Comprehensive FAQ with Answers

General / Getting Started

1. What exactly do you do — are you a builder, architect, or project manager?
We provide a full range of services: architecture, design, inspections, claims, permitting, project management, and construction oversight. Our focus is on guiding every stage carefully, ensuring clients get quality results without unnecessary complexity or hype.

2. Do I need land before contacting you?
No, but having property allows us to provide accurate site analysis and cost projections. Serious clients plan ahead.

3. Can you give a cost estimate without visiting the site?
No. Estimates without data are guesses. Clients who value precision schedule a consultation and provide property details.

4. Do you only take large or luxury projects?
No. We scale from small repairs to full-scale luxury homes. Quality is consistent; size doesn’t change our standards.

5. Why is your estimate higher than others?
We have our prices for a reason. Not every project fits every budget. If you realize you need expertise to make your vision a reality, that’s when we help — for clients who value results, not shortcuts.

6. How long does a renovation take?
It depends on project scope. Small remodels: 3–5 weeks. Major builds: 3–6 months. Clients who understand timelines avoid surprises and stress.

7. How do I know you’re the right company for my project?
If you value process, clear communication, and high-quality results, we’re a fit. Our work speaks for itself; we don’t rely on hype or ego.

8. Can I see past projects before signing?
Portfolio access is provided during consultation to serious clients who understand the value of process.

9. Do you work with first-time home buyers?
Yes. We guide first-time buyers through financing, permits, design, and construction with clarity and care.

10. Can you handle unusual or highly custom designs?
Yes. Every design is approached with creativity, technical accuracy, and respect for the client’s vision.

Design & Architecture

11. What is included in the 7% architectural design fee?
Concept, schematic (30%), design development, and construction drawings. Each phase is billed upfront. Clients who commit see clarity and protection.

12. What if I want changes after a phase is complete?
Revisions are billed per scope. Early finalization avoids delays and extra fees.

13. Can I use your plans for another property?
No. All plans are the firm’s property. Unauthorized reuse, resale, or sharing triggers legal action.

14. Who owns the rights to the drawings?
All drawings and plans remain intellectual property of the firm. Clients get copies for their project only. Ownership does not transfer.

15. Do you offer 3D renderings or visual walkthroughs?
Yes. Clients receive realistic renderings to understand space, flow, and design before construction.

16. Can I provide my own designs?
Yes, but they must be reviewed and adapted to meet code and structural standards.

17. What is included in your schematic and design development phases?
Schematic (30%) covers layout, function, and basic visuals. Design development refines materials, lighting, and systems.

18. How many revisions are included before extra fees?
Revisions included are scoped by the contract. Major changes after final approvals incur additional fees.

Engineering, Permitting & Technical Work

19. Why are engineering costs separate?
Structural, mechanical, civil, and MEP coordination occurs after construction drawings. Clients who plan and budget accordingly avoid delays.

20. Do you handle all permits?
Yes. We submit, coordinate, and track approvals. Clients who let us manage permits avoid bureaucratic delays.

21. What is the permit processing fee?
6 hours of labor @ $94/hr plus 2x profit. Transparent, fair, and necessary to manage jurisdiction coordination.

22. Can I submit permits myself to save money?
Technically yes, but doing so may cause delays or mistakes. Serious clients let us handle this efficiently.

23. How long does the permit approval process take?
Timeframes vary by jurisdiction; expect 4–12 weeks. Clients who allow time for processing avoid stress and construction delays.

24. Do I need a contractor’s license to build my own home?
You can use an owner-builder permit, but any subcontractors — especially electrical and HVAC — must be licensed. We strongly recommend hiring a contractor or letting us manage the project. Small favors or extra calls add up.

25. Can I do an owner-builder project without using your team?
Yes, but we won’t manage or supervise it. Projects done without our oversight risk delays, errors, and added costs.

26. What if a city or county inspector rejects part of the plans?
We revise and resubmit professionally. Clients who respect the process see quicker resolution and compliance.

Construction & Project Management

27. Can I live in my house during construction?
Sometimes. Safety and workflow matter. Clients who follow guidance stay out of harm’s way.

28. How do construction draws work?
Funds release in phases after inspection: foundation, framing, mechanical, finish, final.

29. What happens if materials go up in price?
Market volatility is normal. Clients who plan with us reduce surprises.

30. Can I make changes halfway through?
Yes, via formal change orders billed separately. Early decisions save time and money.

31. How often will you communicate with me?
Weekly updates, video calls every other week if necessary. We are a business, not your friend or therapist.

32. Can I call or text anytime with questions?
No. All questions must go through the formal RFI process. Pushy clients may have call access restricted.

33. How do you handle pushy or impatient clients?
RFI rules apply. Repeated violations can result in delayed responses or limited access. Respectful communication ensures all projects get attention.

34. How do you track subcontractors and site progress?
Via our proprietary digital platform: plans, photos, inspection notes, submittals, and budgets.

35. Do you manage small projects as well as large ones?
Yes. Quality, documentation, and attention to detail remain consistent.

36. How do you handle delays or unexpected issues?
We document, communicate, and provide solutions. Clients who respect our process experience smoother outcomes.

Financing & Payments

37. Do I need a loan before starting?
No. We guide clients to appropriate construction or renovation loans.

38. Can you finance my project?
Yes. We coordinate with vetted lenders to align funds with project scope.

39. What if I can’t pay full project cost upfront?
Payment is staged by phase. Clients who plan ahead avoid delays.

40. Do you accept cash or partial payments?
Yes, but all transactions are documented for compliance.

41. Can I get a discount if I found someone cheaper or refer another client?
No. Pricing reflects our expertise. Referral credits: $500 issued 1–3 months after the referred client signs and makes initial payments.

42. How are revision fees billed during design phases?
Per scope and documented in the contract. Minor adjustments are included; major changes are extra.

43. Do you offer staged payment plans?
Yes. Payments align with phases: schematic, design development, construction drawings, construction milestones.

44. Are financing options available for first-time home buyers?
Yes. We provide guidance for FHA, 203(k), and other suitable loans.

Inspections & Claims

45. What’s included in your inspection service?
Structural, electrical, plumbing, moisture, and code compliance — plus recommendations.

46. Do you handle insurance claims?
Yes. Documentation, negotiation, and communication with adjusters included.

47. How long does an inspection report take?
Typically 2–5 business days depending on project scope.

48. Can I schedule multiple inspections during construction?
Yes, following project schedule and safety rules.

49. Do you coordinate with insurance adjusters?
Yes. We handle all communications professionally to ensure clarity and compliance.

IP & Legal

50. Can I sell or give away the plans?
No. Unauthorized use triggers legal action.

51. Can I use the plans for another project?
Absolutely not. Plans are tied to the original project. Misuse leads to enforcement.

52. Who owns the rights to the drawings and plans?
All plans remain property of the firm. Clients get project-specific copies only.

53. How do you enforce plan reuse restrictions?
Legal action is pursued for misuse. Rewards may be offered for reporting violations.

54. What happens if someone violates plan copyright?
Immediate legal enforcement. Clients who respect the rules avoid liability.

Client Conduct / Pushy Clients

55. What if I overcall or bypass RFI rules?
Calls may be delayed or access restricted. The RFI process keeps projects organized.

56. Do celebrities or developers get special treatment?
No. All clients are treated equally. Respect earns results, not status.

57. How do you handle contractors or developer questions?
All must follow RFI protocol and formal channels.

58. Do you only take clients who are calm and cordial?
Yes. Panic, pushiness, or shortcuts risk delays. Professional, respectful clients get the best results.

59. What happens if a client is impatient or rude?
Access to team support may be reduced until communication is professional.

60. How do you manage expectations when multiple clients have urgent needs?
Weekly updates, formal RFIs, and scheduling ensure fairness for all paying clients.

61. Can I get special favors for being “important” or high-profile?
No. Status does not override rules. Professionalism and patience earn priority.

62. Can I make design decisions on-site without consulting the team?
No. Deviations without approval risk construction errors and delays.

63. Can I bring my own subcontractors and expect them to follow your schedule?
Only if they are licensed and coordinated through our project management system.

64. What happens if I ignore your recommendations during construction?
We document all risks. Liability may shift to the client for decisions made outside guidance.

65. Can I speed up the permit process by contacting the city myself?
No. Unauthorized communication can delay approvals. We handle permits professionally.

66. Can I change engineers or architects mid-project?
Yes, but delays and added costs are likely. Professional transitions are managed carefully.

67. What happens if my lender delays funding?
Construction may pause. Clients are informed and rescheduling occurs.

68. Can I see your contracts before paying the retainer?
Yes. Transparency ensures informed commitments.

69. How do you handle unforeseen site issues?
We document, assess, and provide professional solutions. Clients who respect the process see quicker resolutions and minimal delays. All extra work is billed per scope.

70. Can I speed up the permit process by contacting the city myself?
No. Unauthorized communication can cause delays or conflicts. We handle all submissions professionally to ensure compliance and efficiency.

71. Can I change engineers or architects mid-project?
Yes, but expect delays and extra costs. Any transitions must be coordinated through our team to maintain compliance and continuity.

72. What happens if my lender delays funding?
Construction may pause until funds are released. We update clients and adjust schedules accordingly. Proper planning avoids surprises.

73. Can I see your contracts before paying the retainer?
Yes. Transparency ensures clients understand scope, fees, and terms before committing.

74. How do you handle unexpected soil or site conditions?
Our team conducts pre-construction analysis to anticipate issues. If problems arise, we provide solutions and cost adjustments before proceeding.

75. Can you provide cost comparisons for different materials?
Yes. We give professional recommendations with budget, durability, and aesthetic considerations. Final choices remain with the client.

76. How do you manage multiple bids for subcontractors?
All bids are evaluated fairly for price, experience, and reliability. Recommendations are provided, but final selection is approved by the client.

77. What if I want to cancel the project mid-phase?
Cancellation is subject to contract terms. Work completed, permits submitted, and engineering efforts are billed accordingly. Clients are advised to plan before committing.

78. How many times can I revise plans before extra fees?
Revisions included are clearly defined per phase. Minor adjustments are allowed; major changes are billed per scope.

79. Can I reuse your plans for another project?
No. All plans are property of the firm and intended for the specific project only. Unauthorized use triggers legal enforcement.

80. Can I give your plans to another contractor?
No. Sharing or selling plans is prohibited and legally enforced. Clients are responsible for any misuse by third parties.

81. Who owns the intellectual property of the plans?
The firm retains full ownership. Clients are provided project-specific copies only. Ownership does not transfer.

82. What happens if someone misuses the plans?
Legal action is enforced. A reward may be offered for reporting violations. Respect for our guidelines ensures client and firm protection.

83. Can I call the team anytime with questions?
No. All questions must follow the formal RFI process. Excessive or pushy calls may result in limited access until communication is professional.

84. How do you handle over-received phone calls or messages?
We have a strict RFI-first rule, like city and county departments. Pushy clients risk delayed responses or restricted communication. Respectful clients get full attention.

85. Do you provide special treatment for celebrities or developers?
No. All clients are treated equally. Professionalism, calm demeanor, and respect earn priority, not status.

86. Can I make changes without updating the RFI?
No. All changes, requests, or questions must follow RFI submission. Unauthorized changes can lead to delays and added costs.

87. How often do I get updates on my project?
Weekly updates are standard. Video calls every other week are scheduled if our team deems it necessary. This ensures clarity without overwhelming communication.

88. What if I refer another client or find someone cheaper?
Pricing reflects expertise and quality. Referral credits of $500 are issued 1–3 months after the referred client signs and makes initial payments. Discounts for negotiation or price-matching are not offered.

89. Can I live in my house during construction?
In some cases. Safety, workflow, and client cooperation determine feasibility. Following guidance ensures minimal disruption and risk.

90. Can I handle part of the construction myself?
Yes, but only licensed trades (e.g., electrical, HVAC) may be self-performed. We recommend full management to avoid mistakes stacking up over time.

91. Do you provide calculators or budgeting tools?
Yes. Our platform includes calculators for cost, bids, and payments. Clients who use these tools plan more efficiently.

92. How do I pay for your services?
Payments are staged by phase: schematic, design development, construction drawings, and construction milestones. Payment is required before each phase begins.

93. Are revision fees included?
Minor revisions are included per scope; major changes are billed separately. Planning early reduces additional costs.

94. Can I schedule multiple inspections during the project?
Yes, according to the project timeline and safety rules. Requests are coordinated through our platform.

95. Do you handle insurance claims?
Yes. Documentation, communication with adjusters, and guidance are included in our claims services.

96. How do you coordinate with subcontractors?
All subcontractors are tracked and managed via our digital platform. Clients can monitor progress without interfering.

97. Can I make changes after plans are submitted to the building department?
Changes require formal RFI and approval. Any modifications after submission may affect permits, fees, and schedules.

98. How do you handle unexpected weather or site delays?
We document, communicate, and adjust schedules. Clients who follow guidance avoid unnecessary conflicts or costs.

99. What happens if I ignore your process or guidance?
Liability may shift to the client. Following process ensures safety, compliance, and project success.

100. What if I don’t like a material or design after installation?
Changes may incur costs and delays. Clients are encouraged to finalize selections during design phases to avoid surprises.