The Process of Designing a Home or Addition
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The Client Meeting
Although we have designed many houses without meeting the client face-to-face, we are available to meet with you at your convenience, either at our office in Southern Shores, or at your property on the Outer Banks.
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Site Planning
Site evaluation is often the best place to start any new project. With codes and ordinances on the Outer Banks becoming more restrictive, it often pays to take a closer look at a lot even before purchasing. We will place a house footprint within the setbacks, and plan for amenities such as pool, hot tub, parking, landscaping, septic systems, etc., to ensure that you can have everything you desire in your new home.
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Concept Plans
As the first step in realizing your design ideaas, we will provide you with preliminary Concept Drawings to help you visualize the space. These floor plans are basically space layouts, without detailed dimensions and notations.
When we meet to discuss your project we can also show you our Plan Book, which offers a wide range of designs for you to consider.
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Floor Plans and Elevations
Once you've decided on the general design of each floor, Detailed Plans and Elevations drawn in CAD are developed from the Concept Drawings. The plans are drawn to 1/4" scale with window and door sizes, appliances, and plumbing fixtures. These plans are fully dimensioned and labeled to give an accurate representation of the actual spaces. From these plans, more specific planning, e.g., cabinetry details, flooring, furniture layouts, etc., can evolve.
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Construction Drawings
If desired, detailed Construction Plans are drawn after the design details of the home are finalized. These plans are required to be signed by an Engineer in North Carolina and are essential for obtaining permits for construction to begin.
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Renderings
Not every project requires a rendered elevation, but if you need a presentation quality rendering for your rental brochure, for a unique Christmas card, or just to get a good feel for what your new home will look like, we can provide you with a black and white or color drawing to suit your needs.
Whether we meet in person, or over the phone, we will listen to your ideas and requirements, we'll make suggestions regarding space planning, design and construction, and we'll do our best to help you achieve your "wish list".