What to Bring - First Meeting
Congratulations! You’ve officially begun walking the path of your dreams!
During our Initial Consultation, we’ll discuss the vision you see for your New Home, Renovation, Addition, Barndominium, or Development.
It’s important that we get started on the right foot and plan ahead to get the most out of our time together.
The following is a list of items to prepare ahead of time that will expedite the process of designing your dream home. If a topic does not apply to you, just skip it.
*If you need help obtaining these documents, please do not hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you throughout the entire process.
1) Budget Goals
- Be prepared to share your budget goals.
- The budget is the first piece of the puzzle in creating your home design.
- It is absolutely necessary to determine the size and level of detail that will go into the design.
- Clarity on your budget BEFORE the initial consultation will yield in clarity for design and financial savings for you in the long run. You do not want to waste time and money on designs that could potentially far exceed your budget.
2) Site Survey with Topographical Information
- We cannot begin the design process without a site survey. It shows boundary lines, setback lines, north arrow, and any easements that may be encroaching on your building site.
- The slope of your property is also imperative to the home design. This will determine the possibility of a basement/lower level and whether or not your lot will require retaining walls.
3) Well and Septic Permit
- If your property does NOT connect to City or County Water and Sewer your home will need to be designed to adhere to the County Environmental Health Departments approved well and septic locations.
- The Well and Septic permit tells us the number of bedrooms approved for your site within the setback limitations, and the potential location(s) where the home can be placed on the site.
- If issues arise with the proposed location or number of bedrooms permitted, a soil scientist with septic design qualifications can help design a creative resolution.
- If your property DOES have access to connect to City or County Water and Sewer, you will not need an Environmental Health Department permit for designing your home.
4) Project Goals
- Be prepared to share all goals you have for the property.
- Have clarity on your must-haves and dealbreakers.
5) HOA or Local Covenant Guidelines (if applicable)
- If your property is located within a subdivision, there will be limits to the potential for your home design. Approval of your plans by the HOA will need to be obtained prior to construction.
6) Scrapbook (digital or otherwise)
7) Sketches (if you have them, though not necessary)
- Bring any idea sketches you may have created yourself or acquired elsewhere.
- If acquired elsewhere, you will need to obtain a written release of copyright from the intellectual property owner.
8) Be prepared to tell us all about you and your life.
- The more we get to know you the better we will be able to create a design specific to your unique life.
9) Have questions ready that you would like to discuss.
- Ask us anything that’s on your mind. We understand that a custom home project is a big deal! You’ll likely have many questions throughout the process. We’re here to share our insight and help you find the answers you need.
After the initial consultation we’ll send a link to our Design Questionnaire. This in-depth discovery tool helps us understand how you live, what matters most in your daily routines, and how you want your home to function over time. It allows us to align early on priorities, preferences, and investment goals – creating a clear foundation for a focused, intentional, and highly personalized design process.
Once your Design Questionnaire has been submitted, we’ll send a detailed agreement outlining the scope and fees for your project. This contract will also explain all terms of our agreement. Once the contract is signed and your Phase I retainer is received, we’ll add your project to our design queue.
Learn more about our process for New Home Design Services or Renovation/Addition Design Services.
