Design Process
In our initial design meeting we will first discuss the property. This is the most important part of the process. If at all possible the first design meeting should begin on the build site. Here we can discuss the orientation of the home. We can discuss certain views we would like to capture or items we would like to hide. We will be able to choose where we would like the garage to be and if we have any opportunity for a basement.
Next, we discuss what style of home you would like and how you want the floor plan to flow. This is where the custom plan really has its benefits. Most clients will bring in pictures and inspiration that illustrate their personal likes and dislikes. The more we understand how you will live in your new home, the better we will be able to design your home to suit your individuality. This is where we will also discuss budget and how that reflects to square footage and specification levels. Most sub-divisions have Architectural Guidelines that we will have to abide by and we will discuss what they are and how this will affect your design.
THE INITIAL DESIGN
The next time we will get together will be to present you with the initial design. We will walk you through the floor plans and discuss why we feel the design will fit your lifestyle.
This phase will eventually evolve into your home through discussion about likes and dislikes. Generally, you should plan to go back and forth and revise this first design two or three times before it is exactly what you want.
During this process if you have selected a builder we will have them involved to make sure we are staying on budget. If you do not have a builder at this time it is a good idea to get some preliminary prices from builders approved by your sub-division at this time.
The presentation will usually include:
The Floor Plans
The Site Plan
The Front Rendering
THE WORKING DRAWINGS
Once you receive some pricing and the final design sketches have been approved we will continue to the construction documents.
The first phase will include:
Dimensioned Site Plan
Dimensioned Floor Plans
All Four Exterior Elevations
We will have an approval meeting at this phase and discuss the interior and exterior finishes, doors, windows, and building products.
The next phase will include engineered structural plans including:
Foundation Plan and/or Basement Plans showing footings and beams
Framing Plans showing joist and beam location for each floor
Roof Plan showing bracing locations and ventilation calculations
Structural Detailing including building sections and material call-outs
Other features in our working drawings will include:
Door and Window Schedule shown on the floor plans
Electrical plans for each floor showing outlets, lighting, speakers, phone, cable, etc.
This is also where we can specify and detail specialty products and "Green Building" practices to include but not be limited to:
HVAC specifications
Building waste recycling programs
Solar Energy Systems
Concealed Crawl Space Systems
Foam Insulation Systems
Low VOC Paints and Finishes
Mold Resistant Products
Advanced Framing Options
THE BUILDING PHASE
Once the working drawings are completed you are ready to build but our services do not end. We will continue to communicate with you and be available for questions and/or problems that may arise during the building process. Site visits and progress reports are also offered at our firm, usually for clients that live out of town or will not be able to visit the job site regularly.*
*optional service