Additional Services
B U T W A I T T H E R E ' S M O R E
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The standard design process is a well-worn path, a tried and true method that covers most project needs. |
Engineering & Consultative Services
If your project requires an engineering or design consultant, we’ll assist in selecting the best one from our consultant network. We'll also support and guide the work of the consultant, making sure they have all the documents and direction needed.
DLD adds a 20% markup to the cost of the consultant, as our fee for coordination of the work, and we charge an hourly fee for time spent incorporating the consultant's information into the drawing set.
The following consultants are common additions to a project:
Surveyor
If the project is in a rural area or one where significant site impacts or constraints are expected, we’ll ask that you engage a Surveyor. A surveyor will locate property lines [which in turn establish property setbacks], along with other significant site and landscaping features. This information is used to develop site, utility, drainage and grading plans which may be required to secure a building permit.
Structural Engineer
Resolving the complex loading characteristics from roof to foundation of our custom architectural designs often requires professional engineering. The end result usually looks effortless but requires diligent collaboration between DLD and the engineer. The engineer works with us to thoughtfully and efficiently integrate the structure into the overall design.
Soils Scientist
If you’re unsure of the quality and load bearing capacity of the soils on your property, a soil test is a must. A modest charge [~$350 here in Minneapolis] gets you data critical to determining the viability of the soils, whether or not soil remediation may be required, water table levels, and what structural systems are needed to support your project.
If you purchased undeveloped land, the soils were required to be tested for suitability for a septic system. Occasionally the lot you purchased will have an included septic design, but it’s not a requirement that you to use that design. The designs are by necessity generic and lacking information about where a future home will be located, the soils scientist will make a best guess – it’s often one revisited as the design develops.
It can be difficult to reconcile the additional cost because their efforts are hidden. A good engineer’s work is invisible and seamless. They take responsibility for meeting the structural requirements of the code, which often go unmet in projects not utilizing an engineer. A good engineer makes sure the sheet rock doesn’t crack when there’s a windstorm, the floors won’t bounce, and the proper framing members are specified so the window system doesn’t bow and break.
DLD adds a 20% markup to the cost of the consultant, as our fee for coordination of the work, and we charge an hourly fee for time spent incorporating the consultant's information into the drawing set.
The following consultants are common additions to a project:
Surveyor
If the project is in a rural area or one where significant site impacts or constraints are expected, we’ll ask that you engage a Surveyor. A surveyor will locate property lines [which in turn establish property setbacks], along with other significant site and landscaping features. This information is used to develop site, utility, drainage and grading plans which may be required to secure a building permit.
Structural Engineer
Resolving the complex loading characteristics from roof to foundation of our custom architectural designs often requires professional engineering. The end result usually looks effortless but requires diligent collaboration between DLD and the engineer. The engineer works with us to thoughtfully and efficiently integrate the structure into the overall design.
Soils Scientist
If you’re unsure of the quality and load bearing capacity of the soils on your property, a soil test is a must. A modest charge [~$350 here in Minneapolis] gets you data critical to determining the viability of the soils, whether or not soil remediation may be required, water table levels, and what structural systems are needed to support your project.
If you purchased undeveloped land, the soils were required to be tested for suitability for a septic system. Occasionally the lot you purchased will have an included septic design, but it’s not a requirement that you to use that design. The designs are by necessity generic and lacking information about where a future home will be located, the soils scientist will make a best guess – it’s often one revisited as the design develops.
It can be difficult to reconcile the additional cost because their efforts are hidden. A good engineer’s work is invisible and seamless. They take responsibility for meeting the structural requirements of the code, which often go unmet in projects not utilizing an engineer. A good engineer makes sure the sheet rock doesn’t crack when there’s a windstorm, the floors won’t bounce, and the proper framing members are specified so the window system doesn’t bow and break.
Design Consultants
We cover a lot of ground during the design process from material selection to lighting plans. However, there are several situations where the expertise of a design specialist or consultant can be a necessary and wonderful addition to the team.
Some examples of design consultant services which may be added to the design process:
> Landscape Architect - for master planning and complex sites we often recommend hiring a landscape architect to help integrate the home into a larger design idea. During the design process, DLD considers sun angles, views, and the location and orientation of the building on the site. However, additional expertise may be required to determine how topography and building interface, as well as how other site or landscape features such as stone walls, patios, significant trees, or water bodies integrate within an overall site plan..
> Lighting Design - a lighting designer can tailor a lighting plan and fixture choices to meet your high-performance or speciality lighting requirements require using a professional lighting designer.
> Media, Audio, and Wifi
> Home Security or Automation
> Color Consultant
> Heating & Cooling Systems
We cover a lot of ground during the design process from material selection to lighting plans. However, there are several situations where the expertise of a design specialist or consultant can be a necessary and wonderful addition to the team.
Some examples of design consultant services which may be added to the design process:
> Landscape Architect - for master planning and complex sites we often recommend hiring a landscape architect to help integrate the home into a larger design idea. During the design process, DLD considers sun angles, views, and the location and orientation of the building on the site. However, additional expertise may be required to determine how topography and building interface, as well as how other site or landscape features such as stone walls, patios, significant trees, or water bodies integrate within an overall site plan..
> Lighting Design - a lighting designer can tailor a lighting plan and fixture choices to meet your high-performance or speciality lighting requirements require using a professional lighting designer.
> Media, Audio, and Wifi
> Home Security or Automation
> Color Consultant
> Heating & Cooling Systems
Public Hearings & Municipal Filings
These are general terms that apply most often to a Variance Application. If your project is non-conforming [falling outside of allowable municipal and/or zoning parameters], you may choose to pursue a public variance.
A variance is a public hearing process which may require completion or coordination of some if not all of the following:
> Variance application
> Scaled drawings
> Written letter of support or project description
> Meetings with neighborhood council and city staff
< Property Survey
> Photographs
A variance is a public hearing process which may require completion or coordination of some if not all of the following:
> Variance application
> Scaled drawings
> Written letter of support or project description
> Meetings with neighborhood council and city staff
< Property Survey
> Photographs
