- Does Kivland Architects only do residential design?
- What do your services cost?
- Why should I use an architect?
- I’ve never worked with an architect before, what will the experience be like?
- How long does it take to get plans ready for permit or bidding?
- I’ve seen custom home plans online and in magazines for as little as $500. Can you match that price?
- How much will our design cost to build?
- I don’t know any general contractors. Can you help supply us with a list to bid to?
- I have a contractor I’d like to bid to. May we add them to the list of bidders?
- I already have drawings done. Will you stamp them?
No. We have done many commercial build-outs for small businesses including restaurants and exercise facilities.
Obviously the price varies with the size and complexity of the project. We calculate all proposals using our very competitive hourly rate.
An architect should not only be hired for their ability to design but also to protect your best interest throughout the project. We will give you our honest opinions during the design process as you are weighing scope, quality, and budget. We prepare drawings to comply with current building codes, and respond to a municipality’s comments so you can obtain a building permit. We observe construction and are available to answer contractor questions. We’ve been through the entire process many times and we believe our experience helps you avoid common mistakes.
You will find us, as our past clients have, an easy going team that confidently steps you through the design and construction process. We have two goals when we meet you, the first being that at the end of the project you are thrilled with the new construction because it meets your needs both functionally and aesthetically. The second goal is that you will happily recommend us to your friends and family.
It depends on the size and complexity of the project, your decision making ability, and our current workload. Not everyone is experienced at reading drawings, so we are prepared to provide as much guidance as necessary. This may mean you’ll want time to think about the information (drawings) we’ve provided, so you are comfortable with your decisions.
Once we sell your same design a thousand times over, we too will be able to offer you that $500 price. Until then however, we need to stick to our competitive rate. Unlike those cheap plans, we produce a set of drawings far more complete and site specific.
We wish cost estimating was as simple as a price per square foot, but for residential construction it’s not. There are simply too many variables. We encourage our clients to give us an accurate account of what they are willing to spend, so we can work within their budget.
Yes. We know many reputable contractors in our area.
Sure, this is not a problem.
No, we will not stamp drawings that have not been prepared under our supervision.
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