This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: CRAN Custom Residential Architects Network and Residential Knowledge Community .
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Edward R. Acker AIA
Winchester VA
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In 1982 we (my wife was a proactive owner/client) designed a large addition to our small older house in Nyack, NY to include professional working space for both of us. I bid the job to two local builders and one with whom I worked on commercial projects in New Jersey. The latter gave me the best price and I knew his work to be excellent. He gave me a break by not charging his usual markup on materials. I obtained my own local electrical and plumbing contractors because of licensing and permitting requirements being in NY State. I bought lights, ventilation fans, plumbing fixtures, and kitchen appliances and got customary trade pricing from all suppliers as an architect. We had just installed the drywall in October and had a Halloween party for twelve families and kids from the pre-K school in the nearly completed addition. The exposure of my work from that party later netted me five house additions and helped launch the residential component of my practice.