, so I hired an ICF experienced engineer. He made a couple of suggestions to the roof structure (which is wood frame) which saved me more in construction then he cost, so money well spent. Of course YMMV.
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