Step 1: Preliminary Plan
Most Architects and Builders require a large deposit before ever starting any work. However, we believe that the Designer/Builder/Owner dynamic is a relationship, and you should feel comfortable with knowing that we are on the same page with your wants and needs before committing to a deposit.
Therefore, before we ever collect 1¢ from a client, we develop a preliminary floor plan at no cost. This allows us to showcase our abilities and give you confidence that you are choosing the right Building Designer for your project.
To develop the Preliminary Floor Plan, we collect data on your wants and needs (# of Stories, Bedrooms, Bathrooms, Garages, Exterior Finishes, Style, Square Footage, etc.), along with any photos or design ideas you would like to incorporate into your project.
From this info we develop a preliminary design which includes all of the basic elements of a floor plan so you can visualize the direction we have in mind. Usually the preliminary plan will be very close to the final direction of the project; however, sometimes we may need to try 2 or 3 design changes before we settle on the final preliminary layout.
Once the preliminary is set, and you decide to move forward with the project, we then collect a deposit and continue to…
Step 2: Plan Completion
This part of the process will usually take 1-4 weeks, depending on the complexity and size of the plan. We take the Preliminary Plan that we developed and tweaked together, and finish it out to a full set of construction-ready plans (Floor Plans, Exterior Elevations, Roof Plans, Specifications, Electrical Power/Lighting Plans, Site Plan, etc.).
Once the plan is considered “complete”, we move on to…
Step 3: Red-Line Revisions
At this stage, the Builder and Owner receive the completed set of plans, and can go through it to find elements that need adjusting, omitting, or adding. We would repeat this step twice to make sure we catch everything.
Once all final modifications have been decided on and made, we would collect the balance (Total plan cost minus the deposit), and the Builder can now submit the plans for HOA/City/Bank approval.
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Every step of the way, we believe in open communication and dialogue between Builder/Owner/Designer, whether in person, or remotely via phone and email. This allows a balanced approach to creating your custom home plans.
While Homeowners are focusing on style & functionality, Builders are typically more interested in cost & efficiency. Taking all aspects into consideration during the design process means less change orders during construction & ultimately a much smoother and enjoyable home building experience.