REMODELS AND ADDITIONS
When the economy slowed down, many home owners elected to fix up their existing homes rather than purchase a new home and get in the front end of a 15 or 30 year mortgage. A large portion of my business deals with remodels and additions and , believe it or not, many plans turn out to be more work than new construction. In my market area, the building departments require a “before and after” view of the work, so the plans are often double the work because they require the existing plans, sections, and elevations as well as the remodel plans, sections, and elevations.
If the owner doesn’t have an existing set of plans to work from, then site measurements of existing buildings are required so the as-built drawings can be prepared. It often takes hours to measure existing buildings and rooms which is extra work compared to designing new construction.
INTERIOR DESIGN
Some projects require specific definition of certain design elements such as windows, doors, built-in furniture, skylights, and sometimes furniture, if they have unusual geometry, shape or size, or if they require special fabrication. I can provide interior design services as may be required to detail any special items such as light fixtures, statues, columns, beams, coffered ceilings, niches, fireplaces, libraries, hutches, pools, special stairs, cabinetry, and similar things. Generally these items are not included in a normal set of working drawings and are extra work at an additional cost.
KITCHEN DESIGN
Most kitchens are defined in a normal set of drawings in plan only. In my experience, most owners prefer to define their cabinetry requirements by visiting a cabinet shop or home improvement center where they can study actual full scale samples, colors, finishes, countertops, material options, door designs, etc. Most people have me do a general cabinetry layout that they can take to various suppliers and shop for options and pricing. On occassion, however, I am asked to provide cabinetry details and elevations showing door swings, countertop heights, breadboard locations, glass doors, or alternate locations of appliances and cabinetry layouts. When these details are requested, I provide them at an additional cost.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Landscaping adds so much to a home’s appearance and value, but unfortunately in my practice, it has been one of the most overlooked and neglected design elements of a new home. With few exceptions, most people plant a front lawn, put in a few shrubs, maybe a gravel mound or two, and maybe a fence around the back yard and call it good. The majority of homeowner’s do not budget, nor install much landscaping as a part of the initial construction of their home because many like to live in the house awhile to get accustomed to their surroundings and the neighborhood environment. Planting trees and shrubs is a serious commitment and most people like to take their time in analyzing their yard, the soil conditions, natural lighting, and irrigation requirements. Working in their yards is something many people prefer to do as a way of personalizing their property and space. Creating flower beds, ponds, fountains, and rock gardens is an enjoyable, personal experience that adds the finishing touches to their masterpiece, and most people like to make it all up as they go along. Besides, landscaping can get to be quite expensive and stretching it out over time allows for owners to purchase bargains and specials at local nurseries and home improvement centers. On occasion, I have been asked to provide detailed landscaping designs along with irrigation system designs. Such work includes designing retaining walls, ponds, fences, arbors, borders, and often includes a detailed planting schedule. This work is not included in a normal set of drawings and I charge extra for this information since it takes time to interview the customer and determine their options, budget, and preferences.
MATERIAL LIST
As an additional service, I can provide upon request, a material lists for each design. These are very detailed spreadsheets that cover the sixteen categories of construction and all general conditions and administrative costs. All materials are itemized and listed with corresponding quantity and costs figures.
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATE
SITE INSPECTION AND EVALUATION
DESIGN DRAFTING SPECIFICATIONS
SITE PLANS
ENGINEERING COORDINATION
HEALTH DISTRICT COORDINATION
PERMIT COORDINATION
RESCHECK ENERGY COMPLIANCE AUDIT
CONTRACT BETWEEN OWNER AND CONTRACTOR TEMPLATE
CONTRACT BETWEEN OWNER AND SUBCONTRACTOR TEMPLATE
CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE
SITE MEASUREMENTS
DESIGN CHANGES & EXTRA DRAFTING
ADDITIONAL PLANNING MEETINGS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
PROFORMAS
SMALL PLANS
BIDDING
CODE COMPLIANCE ANALYSIS
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
SITE PHOTOS/VIDEOGRAPHY
POSTAGE
TELEPHONE
PHOTOCOPIES
BLUEPRINTS
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER