Design Development
With approval of the schematic design, the design team will prepare more detailed drawings to illustrate other aspects of the proposed design. Floor plan drawings will show all rooms in correct size and shape. Exterior elevations and a typical building cross-section are drawn to scale. You will begin determining specifications for major materials and room finishes. You can expect a more detailed, and therefore, more accurate cost estimate as part of this phase. Upon your approval of these (design development) documents, you will move on to creating construction documents.
 
Construction Documents
In this phase, construction details and specifications are completed to be in compliance with the local building code. You can expect the final and accurate price at this stage. The level of detail required for the latter may be influenced by the type of contractual relationship you have with your contractor. The drawings and specifications completed in this phase become the basis for financing, permits and any future construction contracts.
Note: Please keep in mind that design development and construction documents may cost a modest fee.
 
Additional Services
Depending upon how you have assembled your team, you may want to have your architect or designer assist you with soliciting and reviewing bids and negotiating contracts with the timber framing company and/or the general contractor. In addition, the design team may serve as administrator of the construction contract, assuring that construction is in accordance with the construction documents. And finally, your architect or designer may be able to provide interior and landscape consulting services, or will collaborate with specialists in those fields.
 

Next Month: Construction