Process
Whether you are considering a remodel, an addition or a new home design, the design process does not vary from the steps outlined below. If an accessible design is required, depending on severity of need we can enlist the assistance of an Occupational Therapist (OT) to evaluate the needs and condition of the client. A formal report created by the OT is used in the design and implementation of the project.
1. Phone Interview
We’ll discuss your needs, wants, time frame, etc.
2. On-Site Visit and Interview
An appointment is set for Karen or an associate to visit your home to examine existing conditions, see how you live in your space and discuss any ideas for improvement.
3. Feasibility Study
We create an agreement for a “Feasibility Study” which includes these steps:
- Measure site and photograph existing home.
- Draft a plan of the existing home.
- Gather more detailed information and design concepts.
- Create first schematic design.
- Present the design.
- Study the design plan for as long as needed — a day, week, month — before getting back together with Karen to discuss your thoughts.
- Create second schematic design. This design will typically have enough information that a Remodeler or Builder can be introduced to the team to provide preliminary construction costs for the proposed project.
At this point, you have something tangible: a design that fits your needs and a construction cost estimate for that design. Informed decisions can be made about how to proceed with design. If additional schematic designs are needed, the design-present-price process is repeated.
4. Construction Drawings
Once you decide the design and construction costs are acceptable, the next phase of work will be preparing Construction Drawings which will be used for a final contract with the Remodeler or Builder and to obtain a construction permit with the local Building Department.
Design Process Summary
- Recreate existing home, called “As-built Drawings”
- Design
- Price
- Make informed decisions
- Design
- Price
- Finalize scope of project
- Create Construction Drawings
- Final price and contract with Remodeler or Builder