Design Consultations
We offer this valuable
service to new clients. A
design consultation gives you an architect’s expertise for a limited time at a
reasonable price.
What to Expect
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Think of a design consultation as a house call: we visit your home or office, discuss
and sketch options, and answer basic questions about costs and construction
practices. Together we can explore
basic goals, room placement and discuss
the project's budget and timeframe in detail. We can even
discuss how to avoid many
common mistakes that are made
with construction projects.
Most basic concepts and options are explored during the design consultation. Depending on
the project’s complexity as well as available documentation, some consultations may take
longer or require a second meeting.
After the initial consultation, we will forward to you
copies of sketches produced as well as a proposal outlining the next steps
to take in the architectural process, including their associated costs.
The design consultation is a "stand alone" service. You
are not required to retain us for the duration of your particular project. In some cases
we might advise you that the
project is not feasible and can suggest other ways to accomplish your goals.
Lastly, we will hope to educate you as to the process of undertaking a
building project as well as assist you in making an informed decision
of your building
options.
Getting The Most From Your Design Consultation
The following items will help
us give you the most useful recommendations in the least amount of time.
Have copies ready before the consultation begins.
- Site Plan or Survey. This document, which is
prepared by a surveyor,
shows property lines, easements
and all existing structures on the property. It is often included with your closing
documents.
- Subdivision restrictions (if applicable). Many subdivisions exceed the city’s or
county’s building requirements with restrictive covenants. These covenants can limit
the materials, establish mandatory building set-backs and require approval of any plans.
Look in your closing documents for these. If you aren’t sure if your subdivision has
such restrictions, check with your real estate agent, closing attorney, or neighborhood
association.
- Your Clip File. No two people, or architects, prefer the same
materials, colors, fixtures or appliances. To help us learn your
preferences, tear out pages from favorite magazines illustrating the
"look and feel"that
you want. Place a note on each, noting the items that caught your
eye.
For Additions and
Remodeling:
- Floor Plans. A copy of your floor plans are the best record, though many older buildings
don’t have these. If the original plans are unavailable, check your closing documents
for a plan that may have been included in the appraisal or in the description of the
property.
- Photographs of the Exterior. We frequently approximate what your additions may look like
by drawing directly over a good snapshot. Take photos of the front, sides, and rear of
your home. Don’t tilt the camera up or down, as this distorts the image. Enlarge
several copies to either 8-1/2" x 11" or 11" x 17" on a regular
copy machine.
What Does It Cost?
A typical design consultation takes two to three hours and
will cost $250 including the
session’s conclusions. Additional consulting time is offered at our normal hourly
rates.
Travel time within Lake County, Illinois is free. For locations outside this area,
travel charges will be
discussed in advance. With appropriate photographs and
documentation, the consultation may be conducted at our office. Call us today for further details or
email the address listed below and we will contact you.
Satisfaction Assured
If you aren’t completely satisfied with the design consultation during the first
hour, you may stop the consultation at that time without charge.
