space calculation PRO TIP**
When determining the square footage area including all the rooms desired for your new home, remember to include circulation spaces and wall thickness between rooms as part of your total space calculation.

Ready to space plan like a pro?!
Access our how-to checklists to learn step by step how architects develop space calculation requirements.
reference link / ArchitecturalHowToChecklist

site selection PRO TIP**
When selecting or designing a site for your new home; remember to determine the buildable area of the parcel. Verify your local zoning codes to identify the building setbacks for front; sides and rear yards of your parcel to confirm your proposed homes square footage area and/or footprint will fit within the setbacks.

Ready to evaluate sites like a pro?!
Access our how-to checklists to learn step by step how architects evaluate site selection requirements.
reference link / ArchitecturalHowToChecklist

block floor plan PRO TIP**
Typically home shapes should be rectangular; “L” or “U” shaped depending upon views; natural light exposure; and/or prevailing wind directions. When determining what shape your home should be, start by making scaled room sized cut-outs [digital or paper shapes] of each space you would like for your home. Then move the room shapes around and arrange like a puzzle until you create your desired layout. Remember to consider your preferred functions; room adjacencies; and views to exterior features as you arrange your room blocks.

Ready to arrange block plans like a pro?!
Access our how-to checklists to learn step by step how architects develop block plan concepts.
reference link / ArchitectureHowToChecklist

contractor bid pricing PRO TIP**
We recommend requesting three (3) to four (4) bid prices from different contractors. If each contractor is provided the same design information and/or specifications, their bid pricing should be within 5-15% of one another. This range can depend upon how busy they are and/or their level of expertise, quality expectations and experience. If any contractor is 25% (or more) higher or lower than the average of all bids, we typically recommend not considering that contractor based upon potential over or under estimating your project requirements.

Ready to request bid pricing like a pro?!
Consult with one of our professional architects for question + answer guidance to address your bid pricing topics.
reference link / ArchitectureDesignAdviceQA

owner / contractor construction agreement PRO TIP**
Following completion of the bid pricing process for your architectural (exterior + interior) project scope, we recommend requesting your selected contractor to provide an industry standard American Institute of Architects (AIA) A-Series • Owner / Contractor Agreement, which have been created with the best interests of both the owner and contractor for a fair / equal agreement. Select from the following to best suit your project type:
• A105-2017 : Short Form Small Renovation
• A110-2021 : New or Renovation Custom Home
• A111-2021 : New Single Family Home

Ready to request your contract agreement like a pro?!
Consult with one of our professional architects for question + answer guidance to address which AIA contract agreement suits your projects scope + scale.
reference link / ArchitectureDesignAdviceQA