Frequently asked questions

Q: How much do designs and plans cost?	A: Costs depend on whether you start with an existing plan that just requires modifying or if you start from scratch. If you start with an existing plan of ours, we charge a small basic plan fee (based on size) and then charge an hourly rate to modify it for you. But sometimes modifications can get expensive so we will discuss this with you once we understand your needs. All in all, the cost of your plans will boil down to how much time we spend developing your ideas into a functional and buildable final design.
Q: What’s the timing for doing our plans?	A: We typically have a backlog of designs of several weeks to several months. Contact us and we can tell you specifically what our next “design start” time is. Once we get started, we have several phases of design that logically take you through the process of doing floor plans and the elevations. All in all, the process takes about 6 to 8 weeks and produces a final set of plans for final pricing your home.
Q: How do we get started?	A: It’s very very simple!! Give us your ideas!! Floor plans and the flow of your new home are the most important first steps. You likely already have many ideas on how you want your new home to flow and function. Save and organize your ideas as you see them online and in catalogs into groups like “Interior layout ideas”, “exterior appearances you like”, etc. These ideas provide us with much needed inspiration of what you want.
Q: What do we need to get started?	A: Aside from your ideas as mentioned above, we need all the information about your property such as the survey & grading, community bylaws, septic and well reports, easements, utility locations, etc.
Q: What’s the typical design process and duration?	A: Our process is well established and has been used very successfully with hundreds of clients. We have 5 phases of design starting with your property information and progressing to floor plans, elevations, pricing plans and finally a set of plans ready to permit. Our typical duration is 6 to 8 weeks and often time takes longer based on decisions and feedback we ask from you during the phases.
Q: What will be the Cost for building our plan?	A: As professional builders, we can give you some pretty valid input on costs during the design process. However, your selected final builder is the best person to ask this question. We welcome your builder’s input during the design process too so that they can give you guidance on costs and details to avoid redesigning at a later date.
Q: What about changes in the plan after we finish the design process and are in Construction phase?	A: Your design is saved by us in our CAD files and can be easily recalled by us quickly in the event questions arise during construction or if you’re considering a layout change in the field. Just give us a call and we’ll setup a quick phone meeting to hear your ideas on changes. From there we will do our best to quickly look at your ideas and generate a sketch or drawing revision. Of course, our hourly rates will apply to these changes but they’re typically minimal. Keep in mind that changes may also require revising your permit too (by you or your builder).
Q: Can I keep the plans?	A: Absolutely!! Your plans are yours to keep and you can use them for future additions or remodeling. We urge you to leave the plans for the future owners in the event you sell your home too so they have a good reference as needed. BUT, you can NOT sell these plans to someone else nor repeat them in a different location. Our design service is for your one home on your one lot and they are copyrighted by us. If you are a builder and wish to repeat the design at multiple locations we can set you up with a license agreement to repeat the design.
Q: Can I give the plans to a friend or family to use?	A: Unfortunately no! Our design services are intended for a one time construction project on a specific piece of property specifically for you. If you are a builder and wish to have the option to repeat our home design on multiple sites, please contact us for a multi-location service agreement.
Q: Using on-line or other published catalog plans?	A: If you find an on-line or other catalog plan that you greatly like and need fewer than approx 20% changes to, then it’s BEST to purchase that plan and have us make any modification to it for you. BUT, please contact us to discuss this before buying the plans. There are many options for buying plans and we will guide you to the right option to save you time and money.
Q: Does the online catalog company offer customizing too?	A: They sure do!! And ask your builder what they think about online plans that are purchased and modified by someone in another state far away …. you won’t get any positive feedback. Your home is your most expensive purchase and investment. We don’t recommend that you buy a cheap online plan and have it modified by them while they have no clue of what your local codes or details or material availability are.

If you don’t see your question, please contact us and we will reply directly to you. We may even add your question to this FAQ section.