Picking a designer is as important as picking a builder, an accountant or any other professional. They are creating your home, the largest investment most people make in their lifetime. And, as in everything else in life, you get what you pay for. You need not spend a fortune on great design. What separates a good designer from a great designer is the experience of the designer and the ability to put your vision on paper to be realized on the ground and within your budget.
With any designer, you must ask these questions:
1. Has the designer ever built a home before? Field experience is incalcuable when designing a home. A small adjustment in a design due to the knowlege of construction and real world issues can save a client more than the designer’s entire fee. Even a small error in the field can cost thousands of dollars not only in retrofitting, but in time. That interest clock on a mortgage never stops ticking.
2. What kind of questions does the designer ask you? Does all he discuss is his past projects, or does he discuss your life, how you live, your desires, and your budget?
3. Has the designer completed a broad range of designs? Many styles and sizes of homes, utilizing the many varied construction materials and techniques that are available today? Is he accustomed to putting the same thought and details to a small modest home as the most elaborate mansions?
4. Does the designer have the contacts with engineers, builders, the building departments and other professionals that make the creation of the construction documents complete and useful?
5. Is the designer Certified with the evaluation procedures set forth by a national organization, such as AIBD or AIA?
And remember, as with everything in the world, you get what you pay for. A great designer can be a great resource to show you how to actually save money and still achieve the dream home you have always wished for.
The principal of Plansource, Randall W. Smith, AIBD, CPBD, has an extensive background in residential construction and design. He grew up in a homebuilding family, and has since gained experience with two national home builders, and a national residential design firm prior to deciding to meet the challenges of establishing his own design firm. He has also owned his own custom home building company.
The work of Plansource is throughout Florida and the South. The work is varied and includes many types of construction techniques and housing types. Mr. Smith’s experience includes all aspects of single-family houses, multi-family townhouses, condominiums, and amenity buildings for communities.
Plansource can be contacted at www.plansonline.com or (813)909-2941.
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