All projects large or small need to start with some type of plan. A picture is truly worth a thousand words. Do you want to run the risk of being surprised or disappointed with the final result? A designer or architect has the training and skill to produce a detailed design based on your individual needs and desires – a design that will enhance the value of your home.
The drawings and specifications become a vital part of the final contract. Your team (you, your designer, your builder, and your builder’s subcontractors) will all have the opportunity to review the drawings and come up with a plan to provide you with the best possible outcome. The job will run much more smoothly with a well laid out plan and minimal changes.
Review the contract you have with your design team. Who owns the plans after you have paid for them? Can you switch designer’s in the middle of the process? Will the designer be involved in the construction process and at what cost? What assurances do you have that the final design will fit your budget? The only way to know for certain is to include your contractor as part of the paid design time to price the plans as they are being created.