Some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who will actually design our new home?
Almost all of our design work is done by Peter Steer, AIA, CSI, Architect himself, as is much of the drafting. Certainly, every drawing is prepared under his direct supervision and given his close scr-utiny before leaving our office. Regrettably, this is not always the case in many other architectural firms where small projects, and especially residential work, is often undertaken by unlicensed in-dividuals and sometimes leaves the office without even being seen by a licensed architect.

Licensing:
The specifics relating to architectural licensing vary from state to state, consequently, in those states where Peter Steer AIA, CSI does not already hold a valid architectural licence or where state law otherwise prohibits the practice of residential design by unlicenced individuals PSA Custom Homes will engage the services of a Professional Engineer duly licenced in that state to certify that the project meets or exceeds state requirements.

Remember that when you contact us you will be dealing directly with ARCHITECTS - we do not use sales staff at all.

Do you know how much it will cost to build our home?
No and at this point no one does. To ascertain the actual cost it would be necessary to go out to competitive bid and have each subcontractor and supplier bid off the drawings - but of course, the drawings do not yet exist. Therefore, we have to rely on the AVERAGE cost of building similar homes, as published nationally and suitably adjusted for local conditions. This will give a good approximation of the cost but there is an element of uncertainty right until the bids from your local contractors come in. We use the latest edition of SQUARE FOOT COSTS by RS MEANS.

Because of this uncertainty, PSA CUSTOM HOMES cannot, and does not, warrant or represent that final bids or negotiated prices will not vary from any estimate provided.

Will my plans meet local code requirements?
We will contact the local code enforcement authority to establish local code requirements. In some cases, it may be necessary for us to engage the services of a licensed engineer who is fully conver-sant with local conditions - if so this will be included in the service. We will have to rely on you, however, to advise us of any deed restrictions such as easements, rights of way, Community Cov-enants and Restrictions (CC&Rs) that may also apply.

The Conceptual Design is just first phase of the home design service and although these are not the plans that are submitted for construction permits they will be drawn to meet code.

How do I get the plans for the building permit?
After the Conceptual Design Phase is completed and you have completed the Outline Specifications Form, we will begin work on the Construction Drawings - the plans, details and specifications that are needed for this purpose (click here for details).

Why are the Construction Drawings so much more expensive than the Schematic Design Drawings?
The fees are in direct proportion to the amount of work to be completed. The Conceptual Design Phase, for example, often contains only floor plans and exterior elevations - maybe no more than three or four sheets and these are without any of the detailed technical information required by the builder.

The Construction Drawings, by contrast, may comprise ten or more sheets of drawings, each cram-med full of detailed and very specific information. This work is meticulous, somewhat tedious, very labor intensive and can only be completed by highly skilled individuals - most with a college ed-ucation plus years of practical experience. Moreover, all work is also overseen and very carefully checked by the design professional before being issued for construction.

Why do I need so many drawings, couldn't I build off the concept drawings alone?
The legal profession has a saying that anyone that represents himself in court has a fool for a client. Similarly, anyone that skimps on detailed drawings deserves to have constant conflicts with contractors over content, quality and design intent. Most jurisdictions also have very strict require-ments for the issuing of building permits and mandate that a professionally drawn set of plans and specifications be submitted for code enforcement review and approval.

Isn't a Building Designer the same thing as an Architect?
No it isn't. This is somewhat similar to saying that paramedics are the same as doctors. Building Designers are not required to be licensed - Architects are. Building Designers may, or may not, have some formal education and work experience, however, Architects are required to complete a mini-mum of five years college education and have three years of intern experience working with a lic-ensed architect BEFORE THEY CAN EVEN SIT THE LICENSING EXAM. Only around 30% of those sitting the exam pass it! Only licensed individuals may legally refer to themselves as architects.

Why hire an Architect?
Firstly, in many States it is required by law. Also, few people realize how complicated it is to build - that is until they find themselves lost in the maze of design options, building codes, zoning laws, contractors, and so on. The architect is the one professional who has the education, training, ex-perience, and vision to guide you through the entire design and construction process.

Architects see the big picture. They don't just design four walls and a roof - they create total envir-onments, interiors and exteriors, that satisfy functional needs and are exciting, dynamic spaces in which to work and live. Most building projects start with a want or need "I need more space for an office" or, "We want to uprade or kitchen." However, how does this need, or want, get translated into square footage and three-dimensional spaces? This is what architects are trained to do - solve problems in creative ways. With their broad knowledge of design and construction, architects can show you alternatives and options you might never think of on your own.

Why hire an Architect? Because good design sells and architect-designed homes always maintain a higher resale value. Remember that beautiful buildings ONLY happen by design.

Do I choose foundation options?
Yes, although your geographical location and the local prevailing industry custom will normally determine whether your home will be built with a concrete slab, crawlspace or basement foundation - however, as with everything else, the final choice is yours.

Do I choose exterior and interior finishes?
You will be asked to fill out an Outline Specifications Form prior to us commencing work on the Construction Drawings - this is where your preferences for finishes needs to be shown.

Can I make modifications?
As the homeowner, you have the right to make changes or modifications at any point in the pro-cess. At its most extreme, this would be after construction work is fully completed - of course, this would also be when it is the most expensive! The least costly time to make modifications is early on in the design process. We highly recommend that you try to limit major modifications to the conceptual design phase - please note that our fee includes one major revision. It's always best to think of these modifications prior to the production of the Construction Drawings, however, even then we will make modifications for an additional fee.

What about license agreements, copy restrictions and copyright?
All plans are protected under the Federal Copyright Act, Title XVII of the United States Code and Chapter 37 of the Code of Federal Regulations. PSA CUSTOM HOMES retains title and owner-ship of the original documents. Homeowners are permitted to use the design for a one-time build only. PSA CUSTOM HOMES reserves all rights for designs and plans submitted under the con-tract, including copyright. The Homeowners have the right to as many copies of the plans as are required for construction or permanent records. The Homeowners may not sell or assign the plans. The Homeowners must attribute the design to PSA CUSTOM HOMES in any media description of the design or of the finished construction.