Curious Questions Clients Often Ask. View our answers on this FAQs page!
Who from the firm will I work with regularly, and will they design my project?
At Myles Nelson McKenzie Design-Canada, Myles McKenzie will design and collaborate with our clients throughout the entire project duration.
What is your design philosophy?
Due to our experience in developing various projects across multiple regions, we have the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of architectural design styles. With enthusiasm, confidence, and expertise, we focus on understanding your specific needs, preferences, and dislikes to create a design that complements your lifestyle. Our approach ensures that the final design is tailored to meet your requirements effectively.
Looking to understand how to effectively budget for design fees?
The billing practices for architectural design firms can vary significantly based on factors such as geographical location and current economic conditions. Typically, we operate using one or two methods for a project: charging an hourly rate or a fixed fee method. Generally, most projects’ design phases are billed hourly, while the construction documentation phase often operates on a fixed fee basis. This structure allows for pricing flexibility depending on each project’s specific needs and scope. Ultimately, all project fees will be explored during our initial consultation meeting, where we can dive into the details together. Your questions are welcome, and we’re excited to discuss how to tailor our services to meet your needs!
What information do you expect me to provide?
We recommend to clients that they can create a curated folder, either digitally or physically. This collection of images could include images of room layouts, design details, and color palettes that resonate with them. This visual collection will provide valuable insight into their personal style and preferences, enabling us to understand better and meet their design needs.
What is a Geotechnical Report, and do I need one?
The structural integrity of a home is heavily dependent on the underlying soil conditions, making it crucial for the structural engineer to consider these factors during the design process. To ensure safety and stability, it is highly recommended to obtain a Geotech report for your property. Particularly because the structural engineer is not familiar with your specific local soil characteristics. This report becomes even more essential if you are planning to build near a lake or in a rural area, as it provides valuable information that can significantly influence the design and construction process.
Will I need a property survey?
Sometimes, finding your property dimensions from possible alternative sources. However, if your property has existing buildings, trees, or other unique features you wish to incorporate into your design, a survey outlining their size and location is essential. For sloped properties, obtaining a topographical survey will empower us to create a home that harmonizes beautifully with the property’s natural terrain. It will also give us the ability to understand what needs to be done so that the property drains correctly away from the building.
What is your design process, and how long does it take?
The speed and clarity of client feedback on our design drawings can truly shape our journey. Typically, the design process unfolds in a remarkable 1-3 weeks, transforming ideas into reality. Discover the inspiration behind our design process by exploring this link.
Once the design phase wraps up, how long can we expect it to take to develop the construction plans?
Once the design drawings have been reviewed and approved, the construction plan development phase typically takes approximately 1-2 months to complete. This is depending on the project scope.
Do you offer construction estimates and detailed takeoffs for building materials?
We do not provide construction estimating services, as the best source for accurate project estimates is typically a contractor. Costs can vary significantly based on your location. Additionally, our drawings do not include material takeoffs since construction costs and materials can differ greatly from one region to another. Factors such as the level of trim and detail that is required. The types of finishes you select also play a crucial role in overall costs.
If our project scope changes later in the project, can we make plan changes?
It’s important to make any necessary adjustments during the design process, as this is the best time for modifications. Changes made later, during the construction drawing phase, can be more time-consuming and may incur additional hourly fees for the modifications.
In the demo phase of our renovation project, we found that we had an unexpected load-bearing wall, now what do we do?
Often, when we do not have existing as-built construction plans for your residence, a renovation project often involves unexpected challenges. Which is a typical part of the process. Skilled renovation contractors recognize that unforeseen circumstances may arise when dealing with existing structures and are equipped to adjust accordingly. If modifications to the original plans become necessary, we will collaborate closely with the contractor to address the issues effectively. It’s important to note that these unanticipated changes will be billed on an hourly basis. As they are inherently unpredictable and cannot be estimated in advance.
What role will you play during the construction process? Will you be collaborating directly with the contractor?
Myles McKenzie of Myles Nelson McKenzie Design-Canada emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the construction documents are interpreted correctly during the construction phase. As the author of the drawings, Myles Nelson McKenzie Design-Canada is the sole interpreter of these documents. The contractor is responsible for the means and methods of construction, while both Myles Nelson McKenzie Design-Canada and the owner should not direct the work. It is the general contractor’s responsibility to lay out and oversee the work.
Be cautious of contractors who want to avoid involving an architect or building designer in the construction process. Remember that architects and designers work for the client to ensure that the investment in the contract documents—also referred to as drawings and specifications—is fully realized.
Myles McKenzie of Myles Nelson McKenzie Design-Canada embodies a commitment to excellence by being readily accessible for any questions during the construction process, supporting both builders and clients at no charge. It is the contractor’s duty to reach out to Myles McKenzie when encountering unforeseen challenges and to collaboratively discover the best solutions for overcoming them.
How disruptive will construction be?
Each renovation project is unique, presenting exciting possibilities. While many clients choose to live elsewhere during renovations—an option that can come with its own costs—it’s an opportunity to reflect on the transformative potential of your space. For all new and renovation projects, we strive to honor the surrounding environment, creating harmony with nature.
The timeline of your project is influenced by numerous factors, from collaborating with the local Building Department and the skillful organization of your contractor to the creativity involved in customizing features. Every choice holds the potential to shape the future of your dream space.
Please feel free to contact us for your project.
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Be sure to visit our FAQs page regularly! We’re continually updating our FAQs page with new questions from our valued clients, along with helpful answers. Keep an eye out for fresh insights!