[danamoore]

We have bought in the Villages and are looking to add pool and large birdcage area. This will also include modifying the back of the home for sliding glass doors, etc.

Is it better to develop plans with Architect and then get fixed bids from Construction Companies or have you found that it is best to find a good Construction Company and work through the details with them? We have seen from other posts that Gingerich Construction, TD Construction and White Aluminum are thought to be good companies, but we do not have any leads on Architects.

Any thoughts or direction would be greatly appreciated!

[l2ridehd]

I have done two major remodeling jobs in the past. One I used an Architect and one I did not. Both came out great, but I would always use one if doing it again. He saved us lots of money and issues and visited the project at least a couple times a week to make sure everything was going correctly. The peace of mind, the ideas, the ability to see the final product on a computer before starting, the ability to get several apples to apples bids was worth every penny he charged.

[ijusluvit]

IMHO an architect would not be necessary for the type of addition you describe, IF, you hire the right contractor.

Because of the number and variety of projects they've done, their efficiency and fair pricing, we think no one can do this better than T&D Concrete.

We wanted a unique pool and spa in a birdcage which also became unique because of the setback requirements and other property issues. Randy Martin of T&D supervised the construction after his wife Vera spent hours and hours with us designing the project. Five years later we think the finished product is astounding and that T&D is the best company we've ever worked with.

PM me if you want a picture or any other info. Good luck.