Our labor intensive design process consists of three phases:
- Produce “As-Built Drawings” showing existing conditions. Typically, this requires us to make a couple of site visits where we take field measurements, notes, photos and video. This allows us to get to know the property while looking for design opportunities. From those visits we produce a computer model showing the existing conditions. With that model we put together; floor plans, elevations and perspectives that are used to create the set of “As-Builts”.
- Create the “Proposed Design” for your review. From the “As-Builts” we begin the design process exchanging our ideas with you and the general contractor. When all parties are satisfied with the proposed design, a set of presentation drawings is assembled.
- Put together the “Blue Prints” that the general contractor uses to build. For the “Blue Prints” we add a lot more information to the presentation drawings showing; dimensions, notes, construction details, plot plan and additional drawings when required. This is what the general contractor will use to tighten up the estimate and submit for a building permit.
Our fees are based on 10% of the estimated square foot construction cost with a minimum fee of $3,000 per phase. Consultants such as structural engineers are billed separately. We travel to you for the initial meeting, in order to cover our costs we charge $250 plus travel expenses. Compared to regret, it is a bargain.
Experience has taught us to bring the general contractor in as soon as possible during the design process, this helps keep the pricing understood and allows clients to make decisions without future surprises. When everyone is confident with the design, construction is a much smoother process.
