Drafting and Design

The process to start a new project, especially a large construction project in your home or property can often feel daunting. Its true that the steps towards getting approval of your project can be long and confusing, but we strive to make the process of building that new addition to your house, ADU, or custom home easy. From start to finish, we handle it all by dealing with your local building and planning department, to meet both local and California building codes and standards. 

Once drawings are approved, we can help manage the project from the very start. 

1. How long does the process take, and when can I expect my project to be approved and ready to build?

Typically, the design and drafting process takes an average of 3 to 4 weeks,  but many times less. After a project is submitted to the local building department, it can take anywhere from 2 weeks, to, a few months. Variables affecting this timeline are usually  as follow:

1. How long it takes the building dept. to send back the reviewed drawings.

2. How many changes the city want to make to the design.

3. Design changes made by the planning dept. 

4. Unforeseen variables.

2. What does your architectural drafting and design service include?

- Design consultation

- Job site visit

- Floorplan development 

- Full set of drawings including the following:

          Cover Sheet, Site Plan, Floorplan, Electrical Layout, Roofing Plan and Layout, Building/Framing Sections, Exterior Elevations, Interior Elevations (only if required by building dept.), Foundation plan, Title 24 Energy Calculations, Truss Calculations (if pre-fab trusses are to be used)

- Coordination with city

- Building permit application

- Project submittal 

- Revisions and or building dept. corrections

- Coordination with Engineers

- Communication with local building dept. so you dont have to.

- Completion of project with approval

- 1 set of drawings upon first submittal

- 1 set of approved drawings

3. How big can my ADU be?

Per California building code, if your property is zoned correctly for the construction of an ADU, you can build up to a 1200 sq.ft additional dwelling unit.

4. What is an ADU?

 An ADU is an additional dwelling unit, also called an accessory dwelling unit. An ADU is the addition of an up to 1200 sq.ft living space on your property. This can be attached to your house, or detached. 

5. Custom Homes? Custom Patios? Custom Sheds/Barns or Storage Buildings?

Yes to all the above. We can help with the whole process.

6. How can I build it after approval of drawings?

 We have a network of contractors and individuals specializing in this type of work. We can happily help get you going. Please see "Project Management" section. 

7. Can you help with Title 24 Energy Calculations ?

Yes, we can provide T24 Energy calculations, contact us for details.

8. Can you help with pre-fabricated truss design and calculations?

Yes, we can help with the truss design process.