Design Consultations
We offer this valuable service to clients considering
an addition or renovation to their home. A design
consultation gives you an architect’s expertise
for limited time at a reasonable price.
What to Expect
Think of a design consultation as a house call:
we visit your home, discuss and sketch possibilities,
and answer basic questions about costs and construction
alternatives for various home improvements. Together
we can explore placement of a needed expansion,
re-sculpt awkward facades, correct balance, composition,
and add visual interest. We can even recommend
how to avoid common mistakes made with additions
and renovations.
Most conceptual possibilities are explored during
the design consultation. Depending on the project’s
complexity and the available documentation, some
consultations may take longer.
After the consultation, a letter may document
the results and conclusions of the design consultation.
The design consultation is a “stand alone”
service. You are not required to retain us for
the duration of your particular project. In some
cases, the consultation will be all the architectural
services required. Subsequent architectural services,
if needed, can be discussed and reviewed during
the design consultation.
Getting The Most From
Your Design Consultation
The following items will help us give you the
most useful recommendations in the least amount
of time. Have copies ready before the consultation
begins.
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Site Plan or Survey. This document,
prepared by a Surveyor, locates your house
relative to property lines, driveway, and
servitudes. It is often included with your
closing documents.
Photographs of the Exterior. We frequently
approximate what your additions may look
like by drawing directly over a good snapshot.
Take photos of the front, sides and rear
of your home. Don’t tilt the camera
up or down, as this distorts the image.
Enlarge several copies to either 8-1/2”
x 11” or to 11” x 17” on
a regular copy machine.
Subdivision restrictions (if applicable).
Many subdivisions exceed the city or parish’s
building requirements with restrictive covenants.
These covenants can limit the materials,
establish mandatory building setbacks and
require approval of any plans. Look in your
closing documents for these. If you aren’t
sure if your subdivision has such restrictions,
check with your real estate agent, closing
attorney, or neighborhood association.
Floor Plans. A copy of your home’s
plans is the best record, though many older
homes don’t have these. If the original
plans are unavailable, check your closing
documents for a plan that may have been
included in the appraisal or in the description
of the property.
Your Clip File. No two homeowners
prefer the same materials, colors, fixtures
or appliances. To help us learn your preferences,
tear out pages from favorite home improvement
magazines illustrating the “feel”
you want. Place a note on each, noting the
items that caught your eye.
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What Does It Cost?
A typical design consultation takes two to three
hours and costs $800 including the session’s
conclusions. Additional consulting time is offered
at our normal hourly rates.
Travel time within Baton Rouge’s city limits
is free. For locations outside this area, travel
charges can be negotiated in advance. With appropriate
photographs and documentation, the consultation
may be conducted at our office. Many out-of-town
clients have taken advantage of this option. Call
for further details.
Satisfaction Assured
If you aren’t completely satisfied with the
design consultation during the first hour, you
may stop the consultation at that time without
charge.
Scheduling the Consultation
When you're ready to schedule your design consultation,
just contact our office at (225) 924-7450. Design
consultations are typically scheduled in the late
afternoon. This is when there is the least risk
for disturbances due to active construction.
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