Remodeling Three Bathrooms

[rickulivi]

Hi

Does anybody have any experience they can share about remodeling bathrooms in an apartment in BA?

I live in the States but own an apt. in Bs. As and want to start using it more often, maybe a few weeks at a time. Presently, it has one full bathroom, a small one with no shower and a "maids" bathroom. I want to transform them into three full bathrooms. We have drawn out the plans and interviewed an excellent architect, but his quote seemed high to me. Of course, I have no idea of what it can actually cost, so it was just a gut feeling that it was high. I realize I could be completely wrong.

I may be also interested in meeting a general contractor as opposed to an architect just to get a different look at the remodeling. I think they are called "maestro de obras".

I will not be in Bs. As. during construction so that may be an invitation to calamity. I have lots of experience remodeling in California but none in Argentina and the two systems are so different that it makes my experience useless..

I appreciate any feedback. If you prefer to remain anonymous, please email me at [email protected]

 

[Crema Americana]

I can only wish you luck.

If you're not going to be here for the process then I strongly suggest you find someone who will look after your behalf. It's been my experience that if you're not watching, corners will be cut and bad decisions made. Then again I may have just been unlucky.

 

[rickulivi]

Crema Americana:

Thank you for your reply. I could not agree more with you but how do I find that person you suggest?

When i have remodeled in California, I was always the first one on the job each day. Once planned activities got scheduled, I would return in the afternoon to supervise. But, I cannot do that in Argentina, unless i want to postpone the project for several years.

 

[cbonanni]

Things work a little different here in Buenos AIres. Generally the architect will over see the work , and get a percentage of the total cost for these services. That way , if you find one you can trust , they will be sure the work is done to what they expect your goals are. They hire the contractors , source materials , schedule the work , get permits , etc.... Some time would have to be here to pick tiles , fixtures , etc.... The biggest suppliers have web sites , and you may peruse those.

To give a set of plans to a contractor would be inviting unknowns. generally it is not done like that on these type jobs. Things are very expensive here. If paying cash , IVA , can be avoided , but it takes being on top of things.

May I ask where the apartment is located ? I have an excellent Architect , and depending on where the apartment is , may be able to help. PM me for details. She did my whole apartment , some while away.

 

[Ashley]

I agree. Architects here usually oversee all of the work, certainly if the work is going to have an impact on the original plans of the apartment.

 

[Mano Negra]

I have just remodelled 8 bathrooms in my new place here. Happy to recommend my architects. Normal form is they charge 20% of contract price to plan and supervise.

 

[2GuysInPM]

cutting corners is an artform here. best to have someone there at ALL times supervising and checking the work.

 

[rickulivi]

Mano Negra.

Thank you for your reply. I did send you an email to your 5th floor website. Hope to hear again from you.

 

[rickulivi]

2guysinpm

Thank you for advice. All this feedback is very helpful.

 

[CMG]

Hi,

I´m an architect living and working here. Sent you a pm.
Let me know if I can be of any help.