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Step Two: Rough Sketches
Once you have defined what is to be built, we will do a series of rough sketches, known as schematic designs. These sketches will show you the general arrangement of rooms and of the site. If you have any difficulty understanding the sketches (many people do), ask for an explanation. Depending on the project and your wishes, models of the design can be made to help you better visualize it. These sketches are not "finished" construction documents. They are meant to show possible approaches for you to consider. We will refine and revise the sketches until a solution is developed that you agree meets the needs of your project. At this point, a rough preliminary estimate of construction cost will be given. Remember, there are still many more details to be established about your project and that this cost estimate is very general. It is hard to predict market conditions, the availability of materials, and other unforeseen situations that could drive up costs. Therefore, this figure must include a healthy contingency to cover cost changes that arise as the design matures. A 20% contingency is recommended.
Don't panic if these first sketches seem different from what you envisioned. Ask how these designs satisfy the requirements you discussed at the first stage. It is vital that we are clear about what you want and what is to be designed. It is much easier to make changes now when your project is on paper, than later on when foundations have been poured and walls erected. Before proceeding to the next phase, we will ask for your approval of these sketches. These first two steps typically constitute 20% of the overall time for our services.
Deciding
what to Build | Rough Sketches
| Refining the Design
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