How much do your design services cost?

Each project fee is assessed individually based on the design brief, scale and site conditions among other considerations. Sketch Designs for single storey homes start from $3,500 and two-storey homes from $5,000. Note that the services are split into key stages, allowing you to make an informed decision before opting to move onto the next one. While I hope that you will choose to work with me through each stage, there is no obligation to continue after each one is complete.

Refer to the ‘Process’ page for more information.

Can you suggest a builder?

Yes, this is a recommended pathway as we transition from design to documentation. I can suggest a number of suitable builders whom I have worked with in the past and who provide similar level or workmanship and inclusions in their build. Once we receive the prices back from the builders, you may decide to sign a fixed fee contract. Note that I always advise my clients to do their due diligence and research to ensure that the builder is a right fit for their project.

Why work with a builder from the early stages?

Working with a builder prior to commencing Construction Drawings has many benefits.

• Relationship - you are able to establish a trusting relationship early on and see if both parties are compatible. You are not locked in with the builder until you sign a contract, therefore they still need to work hard to win your business.

• Timing - quality builders are often booked out many months or even years in advance. By the time you are ready to start building, they may no longer be available. A lot of time can be spent searching for potential builders and going through the tender process which can delay your progress substantially.

• Tenders - Builders are becoming less interested in tendering as it takes up a substantial amount of time and money. In a tender process they are competing against other builders, often ones that do not work to the same level of quality as them. Smaller and sought after builders are likely not interested in this process.

• Working together - Having a builder on board allows us to work to their strengths, utilise their suppliers and therefore helps to keep the project on budget.

Do you provide interior design services?

My core services include key selections and cabinet design drawings. While the drawings provided are well detailed and resolved, it is intended that these are further advanced and specific material selections are made with the builder’s selected cabinetmaker prior to finalising the shop drawings. Should you require a more comprehensive service, I can connect you with a trusted interior designer.

Do you get paid commission?

Many designers work with brokers or builders who pay commission when they refer a successful client. I do not subscribe to that model and therefore am not driven by commission when helping you find a suitable builder. If you choose to sign a contract with one of my suggested builders, I may be paid to produce the Working Drawings and be involved throughout the construction period, ensuring that the drawings are followed as intended and the design intent is carried through.

Should I use a broker?

I do not recommend this process as it leads to un-methodically selected builders bidding against one another and therefore providing the lowest level of inclusions to try and win the project. This is understandable from the builder’s perspective however I feel that this method is therefore flawed and does not provide a good outcome for my clients.

Can I work with a builder of my choice?

You are able to take the design to your own preferred builder and have them complete the construction documentation. Alternatively you or the builder can engage me directly to complete the Working Drawings.

Can I tender the project out?

I can provide you with a fee to produce Working Drawings which would be suitable for tender, Building Permit and construction. I liaise with engineers, energy assessors and building certifiers to produce certified documents which are ready for builders to tender or submit to the council for a Building Permit.

Do I own the copyright to the design and drawings?

The client has a one-off permission to use the design and drawings to construct the home on the agreed subject site.

What other fees can we expect?

There will be some additional fees along the way which are not included as part of my scope. While I can assist you with the process and liaise with the consultants, you are required to engage them and pay their fees directly. This process also ensures that you retain the rights to any documents produced by the consultants.

Feature and Contour Site Survey - We need this before starting a detailed design process.. If you already have one, then we should be able to use it. If not, I can source a quote for you. The process normally takes around 2-3 weeks.

Council Permit Fee - You will be required to pay a Planning Application fee when lodging the plans with the council.

The fees listed below are part of the construction documentation process and are normally allowed for in the builder’s contract and hence not a direct cost to you. Should you opt to complete the Working Drawings without signing a contract with a builder, you will be required to engage the following consultants and pay their fees.

Structural Engineer - A structural engineer is required to design and certify the building structure.

Energy Assessor - Energy assessor will determine the energy rating of the home and may require to adjust some selections such as insulation or glazing to meet the minimum requirements.

Building Certifier - While this is not required for Building Permit, we insist on incorporating this service as it not only ensures that the design is compliant with the Australian Standards and National Building Code but it also makes for a quicker turnaround when the builder submits his documents for Building Permit with the council.