I am in the process of buying a cottage fixer-upper. There are changes I want to make to the current design, as well as, fixing those things that need fixing. Where could I start? Home Inspector? Architect?

This cottage is located in West Virginia, Harrison County. What's the best way to go about doing this make over?

Help. This is the first time for me. I have a lot of ideas, however, I will need to know the cost for the changes. In other words the most cost effective way to go about achieving my goal.

Thanks for replies.

I would always recommend a home inspection prior to purchase for a start....it lets you know what your getting into at a basic level.
Next you need to decide if you are doing the fix-it-up work yourself or hiring a contractor. It sounds to me like you might be going with a contractor? If so I would find one you like first, they are the best at getting pricing close to actual cost. An architect can make a guess, but we don't estimate in the strict sense of the word, we only guess at the general range of costs.
Anyway, get a builder you trust, then go to the architect and give him/her your budget and general desires and let them work up some possible schemes. They will look at the home and analyze your needs and the possibilities of the home. Let the architect and builder work with each other to get price and design to your comfort level. This way the builder will be ready to go and the architect won't be designing some great home you can't afford!


As an architect I don't like to work without the builder being selected unless it is with a well educated owner who is ok with a ballpark budget.