Question 1

How Long Does it take?

Accepted Answer

It all depends on how much design services you require, the complexity of the project and size.  Most of our projects take anywhere between 4 - 9 months on custom client-driven projects plus construction time.  Our spec work can take anywhere between 4 weeks 8 weeks for design.  We also have larger projects that we have been working on for almost two years now.  There are too many variations to be able to give one answer.

Question 2

Who do I hire?

Accepted Answer

There are many options as to whom to hire, see the different categories described below.
 
$ Draftsman - At the very basic level you have your draftsman who is not degreed or licensed and great if you are on a budget for your bottom line needs, but won't get any value out of this and most likely not high-quality finish.  This service does not provide design and value and is a more utilitarian approach.  Spec Builders use them, basic storage, warehouse and garage design where there is not much to it.  We do not perform at this level.
 
$$ Firms/ Studio - Then you have your established firms who crank out work fast and are experienced in a specific building type that operate on volume.  We offer ready-made plans that can be purchased by anyone at our store.  
 
$$$ Passionists - are your degreed professional from accredited universities, some have undergraduate degrees, others have both undergraduate and master's degrees and sometimes even Ph.D.  These guys know what they are doing, are well experienced that provides exceptional service.  At this level, the complicated process becomes more of an experience, you get maximum bang for your buck and full understanding of what your choices are, the pros and cons of each for the best possible outcome.  This is the level where 80% of our projects are.  
 
We function and operate between the $$ and $$$.  Sometimes Client's budgets determine the level for them.  It is important to know what level of service you want upfront to manage expectations.  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter that gives more insight on this here.

Question 3

How much does it cost to build a home?

Accepted Answer

That varies relative to what you want to build, for instance: A long skinny house costs more per square foot than a square one.  A two-story house costs less per square foot than a single story. The finish out will have a lot to say as to the final cost of a house.  I know builders that build at $180.00 per sf and builders that build at $1,000.00 per sf. The best way to get a "ballpark" idea of cost is to sit down with me and share what you are thinking.  Most of our renovations are currently running at $190/ sqft.

Question 4

How Much Does Design Cost?

Accepted Answer

There is no education, training, or licensing requirement for a draftsperson.
A draftsperson can perform SOME of the tasks that an architect or designer does, but not all. And a draftsperson doesn’t have design education or experience, but they are highly proficient in using computer aided design & drafting software (CADD) to create architectural drawings for construction.
They may have obtained certificates, but they don’t have design training, technical construction experience, and don't understand how a building is put together leaving you at high risk of leaky roofs, wobbly foundations, paper thin walls, poor insulation and other major head ache's home owners face as consequences of cheeping out up front.

Question 5

Where do I start?

Accepted Answer

You can start by generating a program and list out all of the spaces you want in your new home, the approximate sizes, the times of day you will use the space and how much time you spend in those spaces.  While doing this it would be helpful to know which spaces are a want or a need.
Describe what is currently working for you in the home you live in now and describe what you would change.  
Create an online album on our Houzz page showing images of your design style and adding comments as to what you like about it.
research design styles.  We are predominantly Mid-century modern, California modern, transitional, Modern Farmhouse, contemporary and modern.  It is critical that you select a designer that has a similar taste.  
Fill out our questionnaire.  It asks you specific questions the help you figure out what you want.  We can email this to you.  
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter with tips, trips, hacks and more.  Subscribe here

Question 6

How would you describe our work?

Accepted Answer

homes that fit and enhance your lifestyle
maximize natural sunlight
open floor plan 
symmetry
clean lines
balance
contrast
timeless design
tailored to client needs
collaborative design experience
smart homes
energy-efficient homes
casual living spaces 
Value 
Resell value
thrive
peaceful
functional

Question 7

Ownership of the Plans

Accepted Answer

After you’ve paid thousands of dollars to have your custom home designed, you might think the plans are yours. The standard contract from the AIA, however, designates the copyright to the plans as belonging to the Design Studio. The client is granted a one-time use of those copyrighted plans on the specific address listed on the contract.

Question 8

Design Errors

Accepted Answer

An Designer is expected to know what they’re doing in the conduct of their profession, but even very competent professionals are not perfect. Some errors and omissions are only found out after the construction has begun. A contractor is expected to build to the specified dimension, but if the dimensions are faulty, who bears the burden? Even given that a contractor is expected to “check and verify all dimensions” before beginning the work, some errors can still get through. Fortunately, these errors are often small and can be worked out among the client, contractor, and designer.  Typically, if the contractor built something different from what was specified on the drawing, then the contractor fixes/ pays for it.  If the contractor built what was drawn and it proves incorrect, then the designer is responsible.  A good contractor asks questions and vet's design prior to construction if something is unclear.  Sometimes the client forgets what was approved or surprised at a result.

Question 9

Construction Defects

Accepted Answer

A designer is not a building contractor. Though the designer may inspect the site and verify that the work is going according to plan, he or she is not expected to know the construction trade. He or she may inform the client about any apparent substandard work, but the liability for construction defects falls ultimately on the building contractor.

Question 10

What toll will this project have on me?

Accepted Answer

he process of design can be complicated and confusing.  Here is how one comic describes the process.

SERVICES

CUSTOM HOME RENOVATION

CUSTOM HOME ADDITION

CUSTOM HOME REMODEL

Designing spaces that bring out the BEST in you.

FAQ

People Also Ask

How Long Does it take?

Who do I hire?

How much does it cost to build a home?

How Much Does Design Cost?

Where do I start?

How would you describe our work?

Ownership of the Plans

Design Errors

Construction Defects

What toll will this project have on me?

SHOP

PLANS

INTERIORS

REMODEL

DECOR

All Rights Reserved 2011-2024 Copy Right Protected Trademark Protected

Designing spaces that bring out the BEST in you.

FAQ

​ ​ People Also Ask

How Long Does it take?

Who do I hire?

How much does it cost to build a home?

How Much Does Design Cost?

Where do I start?

How would you describe our work?

Ownership of the Plans

Design Errors

Construction Defects

What toll will this project have on me?

SHOP

PLANS

INTERIORS

REMODEL

DECOR

All Rights Reserved 2011-2024 Copy Right Protected Trademark Protected

People Also Ask