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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are some commonly asked questions about the design process, and planning to build stage
WE ARE QUITE NEW TO THIS PROCESS, DO WE NEED TO SEE A BUILDING DESIGNER, OR A BUILDER FIRST?
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This is a very commonly asked question. Generally speaking, you would always see a building designer first. This is so when you approach a builder you have a scope of work (plans) to provide them with context on what you are looking to achieve. A professional building designer can answer many of the questions that you would have for your builder, including construction cost estimates. With that said, there is always an exception to the rule - in some cases if you already have a builder lined up for a project, we can work in with them during the design development process to keep the design on track with what the builder foresees as being within your budget.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT MY BUILDING DESIGNER DOES WILL FIT INTO OUR CONSTRUCTION BUDGET?
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Actually a lot of builders would even find it difficult to provide an accurate cost without seeing at least a fairly developed preliminary design and set of plans. With new builds, we can provide square meterage rates that are based around what level of finishes that would apply - medium / high level etc. With renovations, we will explore ways to keep things on track during the design process - such as to limit how many areas of extending or renovating multiple areas we do, that may not be absolutely necessary. Oftentimes, you might choose to have your designer include everything on your wish list so you can have a builder price it exactly. In doing this, you should keep in mind that the design and plans may need to scale back prior to finalising construction drawings, and depending on the agreement this could be an additional cost.
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST US FOR OUR DESIGN & PLANS?
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The cost of your design is very subjective and will be dependent on many factors. Some projects require a lot more planning, research, design and drafting time than others. Criteria that need to be factored in include things like;
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Site Detail - Do you have a sloping site, or are there restrictions to work around such as building near sewer infrastructure, or in a flood affected area
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Design complexity - Is it a design with a large gross floor area? Will it be a multi level or split level design, will it have a complex shape, multiple corners and different levels, or other specific requirements?
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Detail level - Do you require landscaping and exterior detailing, do you require thorough interior detailing? The higher detail level that you require or that your builder requires, translates to more time required during the design process
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It is also helpful to remember that generally, the more building work you would like to do, the more design time and consideration is required. So the design process should be proportionate to the construction time and amount.
HOW MANY TIMES CAN WE CHANGE THE DESIGN THROUGH THE PROCESS, AND HAVE A NEW VERSION ISSUED?
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This will be highlighted in your fee proposal as a provisional allowance. We will nominate what we believe is an appropriate amount of revisions required for the size and scale of the project. If you feel like you would prefer to have more time and consideration, or that you will require less, please get in touch to discuss. ​
WHY SHOULD WE ENGAGE NEW PARADIGM DESIGN OVER A DIFFERENT COMPANY?
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Since New Paradigm Design was founded, we have always prided ourselves on referral based engagements and have always valued maintaining the relationship of our clients, our network of peers in business, and the local community as a whole. We have been able to position our service, our design process, and our price point at a level that gives your design the time and care it deserves, without disrupting your total project budget. With New Paradigm Design, we will listen to your needs throughout the process, and we will provide our professional feedback at the right time, especially when we feel it is of value to your project and when it aligns with your goals.