Q.
How long have you been in the business?
A.
I have been in the building and construction business since 1980 and have been drafting my plans for buildings for most of that time. Which means 20 years in the building and developing business, 15 in drafting/designing. The person that I am associated with has been working in landscaping for better then 10 years and she can do some amazing things with plants, trees and shrubs.


Q.
What type of software do you use?
A.
I have used AutoCad from its earlier releases up to R2000 (the most recent).

Q.
What type of buildings do you design?
A.
I design residential housing up to 6000 square feet, or interior renovations, additions decks, adding a second floor etc.

Q.
How much does a set of plans cost?
A.
That is a very difficult question a kitchen renovation can be as low as $150.00 a complete set of house plans $1,000.00 or more. It all depends on the job and the amount of time that I have to spend to complete them, and make it right for you and your needs. It also depends on how far that I am to take the drawings. The drawing can be a basic set or can include door and hardware schedules, paint colour, floor coverings and so on.

Q.
How long does it take to produce a set of plans?
A.
Again that depends on the amount of work which I have to do. Some simple drawings can be completed in days some take weeks.

Q.
Do you apply for the building permit?
A.
I often will apply for the permit on your behalf and attend a "Committee of Adjustment" if needed and you wish me to do so. Just as a further note a "Committee of Adjustment" is needed if you are stepping outside the by-laws for what your lot will allow things like: height restrictions, set-backs, lot coverage.


Q.
How long does a building permit take?
A.
That depends on two things. First if it a minor renovation some municipalities have a "Fast Track", which means permits are available in a day. If it is more complex then it can range from three to eight weeks depending on the how busy the building department is.

Q.
Where do you work?
A.
I generally work in the 416/905 area code and since I live near the border of 905, some of the 519 and 705. I have done work from Oshawa to Hamilton, from Toronto to Honey Harbour but certianly these are not the only places which I am willing to travel to.


Q.
Do you over see the construction?
A.
I can over see all phases of construction and make sure that the construction is up to par, and up to the quality that you are paying for. This usually involves a weekly inspection and dealing with the your general contractor to answer any of his/her questions and make any changes that are necessary. Then provide an "as built" set of plans at the end.

If you do not see your question here email me at cougar@ica.net