Common questions about when to start, what to bring, and what you need before the design process begins.
Do I need finished plans before contacting Northern Sky?
No. An early idea, property, sketch, inspiration images or a list of priorities is enough to begin.
What happens during the first conversation?
We discuss the project, property, goals, timing and current information, then recommend the most useful next step.
Should I buy a lot before starting design?
Not necessarily. Reviewing zoning, orientation, slope, servicing, access and design controls before purchasing can prevent expensive surprises.
How early should I begin planning?
Earlier is usually better. Design decisions, drawings, permits, pricing, engineering, and contractor scheduling can all take time. Starting early gives you more room to make thoughtful decisions rather than rushing them.
What information should I bring to the first meeting?
Bring whatever you have. You may already have sketches, photos, inspiration images, an existing plan, property information, a wish list, or examples of spaces you like... or you may have nothing. Either is fine!
Can you help if I only have a rough idea or sketch?
Yes. Rough ideas are a perfectly good place to start. We can help explore the possibilities, identify constraints, and develop your idea into something more resolved.
Do I need to know my exact budget before contacting you?
No. It helps to have a general comfort range, but you do not need an exact construction budget before the conversation begins. Budget can be considered alongside scope and design as the project develops.
- DESIGN & DRAFTING
From ideas to clear drawings
Learn how design, drafting, drawings, permits and project coordination come together before construction begins.
What is the difference between design and drafting?
Design is the process of deciding how the project should work, look, and come together. Drafting turns those decisions into accurate drawings that can be used for permits, pricing, coordination, and construction.
Can Northern Sky prepare drawings without building the project?
Yes. Design and drafting can be provided as a standalone service. We can prepare the drawings and information you need and then hand the project off to your builder or contractor.
Can Northern Sky work with my builder or contractor?
In some cases we may work alongside other builders, contractors, and project professionals. We can provide design and drafting support while a general contractor handles construction.
What is included in a residential drawing package?
The exact contents depend on the project, but a drawing package may include floor plans, elevations, foundation information, sections, roof information, details, and other drawings needed to clearly communicate the design and support construction.
Can you create drawings from my own sketches?
Yes. Client sketches are welcome. They can give us a useful starting point, and we can develop them into accurate residential drawings while reviewing the design for practical issues along the way.
Can you measure an existing home and create drawings from it?
Yes. For renovations and additions, we can measure the existing home and create drawings that provide a reliable starting point for the proposed design.
Do you provide 3D renderings or visualizations?
Yes. Visualization can be used to help understand exterior forms, interior spaces, materials, and design decisions before construction begins.
Can you revise an existing set of plans?
Often, yes. We can review existing drawings and determine what can reasonably be modified or developed further. The amount of work required will depend on the quality and format of the information provided.
Can Northern Sky help with permit drawings?
Yes. We can prepare permit-related drawings and can also assist with permit submission.
Do your drawings include structural engineering?
Structural engineering is separate from residential drafting. Where engineering is required, Northern Sky coordinates with third party engineering partners.
Do you provide drafting services for builders and contractors?
Yes. We can support builders and contractors who need additional residential drafting, design development, construction drawings, revisions, or visualization capacity.
- NEW BUILDS
Planning a new home
Answers about lots, custom home design, timelines, site considerations and the decisions that shape a new build.
How does the custom home design process begin?
It starts with a conversation about your property, goals, priorities, and how you want the home to work. From there, we can explore layout, exterior character, site relationships, and the decisions required to move the project forward.
Do I need a property before designing a custom home?
Not always, but the property eventually becomes an important part of the design. Lot dimensions, orientation, views, access, setbacks, grading, servicing, and municipal requirements can all influence the home.
Can you help evaluate a property before I buy it?
Yes. We can help identify design-related opportunities and constraints so you have a better understanding of how a property may work for the type of home you are considering.
How long does it take to design a custom home?
It depends on the size and complexity of the home, the number of revisions, engineering requirements, and how quickly decisions are made. We can provide a more realistic timeline once we understand the project.
How involved can I be in the design process?
Very involved. Your priorities, routines, preferences, and feedback are important throughout the process. Our role is to help organize those ideas and turn them into a home that works for you.
Can Northern Sky design a home that another builder constructs?
Yes. Northern Sky can provide design and drafting services independently of construction.
Do you design acreage and rural homes?
Yes. Rural properties often involve additional considerations such as access, orientation, utilities, septic systems, wells, grading, and servicing. We take these into consideration during the design process.
- RENOVATIONS & ADDITIONS
Working with what you have
Understand how we approach existing homes, additions, major renovations and the possibilities within your current property.
Where should I start if I am considering a renovation?
Start with what is not working and what you would like to improve. You do not need to know the solution. We can review the existing home and help determine what changes may make the most sense.
Can you help determine whether I should renovate, add on, or rebuild?
Yes. We can explore the advantages and limitations of each approach based on the existing home, property, project goals, and scope.
Can Northern Sky design an addition to an existing home?
Yes. We can design additions that respond to the way you want the home to function after the renovation.
Do I need existing drawings of my house?
No. Existing drawings are helpful if they are available, but they are not required. We can measure the home and create the existing-condition information needed to begin planning.
Can I stay in my home during a major renovation?
Sometimes, but it depends heavily on the scope and sequencing of the work. Large renovations affecting kitchens, bathrooms, utilities, or substantial portions of the home may make temporary relocation more practical.
How do you know whether an addition will work on my property?
We look at factors such as lot size, setbacks, existing building placement, access, grading, utilities, municipal requirements, and how the proposed addition connects to the existing home.
Can you modernize a home without removing its character?
Yes. Good renovation design does not automatically mean making everything look new. Existing proportions, materials, architectural features, and details can often be retained or reinterpreted while improving how the home functions.
Do you work on smaller renovations?
Yes. Not every project needs to be a whole-home renovation. The appropriate level of design and drafting support can be tailored to the size and complexity of the project.
- BUDGET, TIMELINE, & CONSTRUCTION
From planning to delivery
Helpful information about project costs, schedules, permits, construction involvement and what happens after the drawings are complete.
When does budgeting begin?
Budget should be part of the conversation from the beginning. As the design becomes more defined, there is more information available for meaningful pricing and scope decisions.
How long will my project take?
There is no single timeline that fits every project. Design, revisions, engineering, permits, pricing, material lead times, and construction scope can all affect the schedule. We can establish a more realistic timeline once we understand the project.
How are design and drafting services priced?
Pricing depends on the type of project and the level of support required. Some drafting and additional design work may be estimated by hours, while larger scopes can be defined based on the project.
What affects the cost of a renovation or custom home?
Size matters, but it is only one factor. Structural changes, site conditions, complexity, materials, finishes, mechanical systems, cabinetry, glazing, and the amount of custom detailing can all have a significant impact.
Can you help establish a realistic project budget?
We can help you understand how design decisions and project scope may affect the final cost and we coordinate with suppliers, contractors, and trades as more detailed pricing becomes appropriate.
When do contractors and trades become involved?
That depends on the project. Some benefit from early contractor input, while others can be developed further before pricing begins. We can help determine when outside input will be most useful.
Can Northern Sky handle permits?
Yes. Northern Sky can assist with the permit process, including preparing the necessary documentation and submitting permit applications.
Can Northern Sky handle construction as well as design?
Depending on the project location, Northern Sky can provide construction beyond the design and drawing stage. We can discuss whether construction, project support, or a hand-off to another contractor makes the most sense.
What happens if the design changes during the process?
Changes are a normal part of design. We review the implications, update the design as required, and work toward resolving important decisions before construction wherever possible.
- BLOGS & ARTICLES
Looking for a more detailed answer?
Our articles take a deeper look at common planning questions, project decisions and what to consider before moving forward.
