The fastest way to get a useful fee proposal is to reduce unknowns. You do not need perfect drawings — you need honest inputs.
Decision basics
- Primary goals (space, light, value, accessibility, rental unit…)
- Must-haves vs nice-to-haves
- Household decision makers
- Hard constraints (move-in date, school year, financing)
Site and property
Address or metro, ownership status, HOA or historic notes, known drainage/soil issues, and whether utilities are available for additions/ADUs.
Budget and financing
A construction budget band plus awareness of soft costs. If financing is not ready, say so — timelines change.
Files that help
- Photos of existing conditions
- Prior plans or surveys if any
- Inspiration images with notes (not 40 contradictory boards)
- HOA guidelines PDFs