Frequently Asked Questions
Below are questions that are commonly asked during a first conversation or initial meeting. Feel free to contact me if you have any additional queries or concerns.
What services does Scott Home Design provide?
Scott Home Design is a residential design firm with the main purpose of developing drawings for construction projects. Founded by Alexander Scott in 2016, we provide homeowners and contractors with architectural and construction drawings for any new homes or home additions/renovations. We are also available for consultations about interior design, color coordination, local codes, or any other residential advice. Our initial visit is free of charge. Curious about meeting or starting a project? Visit our Contact page to inform us about your desires and we'll respond promptly.
What regions do you service?
Our location in Riva, MD, allows us to provide exceptional service to Annapolis, Baltimore, Alexandria, Anne Arundel County, Price George's County, and Maryland's eastern shore. Of course, we can design for any site across the Nation via online resources.
What are your fees?
Our fees vary based on the size and description of your desired project. Our services are available on either an hourly or fixed-fee structure. Average fees for a renovation design and drawings range between $2,000 and $6,000. Custom new home designs and drawings cost $4,000 and up.
What is included in your fee?
The main item our fee includes a set of digital drawings (a PDF) required to obtain a building permit for your project and 3D renderings to best explain the design. This includes any floor plans, elevations, sections, or details that your local jurisdiction or contractor requires. The drawings will be handled in a timely and professional manner with the intent of accomplishing your goals succinctly and efficiently. Any revisions to the drawings formally requested by your local jurisdiction to complete the permitting process will be completed free of charge.
What's the first step?
The first step is to schedule a meeting at your home or the site to discuss your project. This meeting is free of charge. Please visit the Process page to learn more about how we do business and the Contact page to inform us of your interest in starting a project!
What do I need to have ready for our initial meeting?
A clear description of what you'd like to accomplish is all that's needed. It's great to have a wishlist, inspirational photos, or a simple vision of your goals. Other helpful documents in a renovation are sketches of measured existing floor plans and photos of existing conditions. Most helpful to start any project is to have a plat (aka site plan) and a prepared budget for construction so we can begin moving in the right direction quickly.
What time frame I should expect?
I'll respond via call or email immediately after your initial contact. We'll schedule a meeting to discuss your project and afterwards I'll send over a Letter of Agreement. From there, it will usually take a month or two to complete the drawings needed for permits. Building permits only take about five weeks to receive approval, with one round of revisions typically requested. If required, grading permits take three to six months to receive approval. The building process usually takes six to eight months for any major construction project or four to six months for a renovation.
When is the best time to hire a contractor?
It's best to find a reliable, trustworthy builder as early as possible. However, you won't officially hire a contractor until you sign-off on an itemized cost sheet to begin construction. Finding a builder early not only helps ease your mind about the project, but the builder should be able to assist in cost analysis, programmatic support, and obtaining permits. I recommend having a specific builder selected prior to our completion of permit drawings to ensure clarity and to set a reasonable budget.
How do I get a building permit?
Obtaining a building permit is typically much easier than anticipated. A simple visit to your local permitting center with the necessary drawings, forms, and a check will begin the process. Every county and city requires a specific set of drawings to ensure that the construction will meet their jurisdiction's building and zoning codes. Our specialty is knowing which drawings your jurisdiction must review. All contractors are well versed in permitting, but homeowners are welcome and encouraged to walk the drawings through the process. We are also available to apply for permits if you'd prefer that we fully complete the process. Permitting services are not included in the fixed rate fee structure.
