What if I find a plan from a magazine or website that I like, but I want to make some changes? Can you do that for me? We cannot use plans from other designers for inspiration or any other purposes. They are protected by international copyright laws. We may have a stock plan that is similar in the basic layout that may work just as well as a starting point. If you wish to start your plans using someone else's design, you must first obtain written permission from the original designer, allowing the plan to be copied and/or changed. Many designers will provide you with a change/ copyright release for a small fee; others will not.
How do you charge? What does 95 cents per-square-foot mean? We charge based on the square footage of living area of the house. We do not charge for patios, porches or garages, or outdoor areas covered by roof overhang. We do however charge for bonus rooms, garage workshops, and enclosed garden rooms. Other firms may offer a lower per-square-foot rate, but they may be charging for everything under the roof. Also, commercial jobs are charged differently than residential. See our pricing page for details.
Is there a substantial savings in building a 2-storey versus one floor? In the Texas Panhandle, there is not a big difference in cost per square foot either configuration. In some cases, 2-storeys are actually more expensive, and much of that is due to the cost of the stairway. In some cities, however, there is a real savings in building a 2-storey, so we advise that you consult your builder.
What about basements? Some plans in our files include below-ground rooms or basements, but most do not, simply because of our location in the U.S. Amarillo city ordinances are extremely restrictive about below-ground rooms, and so any basements shown will follow those guidelines. If your needs require a partial or full basement, one can usually be added by locating a place for a stairway, taking into consideration the location of plumbing and traditional brick fireplaces.
What if I want to make changes to one of your plans? We can usually change or adjust a stock plan very easily, so that it will meet your family's needs. This would fall into the category of the Redraw Rate. One thing to consider when making changes is that it is always easier to enlarge a plan than it is to shrink one.
How long should I expect the design process to take? Turn-around is usually 5 to 10 business days from one step to the next, and can be minimized by thorough examination and in-depth builder consultation whenever the sketches or plans are in your hands. Most house plans less than 2000 square feet can be finalized within a month of your first meeting. Larger or more complex houses may require slightly more time. Commercial projects will typically take considerably longer than residential, because of the additional jurisdictions that are involved.
Once I have my plans, can you recommend a builder? Action Design Group works with some of the very best builders in Texas. Though we cannot recommend one of them over another, we are happy to provide you with links to their websites and contact information, to help you evaluate which ones would be the best match for your individual needs.