This job was supposed to be completed in anticipation of an expected newborn in June. That was made quite clear and re-emphasized. Throughout the contract I failed to be able to contact the contractor and/or receive a response in a timely fashion. The following are the points on which I have issue. 1. We had a contract and agreement that was set in motion in person, onsite and agreed upon that he would Start on Sat. May 24th 2014 with Tues. May 27th as an alternate date in the event they time needed to finish a prior job. That start date did not occur. Instead they began work nearly 1 week and a half after the agreed upon date without notice that there would be a delay. (I called three times to inquire; twice without success) 2. He gave me a definitive time frame of 1 week to complete the job from the start date. I conservatively factored in 10 days at the time of our shaking hands and discussing the job at length and in writing with my family member present. It took approx. 49 days to complete a job that takes 7 days according to his own words. 3. Throughout the time it took to complete the job their were multiple days during which no work was performed (not due to normal waiting i.e. -drying times, setting etc.). In fact most days no one or only one person showed up. 4. Several aspects of the agreed upon job were not completed and others not completed to satisfaction. I canceled the installing of the carpet because the services had been lacking at best and It had been taking too long . -We had agreed on three recessed areas for storage during two of our discussions and only one was completed with the reason given that it had been an oversight and unfortunately the wall was made already. -The south facing window had been agreed to be enlarged and it was not. In fact it is extremely lax and It appears I will have to have someone else fix that issue. -There were uneven cuts on the Sheetrock he installed on the ceiling with no reasonable explanation given for why. 5. On July 15th I received a call at work to inform me that the job was finished after having not been present at the site nor in contact for well over a week. I inspected the 'finished job' that weekend and found that the base boards were not in place, paint cans still open and present, still no railing had been installed (however he did mention that needed to go up still during our last conversation) and more.
6. I did receive 2 personal reasons why there was a delay of a few days. i did not then nor, at any point, harass or pressure him. As I understand things happen. However The remaining time was completely devoid of communication and progress 7. Prior to the call on the 15th I had planned to terminate their employ and have someone else come and finish the job. Again Please keep in mind that this job was planned out by a licensed and sealed architect with over 12 years experience. It became clear this was taking way to long to complete. I was only so patient because my mother seemed to like him and the fact that they were a small family owned business. I do not agree with the assessment of positive business qualities that were reviewed on Angie's list's with the exception of them being polite in person. The contractor then contacted me to request I pay the remainder of the balance despite the aforementioned issues. He then tried to go back on the coupon listed in the booklet that was present at the initial walk through prior to work beginning as agreed. the coupon clearly states in the Angie's list booklet 10%off for Angie's list members on: General Remodeling, New Roofs, Repairs, Additions, Siding, Masonry. I called Angie's list and spoke with a representative (Zack) to clear up the dispute and even sent a photo of said coupon in. My request for an itemized bill and invoice from the beginning went unanswered. Items sat in storage for an additional two months. No Carpet was installed, only one cubby, painting unfinished (and I provided paint myself) the work was left unfinished as described before. I have photo and video Showing the progress or lack thereof from May to June. I even have photos to show the work done after that. This Summary of events was presented to the contractor months ago and went unanswered If he had any reason to dispute the events that have been written here as not accurate he had ample time to discuss them with me and I have not heard from him since then."},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ny/schenectady/g-and-a-custom-homes-reviews-6223236.htm"},"position":2},{"@type":"ListItem","item":{"@type":"LocalBusiness","name":"Wise Home Solutions Inc.","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressRegion":"NY","addressCountry":"US"},"review":{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Gregory B."},"reviewBody":"The guy who came was really very good. He is a licensed architect which is one of the reasons why we were interested in the first place. He did give us a series of things that we could do. It wasn?t like one big huge project, but it was lot of small things to do. We did some of the simple things that he had suggested. If the mold appears again, then we will try the difficult things that he had told us. He gave us a written report too. The price was appropriate. The guy knew what he was doing and he spent a lot of time with us."},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ny/albany/wise-home-solutions-inc-reviews-2705683.htm"},"position":3},{"@type":"ListItem","item":{"@type":"LocalBusiness","name":"SPARKLIN JOHNS BATHROOM RENOVATORS","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressRegion":"NY","addressCountry":"US"},"review":{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Kim M."},"reviewBody":"He walked off the job. He never obtained the permits. He had done structural changes to my house and I was the one that went to the builder inspector and found that he needed an architect. I wasn't able to live in my house and I had to hire another company to do the work. He was telling me one story and telling the building inspector another story. I was oblivious because I was not living in the home at the time."},"url":"https://www.angi.com/companylist/us/ny/schenectady/sparklin-johns-bathroom-renovators-reviews-430832.htm"},"position":4}]}
Architectural Service reviews from real Angi homeowners in Albany, NY
This Remodel was assessed and written out by a Licensed Architect (I will attach it below) This job was supposed to be completed in anticipation of an expected newborn in June. That was made quite clear and re-emphasized. Throughout the contract I failed to be able to contact the...
We are a small general contracting business, specializing in chimney services and repairs, chimney caps, chimney sweeps, fireplaces, other masonry services, and more! We focus on happy and repeat customers. We are dependable and trustworthy. Read more below on all the services we offer and contact us with any questions or to schedule a free estimate today!
"Brian was great to work with. He was always on time and worked hard. Nice guy and will continue to call him for any job!"
RoseAnn M on July 2024
We are a small general contracting business, specializing in chimney services and repairs, chimney caps, chimney sweeps, fireplaces, other masonry services, and more! We focus on happy and repeat customers. We are dependable and trustworthy. Read more below on all the services we offer and contact us with any questions or to schedule a free estimate today!
"Brian was great to work with. He was always on time and worked hard. Nice guy and will continue to call him for any job!"
High end architect specializing in making a house feel like home! I make people’s dream homes a reality. There is nothing more satisfying to me then improving the quality of life for my clients and giving them a house that they are able to make into their homes. I have been a licensed architect since 2015 and am currently registered in Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Maine and Massachusetts. With my NCARB certificate I am able, if necessary, to obtain reciprocal licensure throughout the country in a short time period. I am inspired by our local built environment, humble materials, classical building forms and traditional building details. I have a strong interest in the reinterpretation of classical building forms, blended with contemporary open floor plans. I have a stronger interest in helping to guide my clients to ways of improving the quality of their lives through adapting the built environment to meet their needs.
"Good googggg"
Myint M on April 2024
High end architect specializing in making a house feel like home! I make people’s dream homes a reality. There is nothing more satisfying to me then improving the quality of life for my clients and giving them a house that they are able to make into their homes. I have been a licensed architect since 2015 and am currently registered in Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Maine and Massachusetts. With my NCARB certificate I am able, if necessary, to obtain reciprocal licensure throughout the country in a short time period. I am inspired by our local built environment, humble materials, classical building forms and traditional building details. I have a strong interest in the reinterpretation of classical building forms, blended with contemporary open floor plans. I have a stronger interest in helping to guide my clients to ways of improving the quality of their lives through adapting the built environment to meet their needs.
Our firm is a dynamic provider of drafting and house plan services, dedicated to turning your visions into tangible and pleasing structures. With a commitment to excellence, we bring expertise and innovation to every project we undertake. We specialize in comprehensive drafting services tailored to meet diverse client needs. Our offering include: Design: Crafting unique and functional designs that blend creativity with practicality. Drafting Services: Precision and attention to detail in creating accurate and detailed drafts for seamless project execution. 3D Modeling: Bringing designs to life with realistic 3D models that provide a vivid preview of the final structure. Project Management: From concept to completion, we offer end-to-end project management ensuring timely and efficient delivery. Interior Design: Enhancing spaces with innovative interior designs that harmonize aesthetics and functionality. Detail Services Offered: - Building Code Compliance - Construction Documentation - Renovation and Remodeling Plans About our Team: Our team comprises draftsman and project managers, each bringing a unique skill, style and experience to the table. Collaborative teamwork and alliance is at the core of our success, ensuring a holist approach to every project. We take pride in our commitment to delivering high-quality work on every project. Our rigorous quality control measures, pays attention to client requirements, and adherence to industry standards are the cornerstones of our success. Your satisfaction is our top priority and guarantee. At Evolution Drafting, we don't design structures; we create environments that inspire and endure. Work with us and experience the art of living.
"slow response times. no onsite visit, so had to confirm all measures myself. good product in the end."
Jim E on September 2025
Our firm is a dynamic provider of drafting and house plan services, dedicated to turning your visions into tangible and pleasing structures. With a commitment to excellence, we bring expertise and innovation to every project we undertake. We specialize in comprehensive drafting services tailored to meet diverse client needs. Our offering include: Design: Crafting unique and functional designs that blend creativity with practicality. Drafting Services: Precision and attention to detail in creating accurate and detailed drafts for seamless project execution. 3D Modeling: Bringing designs to life with realistic 3D models that provide a vivid preview of the final structure. Project Management: From concept to completion, we offer end-to-end project management ensuring timely and efficient delivery. Interior Design: Enhancing spaces with innovative interior designs that harmonize aesthetics and functionality. Detail Services Offered: - Building Code Compliance - Construction Documentation - Renovation and Remodeling Plans About our Team: Our team comprises draftsman and project managers, each bringing a unique skill, style and experience to the table. Collaborative teamwork and alliance is at the core of our success, ensuring a holist approach to every project. We take pride in our commitment to delivering high-quality work on every project. Our rigorous quality control measures, pays attention to client requirements, and adherence to industry standards are the cornerstones of our success. Your satisfaction is our top priority and guarantee. At Evolution Drafting, we don't design structures; we create environments that inspire and endure. Work with us and experience the art of living.
"slow response times. no onsite visit, so had to confirm all measures myself. good product in the end."
With over 12 years of experience serving Schenectady county and surrounding areas, Bottega of Architecture is the solution for all your architectural needs. We take great pride in our extreme professionalism, timeliness, and superior customer service on every job. We develop lasting relationship so that the next time service is needed there's no question on who to call. Satisfaction guaranteed! Call us today!
"null"
Andrea H on May 2019
With over 12 years of experience serving Schenectady county and surrounding areas, Bottega of Architecture is the solution for all your architectural needs. We take great pride in our extreme professionalism, timeliness, and superior customer service on every job. We develop lasting relationship so that the next time service is needed there's no question on who to call. Satisfaction guaranteed! Call us today!
Troy Parker, a New York-based interior designer and CEO, is renowned for blending fashion-forward aesthetics with functional design. With an impressive background in fashion design from Parsons School of Design and the Fashion Institute of Technology, and business studies from NYU, Parker brings a unique perspective to interior design. His career includes notable roles with prestigious fashion houses like Zac Posen, Gucci, Longchamp, and Salvatore Ferragamo, where he refined his eye for detail and innovation. Transitioning into interior design, Parker made a mark at BSP, a leading firm in New York, working on high-profile projects including Anne Hathaway's upper west side penthouse. Parker is also a decorated veteran currently serving in the Air Force Reserves out of New York. His military service underscores his discipline and commitment—qualities that are evident in his meticulous approach to design. Expanding his reach to Santa Fe, Los Angeles, and Massachusetts, Parker remains committed to the philosophy that exceptional design can be achieved at any budget level. His focus is on finding the right pieces at the right prices to deliver stunning results. Known for his client-centric approach, Parker values collaboration and communication, ensuring that each project reflects the client's personal taste and needs. His dedication to making high-quality design accessible and his proactive involvement in community and charitable activities further define his professional ethos. For those interested in transforming their spaces with a blend of creativity and strategic design, Troy Parker offers unparalleled expertise and a commitment to excellence.
"Troy is extremely professional and has the best connections to save you money! He is detailed and thinks about everything you might need. I highly recommend him for your next remodeling/interior design project!"
Martha V on October 2024
Troy Parker, a New York-based interior designer and CEO, is renowned for blending fashion-forward aesthetics with functional design. With an impressive background in fashion design from Parsons School of Design and the Fashion Institute of Technology, and business studies from NYU, Parker brings a unique perspective to interior design. His career includes notable roles with prestigious fashion houses like Zac Posen, Gucci, Longchamp, and Salvatore Ferragamo, where he refined his eye for detail and innovation. Transitioning into interior design, Parker made a mark at BSP, a leading firm in New York, working on high-profile projects including Anne Hathaway's upper west side penthouse. Parker is also a decorated veteran currently serving in the Air Force Reserves out of New York. His military service underscores his discipline and commitment—qualities that are evident in his meticulous approach to design. Expanding his reach to Santa Fe, Los Angeles, and Massachusetts, Parker remains committed to the philosophy that exceptional design can be achieved at any budget level. His focus is on finding the right pieces at the right prices to deliver stunning results. Known for his client-centric approach, Parker values collaboration and communication, ensuring that each project reflects the client's personal taste and needs. His dedication to making high-quality design accessible and his proactive involvement in community and charitable activities further define his professional ethos. For those interested in transforming their spaces with a blend of creativity and strategic design, Troy Parker offers unparalleled expertise and a commitment to excellence.
"Troy is extremely professional and has the best connections to save you money! He is detailed and thinks about everything you might need. I highly recommend him for your next remodeling/interior design project!"
Helping Hand services can help any home and anybody complete a project on their property and in their home. Water management drainage, driveways and walkways, landscape and hardscape projects (exterior patios), and all interior and exterior home remodeling and repair. Home improvements including siding, deck construction, new windows and home remodeling. Please contact us for your next project. We have great relationships with other contractors and are happy to help.
Helping Hand services can help any home and anybody complete a project on their property and in their home. Water management drainage, driveways and walkways, landscape and hardscape projects (exterior patios), and all interior and exterior home remodeling and repair. Home improvements including siding, deck construction, new windows and home remodeling. Please contact us for your next project. We have great relationships with other contractors and are happy to help.
BEAR Architects is an architectural design practice led by Beth Eckels and Andrew Ruggles. We bring together vast experience delivering a broad range of projects, from private homes to complex academic, commercial, and mixed-use projects. Based in the Catskills and Brooklyn, BEAR's mission is to improve our shared environment through beautiful, responsible design. Through our collaborative process, we strive to create space that brings joy and wellbeing to those who experience it. We embrace the unique differences of each project to inspire outcomes that are truly responsive to the particular site and client aspirations. We offer holistic design services, inclusive of enclosure, interiors, custom furniture and millwork, from conceptual planning and visualization through permitting and construction. Please check out our website for more about BEAR and our work: www.beararchitects.com
"We aimed to redesign/repurpose the interior space for a small outbuilding on our property and stumbled upon BEAR Architects after a quick google search. Being a new business, they didn't have much in terms of reviews, however, they were very responsive so we went with our gut and gave them a chance. Thankfully our gut feeling steered us in the right direction. Beth and Andrew are incredible to deal with. We found them to be very composed, yet focused and aggressive in moving our project along. They paid close attention to the objectives we communicated. They listened to our ideas and steered us properly when their knowledge and expertise was required. They were efficient and completed our project within the scope of the timeline laid out in their proposal. Lastly, they were respectful of our budget and ensured that we received everything we needed for the amount we had earmarked for architectural work. In fact, we were provided with additional site plans that were not initially within the scope of the project. I wouldn't hesitate for a minute to use BEAR Architects. We will certainly work with them again!"
Scott K on April 2023
BEAR Architects is an architectural design practice led by Beth Eckels and Andrew Ruggles. We bring together vast experience delivering a broad range of projects, from private homes to complex academic, commercial, and mixed-use projects. Based in the Catskills and Brooklyn, BEAR's mission is to improve our shared environment through beautiful, responsible design. Through our collaborative process, we strive to create space that brings joy and wellbeing to those who experience it. We embrace the unique differences of each project to inspire outcomes that are truly responsive to the particular site and client aspirations. We offer holistic design services, inclusive of enclosure, interiors, custom furniture and millwork, from conceptual planning and visualization through permitting and construction. Please check out our website for more about BEAR and our work: www.beararchitects.com
"We aimed to redesign/repurpose the interior space for a small outbuilding on our property and stumbled upon BEAR Architects after a quick google search. Being a new business, they didn't have much in terms of reviews, however, they were very responsive so we went with our gut and gave them a chance. Thankfully our gut feeling steered us in the right direction. Beth and Andrew are incredible to deal with. We found them to be very composed, yet focused and aggressive in moving our project along. They paid close attention to the objectives we communicated. They listened to our ideas and steered us properly when their knowledge and expertise was required. They were efficient and completed our project within the scope of the timeline laid out in their proposal. Lastly, they were respectful of our budget and ensured that we received everything we needed for the amount we had earmarked for architectural work. In fact, we were provided with additional site plans that were not initially within the scope of the project. I wouldn't hesitate for a minute to use BEAR Architects. We will certainly work with them again!"
From classic estates to countryside cottages, Daniel Contelmo Architects has provided sensitive design aesthetic for over 30 years in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Our clients share a commitment to finely detailed homes that communicate with their surroundings. The Historic Hudson Valley in New York has been an inspiration, steeped in a traditional vernacular. Daniel Contelmo Architects is committed to the revival and evolution of architecture that is inspired by the past and makes a statement for the future. We provide architectural designs, construction drawings, and construction administration for custom homes and high-end additions and renovations. The firm's work has been predominately in the Millbrook area of Dutchess County and the Towns of Bedford and Chappaqua in Westchester County, as well as the Hamptons.
From classic estates to countryside cottages, Daniel Contelmo Architects has provided sensitive design aesthetic for over 30 years in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. Our clients share a commitment to finely detailed homes that communicate with their surroundings. The Historic Hudson Valley in New York has been an inspiration, steeped in a traditional vernacular. Daniel Contelmo Architects is committed to the revival and evolution of architecture that is inspired by the past and makes a statement for the future. We provide architectural designs, construction drawings, and construction administration for custom homes and high-end additions and renovations. The firm's work has been predominately in the Millbrook area of Dutchess County and the Towns of Bedford and Chappaqua in Westchester County, as well as the Hamptons.
FAQs for architectural service projects in Albany, NY
While you might think that architects only draw blueprints for buildings, they are much more involved in the overall construction process than you might realize. While they aren’t the ones swinging the hammers, architects do the following:
Communicate with the homeowner on the project request, including assistance when exact plans aren’t known
Develop computer-aided models and blueprints of the requested design
Ensure that the design incorporates form, function, and safety features
Provide the contractor with the agreed-upon design
Supervise the general contractor and any subcontractors throughout the project
Communicate any needed changes to the project with the homeowner and draw new plans accordingly
Before settling on and hiring an architect, it’s beneficial to you as a homeowner to ask some questions to familiarize yourself with their work. After all, you wouldn’t want to spend time and resources on a professional that doesn’t specialize in exactly what you want in a house. Some questions to ask your architect include:
How do you charge for services? Is it on an hourly basis, based on square footage, or based on project size?
How do we work together to stay on budget for this project?
Do you anticipate any future challenges with this project? How are these communicated?
What is your project management style? If you are not handling the day-to-day details, who is my point of contact?
Can I see previous similar projects that you’ve completed?
Do you have any specialty experience, like working on historic homes or using sustainable building materials?
The average cost to hire an architect for your home project ranges between $2,200 and $10,500. However, depending on location and project type, you might end up paying as little as $600 or as much as $45,000 or more. For example, the average cost of hiring an architect in North Carolina is between $1,800 and $2,000, but in California, that price tag jumps to $3,600 to $15,200.
The price you pay for your architect also depends on their experience level. For example, a principal architect, the firm's owner, typically charges $150 to $250 per hour. However, an intern architect with three to five years of experience usually only charges $45 per hour.
After you’ve spoken with your contractor and agreed on a project, they’ll draw up blueprints, or plans, that the construction crew will use. The blueprint process can take between four and six months to complete. While this can seem like a long time, remember that the architect must communicate with your municipality to determine codes, communicate with you as the homeowner with any changes or adjustments, and coordinate with the construction crew.
If you simply remodel your home or add an addition, the time to draw up the plans will be shorter since fewer permits and surveys are required. Even still, it’s best to plan for a few months for the architect to complete this part of the project.
Knowing if you need an architect for your project can be tricky, especially if you've never worked with one before. In general, small remodeling projects like replacing fixtures typically don't require the expertise of an architect. However, larger projects, like moving walls or adding an addition to your home, should include an architect to ensure the project is structurally sound.
The Albany, NY homeowners’ guide to architectural services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
You've heard of landscape designers and landscape architects, but what's the difference? Here's when to hire each pro to bring new life to your landscape.