- How can we learn more about Arizona House Plans by Palmer Design?
- What should I bring or how should I prepare for my initial
consultation?
- What is included in your floor plans?
- How do you charge for a custom home design?
- How long does it take to design a custom home?
- What are building codes and what do I need to know about them?
- What zoning and other land use regulations do I need to conform to?
- Are your floor plans structural engineered?
- What is and how do you calculate
livable square footage?
- What is a Building Designer?
- What is the AIBD?
- How quickly can I get a set of plans for my bank?
How can we learn more about
Arizona House Plans by Palmer Design?
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All prospective clients are encouraged to set up a free consultation.
We would be more then happy to answer any questions you have and to provide you
with further information about Arizona House Plans by Palmer Design. We can show you
past
home design projects and talk to you
about what to expect during the design and building process. We are
confident that you will feel comfortable with our services after meeting
with us.
What should I bring or how should I prepare for my initial
consultation?
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Please come prepared to discuss your budget goals, needs and site requirements.
Gather design ideas from our website, home design magazines and other sources (if you
haven't already). Have a written
list of rooms, function of each space and what it should be near. All of these will
be essential in determining what kind of project is structurally and financially feasible.
We will be able to determine your style preferences from this visit.
What is included in your plans?
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Visit our sample floor plans page to see what is included in our
floor plans.
How do you charge for a custom design?
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We base pricing on the square footage of a project and the level of detail required for your plans.
After calculating the time we’ll spend on your home, we can provide you with a proposal.
The price typically works out to about 2% of the total investment of your
house. Non-livable square footage is un-conditioned spaces such as:
garages, porches, patios, decks, etc.
Click here
for a more detailed pricing structure.
How long does it take to design a custom home?
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This can vary by customer and home. Generally we say that we like to go the same pace as
you. Fast, Faster & Fastest! Those who know what they want,
and are anxious to get going, can expect there completed set of plans in 4-6
weeks. Those who want to take
there time and really nail down the details, tend to take a little longer,
probably 2-3 months. All of our floor plans & home designs
are created with the highest standard of quality. Each set of
plans goes through a comprehensive check process to ensure accuracy.
What are building codes and what do I need to know about them?
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Building codes are the written documents that establish minimum standards that must be conformed to in
residential or commercial construction. We will check with the local building inspector to see which codes have
been adopted by the municipality in which you plan to build. Most localities accept the International Residential Code "IRC" for one
and two family dwellings. A new version is released every 3 years. 2003, 2006, 2009, etc. Each municipality decides
when to update to the latest version. They will most likely be on different codes.
What zoning and other land use regulations do I need to conform to?
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Once you have located a
potential building site, check with your local zoning department to
see what the requirements are concerning setbacks, density, house size and other items.
If your lot is in a platted subdivision, carefully check the covenants for similar restrictions.
Visit our Arizona House Plans
municipality links
to get you pointed in the right direction.
Are your plans structural engineered?
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We strongly recommend, and can provide floor plans that are sealed by an Arizona registered engineer.
This means that your plans have been thoroughly reviewed by the engineer, including: foundation,
framing, beams, posts, connections and lateral wind loads. Engineering
is
typically required the governing city.
What is and how do you calculate
'livable' square footage?
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Floor plan 'livable' square footage is figured on air conditioned floor space (heated or cooled).
This air conditioned square footage or 'livable' square footage is typically
our plan number. Non-livable square footage is the un-conditioned
space such as: garages, porches, patios, decks, etc. Unfinished
basements are considered 'livable' square footage.
What is a Building Designer?
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A building designer is first and foremost a professional familiar with all facets
of the building trade, whose plans and designs represent the particular needs, style
and budget of the client. Our approach to any problem is based on practical, functional
and economical solutions that will best fulfill the client’s requirements, while
translating these factors into a concept that is both aesthetic and utilitarian.
What is the AIBD?
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The American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) is a nationally recognized
association with design associate and affiliate members in 47 states, Canada, Europe,
Asia and Australia.
Since 1950, The AIBD has provided its members with educational
resources and developed nationwide design standards for the building design profession.
Its chartered societies are active in their respective legislative arenas and work to
promote public awareness of the building design profession and emphasize the role we
fill as a valuable resource for residential design services.
Ben Palmer is a Professional member
AIBD and
adheres to their code of ethics and quality standards.
How quickly can I get a set of
floor plans for my bank?
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This is a very common question that we get. Banks do not typically need a
full working set of floor plan drawings to conduct there appraisal for the construction
loan. Therefore, once we have completed the floor plan and elevations,
we can provide you a set of plans to give to your bank. See our
home design process for more information.