Frequently Asked Questions

(if you don’t see your question, please call or email us. We’d love to help!)

  • I have a preferred builder

    • Have a conversation with your builder to discuss a ballpark price to build. It is common that the builder will give a rough price per square foot cost to build. This estimate will vary widely based on a number of variables, but it will help us design the size home that is in your price range.

    • Discuss with your builder whether they should be a part of the design process or not.

    I don’t have a preferred builder

    • That’s okay. We can help ballpark prices for you based on feedback from other customers and builders. You can also contact your local home builders association or local construction suppliers for builder referrals.

    • There are a lot of good builders out there. Find one that you are very comfortable speaking freely with. The building process can be a long one, so communication and transparency are keys to a successful build.

    • Our plans are not all-encompassing when it comes to details, so it will be up to the builder to spend adequate time discussing many options such as window grades, interior/exterior trim options, siding/brick/stone options, flooring options, cabinet quality, appliance quality, etc. Keep these things in mind when comparing builder costs. (apples to apples).

    • A builder may also price the home based on standard materials and finishes that they commonly use. This means that if your price comes in higher or lower than expected, there may be an opportunity to keep the builder you’d like to work with but raise or lower your material costs.

    • Possibly. But, at times it may not be an option. Many banks will require that you work with a professional builder. If that is not the case, it is good to consider that either decision will cost you something and save you something. Some things to include in your pros/cons list:

    • Money

    • Stress

    • Contractor discounts

    • Subcontractor loyalty/relationships

    • Time spent with suppliers/subcontractors

    • Responsibility for mistakes

    • Time related to decision making

    • Organization/Logistics

    • Knowledge of best practices/material quality/subcontractor quality/etc.

    • Knowledge of local codes

    • Warranty/Liability

    • Typically, the more you have thought through the better, but don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start. We will ask relevant questions that will guide us to a good start for design. Consider the size of your home, number of bedrooms, or preferences of layout (such as laundry near master, master opposite or close to others, one story or two, etc.). Walk through your existing home and take notes on the things that you would like to have or want to make sure that you don’t have. You can also view thousands of plans online that will help you think through some things that you do or don’t like.

    • We can work with you from wherever you are in the country. We can do this via video conferencing platforms, phone calls, email, or in person.

    • It might. It depends on a number of things. If you plan to build in a subdivision, we may need to know the size of the lot to be sure it fits, or we may need to know the covenants to be sure we design it according to their rules. If you plan to build on a scenic property, we may want to consider the ideal views so that we layout the home to take advantage of those views.

    • Our plans can be tailored to your needs, but generally we provide elevation, floor, foundation and roof plans. Most homes can be built using the International Residential Code book. Because of this, most residential homes do not need to be specifically engineered. Many lumber supply companies offer engineering services through their manufactured product suppliers. There are many different methods to build a home to meet code. This is one reason we create design plans. These plans allow the contractor to build the homes to their/your preferences rather than a specification set out by an architect.

    • We do not typically include cabinet specifications. This is often better done by the cabinet suppliers. They are often up to date with trends, have knowledge of the full array of cabinet functionality and design, and most have the 3D software that allows you to see renderings.

    • We will provide 3D renderings on the exterior of the home for visualization and clarification purposes. These are not typically included in the plans but provide you with the comfort of knowing what the house will look like when built. Interior renderings are also available but may affect cost.

    • Our final plans are done in black and white. However, we can adjust material colors during the design process if you’d like to experiment with different looks. The plans will not show specific material brands or colors unless you’d like them to.

    • We provide the .pdf file of the plans and include two sets of 24”x36” copies that can either be mailed to you or can be picked up at our office. Additional copies are available for purchase if needed. Typically, between $30-$40 per set.

    • There are many factors that come into play to get from design to build. The design process usually takes between 4-8 weeks. The builder will then take the plans and request estimates from the subcontractors. Ask your builder how long this typically takes. Then acquiring financing will take additional time depending on your bank.

    • We provide the .pdf file of the plans and include two sets of 24”x36” copies that can either be mailed to you or can be picked up at our office. Additional copies are available for purchase if needed. Typically, between $30-$40 per set.

    • No problem. Your design will be saved in the software, and we can adjust it at any time.

    • We do many room additions and remodels. Some smaller remodels will not be necessary for the builder or contractor.

    • Some counties and cities require building permits and inspections, and some do not. This would be the responsibility of the person or company acting as the general contractor.

  • As is typical with any design work, it depends on several variables such as:

    • Size of the home

    • Level of detail to be shown on the plan (e.g. finished ceiling details, exterior trim details, complicated design features, specific railings, complicated roof lines, etc.)

    • Typical plans do not include MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing), but can be added if requested

    • Number of revisions or magnitude of revisions

    • Whether you’ve got a good idea on the home design, or whether we’re starting from scratch

    • Most plans fall between $0.75 - $1.50 per finished square foot

    • If design engineering is needed or requested, additional costs would follow (see “What do your plans contain?” above)