Architect/Designer question...

DH and I have been earnestly discussing finishing our basement and we have some structural issues that are leaving us stumped...

DH suggested that we hire an architect who might be able to design a space for us and lead us through the renovations...

Does anyone have any recommendations for architects that do this sort of thing? What is the average cost for hiring an architect? Is there a consultation fee involved...

Thanks!

Re: Architect/Designer question...

We met with an architect to discuss some possible renovations and there was no consultation fee. He discussed what we wanted to do, made some vague suggestions and submitted a written proposal. I think his fee was $3000 for the full sets of plans and filing for permits. Field visits if required during the construction were extra. We didn't use him because we decided to go in a different direction with our improvements.

You will need permits to do changes in the basement though, at least in the town of Islip it's required for the CO. I was told that if you put up any walls dividing the space you need permits and a CO.