|
THE RETAINER
The retainer is approximately 10% of the overall fee. At
this point, the client may choose to go no further with
the project. The 10% retainer covers work performed up to
this point, making this a good way for the homeowner to
do a feasibility study without incurring the entire architectural
fee.
This is the only payment made in advance. Generally, the
retainer is collected when I am out to measure the house
or at the signing of the contract. With the retainer, I
provide drawings which show the existing house and property
and at least two design layouts which each provide a different
approach but still include the required elements. These
layouts are reviewed during a meeting at HOMETEC. At that
time, I explain the pros and cons of each design, the intentions,
the city requirements, etc. The homeowner takes these drawings
home for further review.
PRELIMINARY DESIGN
We begin playing with ideas regarding the floorplan. Where
will rooms go, what are their relationships, sizes and locations.
When the basic rooms are laid out, we develop the design
further as to where windows would go, how ceilings might
be treated, and how the traffic flow can be best accommodated.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Now we start working on the exterior view of the house -
how windows are treated, what direction the roof would go,
how the roof integrates to the existing, different height
elevations. Also, this level would include completing the
floor plan with actual window and door sizes, room dimensions
and basic electrical layout.
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATES
The Design Development phase, clients are requested to stop
and obtain estimates from contractors. There is now enough
information on the drawings for a contractor to review and
provide a rough estimate for what the construction should
be. The advantages to the client is that we do not go into
costly construction detailing with a project when the client
doesn't know if the design is within budget. It also allows
the client to begin interviewing contractors without the
pressure of a bidding condition. This is the best time to
see what the different contractors have to offer, check
their references, get to know them as individuals and let
price be more of a secondary concern.
SUBMIT TO PLANNING DEPARTMENT
Some projects will require Planning Department and even City Council approval. Welcome to the wonderful world of bureaucracy! Once the design in complete, we can begin the preparation of the application and submittal materials. This may reuire as much as four (4) weeks lead time, depending on the level of complexity and the number of consultants involved. We attend the public hearing and present the project on your behalf.
CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS
This phase is only begun upon direct instruction by the
client. Final changes can be made prior to beginning this
phase. This phase is very technical and, therefore, is done
in-house and doesn’t require a great deal of input
from the client. Construction Drawings for most one story
projects are completed in about two to three weeks - two
stories generally take from four to six weeks, depending
on complexity. We provide at least four sets of blueprints
to the client to discuss with contractors for the actual
bid.
SUBMIT TO BUILDING DEPARTMENT
Upon client go-ahead, the package is submitted to City Hall.
Any changes or corrections City Hall requires are taken
care of by HOMETEC and the other consultants who may have
been required for the project. When the City is ready to
issue the permit, the client as a “homeowner-builder”
or a licensed contractor must go to City Hall to sign it
off. I am not allowed to sign off on a permit to be issued
because the City requires worker’s compensation and
liability insurance issues to be taken care of at this time.
PROJECT CONSTRUCTION
From this point, I am basically “on call”. During
the project construction, if there is anything that needs
attention from us, simply call and we will come out, take
a look and help resolve any problems or questions. Generally, we do
not charge for this service. Our desire is
that construction go smoothly and that our clients are well
taken care of through this process. However, excessive field visits and meetings during construction might result in a consultant change. As a rule, we do not
make continuous on-site inspections during construction.
The City does so many inspections it has proven redundant
for us to do so.
|
