FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How long does it take to complete a set of plans?
2. What is included in a set of plans?
3. Do your plans include a plumbing plan?
4. Can a builder build a house from this set of plans?
5. How do I proceed if I have my plans/drawings and ideas ready to go?
6. Is the energy analysis with your written guarantee included in the under roof price?
7. Do I have to be in your local area for you to draw a set of plans?
8. Do you draw for remodel projects?
9. How do I make prints of my plan and how many copies can I make?
10. How are your services different from a registered architect?
11. I have a set of plans I have drawn by myself in another program or on graph paper, can you start with these drawings?
12. When you draw my plans do I have to pay for the energy analysis also?
13. How can I send my information to you?
14. Should the home design process begin prior to committing to a builder?
15. Do you need to see my initial plan to give me a quote for a full set of plans?
16. Are there any additional fees or will I be surprised at the end by add-on fees?
17. Will my plans need to be stamped by an engineer?
18.. Do you need any information on my lot or the terrain?
19. Are there charges for drawing basements?
   

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20 CRITICAL DESIGN ASPECTS EVERY HOME OWNER MUST CONSIDER BEFORE PLANNING A NEW HOME.

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1. How long does it take to complete a set of plans?
  The time required to complete a set to totally up to you.  I have completed a set of plans in as little as two weeks.  Others take 90 days.  I am always working on multiple sets of plans but prioritize my work load.  Some clients may not be building for a whole year while others may be wanting to break ground in 60 days.

The amount of time required also depends on your responsiveness.  If I send you a draft and it takes you two weeks to review and get back with me each time, that of course will add up over the course of the project.  Ideally I like to have a project fully complete within 90 days of starting it.  For me the faster we move through a project the better.
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2. What is included in a set of plans?
  The set of plans you will receive are a full set of construction blueprints that can be used to build your home.  You get the following:
-  Fully dimensioned floor plan
-  All exterior elevations (front, back, left, right)
-  Electrical plan
-  Foundation plan
-  Roof framing plan
-  Energy efficient construction details (specified for your home in the energy analysis)
-  Several exterior 3D angles and views
-  3D doll house view.  This is a top view of your home without the roof and tilted at 45 degrees.  It gives you a great overview of the
    layout.
-  3 - 11"x17" prints to carry with you
-  I will email you the final plan as a PDF file that can be used at your local print shop for unlimited copies as needed
-  Materials list.  This materials list does not include every single item in your home but has been fine tuned through
    conversations with other builders and suppliers as to what is the most helpful and time saving.

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3. Do your plans include a plumbing plan?
  The provided plan does not include a separate plumbing plan.  Everything a plumbing contractor needs is on the floor plan.  Plumbing specifics are left to the local contractor and they are to verify it meets your local code.
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4. Can a builder build a house from this set of plans or can I use it to contract the home myself?
  Yes.  You can give my plans to any builder or contractor for construction.  As with any set of plans you will need to meet with the builder or contractor to work out specific details such as crown molding, floor finishes, paint colors, etc.
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5. How do I proceed if I have my plans/drawings and ideas ready to go?
  If you are ready to proceed with having your plans drawn and/or me running the energy analysis on your home simply send me an email at philliprye@philliprye.com and let me know you are ready to proceed.  Before work begins I will email you a short design agreement that has everything outlined in writing.  If you have any questions on house plans please feel free to ask.
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6. Is the energy analysis with your written guarantee included in the under roof price?
  No.  The energy analysis is a separate, optional service.  While 99.9% of my clients choose the energy analysis it is not required.  You do receive 33% discount on this service when I draw your plans.  The energy analysis ranges between $200 for a smaller home and $600 for a very large home.  The price is based on heated and cooled area only.

The energy analysis is a premium, one-of-a-kind service where I calculate the exact heating and cooling loads needed for your home.  I take into account the direction the house faces, where it will be built, ceiling heights, window sizes, foundation type, caulking practices, insulation, and everything else that affects the heating and cooling loads on your home.

I then give you a detailed energy specification list of everything you must do to make your home super energy efficient while keeping additional construction costs to a minimum.  This document contains diagrams and descriptions for your specific home.  It is NOT a generic form.  It is for your specific home.

I now know the heating and cooling loads needed for your home and I've given you details on how to construct it as energy efficiently as possible.  Using my software, proprietary calculations, and 20 years of experience, I can guarantee your average heating and cooling costs.  Whether it's 100 degrees or 0 degrees outside, I know how your house will perform.
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7. Do I have to be in your local area for you to draw a set of plans?
  No.  I draw homes all over the US including Canada.  Using the internet and email (and snail mail when needed) I am able to provide a superior service as if we were sitting face to face.  Many of my clients have given testimonials that working by email and PDF files has saved them valuable time and money.  Even if I'm working with a builder down the street we do it all online. 

Everyone is super busy these days.  Why spend hours meeting in person when you don't have to.  Time is money and I can save you a lot of it!
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8. Do you draw for remodel projects?
  Yes.  I have drawn for both commercial and residential remodel projects.  Anything from a $300,000 restaurant remodel to a $20,000 home remodel.  This projects are charged on a per project basis.  In addition to providing a detailed floor plan of your project I will also provide 3D views so you can see how it will be incorporated into your existing structure.
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9. How do I make prints of my plan and how many copies can I make?
  Once your plan is complete I will email you the final PDF file.  You can put this on a CD, thumb drive, or email it to your local print shop.  They can print full size sets from this file.  You can make unlimited copies of the plan.

If you prefer for me to handle the initial printing I can do so at my costs for printing, shipping, and handling.
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10. I have a set of plans I have drawn by myself in another program or on graph paper, can you start with these drawings?
  Yes.  I receive plans in formats.  Hand drawn on 8 1/2x11 paper, drawn in another over-the-counter program, drawn on graph paper, and any other way you can imagine.  It get them scanned/emailed, faxed, or mailed.  I draw your initial drawing and any changes you want to make.  Revisions start from that drawing.  Working together we turn that initial idea in your head into your dream home!
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11. When you draw my plans do I have to pay for the energy analysis also?
  No.  Although the energy analysis is highly recommend and you honestly can't afford not to do it, this is an optional service as described above.  Spend a couple hundred dollars and save thousands!
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12. How can I send my information to you?
  You can send your information by email, fax, or directly to my office.  Email me at philliprye@philliprye.com if you have questions or need my office address.
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13. Should the home design process begin prior to committing to a builder?
  Yes and No.  Not a good answer is it?  This question is like "which came first, the chicken or the egg?".  It never hurts to contact builders and start to build a relationship and ask questions.  However, a builder cannot give you many details on your home or give accurate prices until they have a good plan to go by.

On the other hand, you don't know your budget and the size of home you can afford until a builder or contractors give you estimate from a plan.  My advice is to call your local, reputable real estate company and ask them what the average new home construction price is.  You can also ask builders in the area.  They can give you a ballpark, average figure to start with.

Let's say they tell you the average is $100 per square foot.  If your ideal home is 2500 square feet then you can figure a construction costs of somewhere around $250,000 +/-.  This gives you a good idea of where we need to start.

NOTE: Be cautious "low ball" numbers given by builders or contractors to get the job.  I recommend asking multiple real estate companies and contractors.  Even though it is a ballpark number, you at least want it to be IN the ballpark.
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14. Do you need to see my initial plan to give me a quote for a full set of plans?
  No.  All of my plans are on a square foot price only.  No more.  No less.
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15. Are there any additional fees or will I be surprised at the end by add-on fees?
  No. As stated above, the charge for a full set of plans is on a square foot basis only.  The energy analysis is an optional service.
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16. Will my plans need to be stamped by an engineer?
  Typically no.  Every once in a while I come across a client that lives in an area where a stamp is required.  I would say 99.99% of the time a stamp is not required for residential drawings.  As a licensed civil engineer myself, I have a lot of friends in the engineering business.

Most engineering firms will not take on a residential project.  They are not set up for engineering on this scale.  If they do take on the project, fees are typically around $3000 and some upwards of $5000. 
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  Other tags: energy efficient homes, energy efficient home design, green homes, custom home designs
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