Answers to Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I learn more about HLP Architects?

 Simply click on the HLP logo on any page or click here to go to the “About HLP” page. For a list of references or some other piece of information not shown on the “About HLP” page, use the contact information on the “Contact HLP” page to request the specific information you desire.

How do you charge for your services?

For new construction, our standard price is $4.00 per heated square foot.  We also offer a more detailed design service. The price for that service is determined by the level of detail required. For remodels, we give a fixed price based on what we believe the project will require to bring it to fruition. That fixed price averages about 5% of the cost of construction. For small jobs, the fee will be higher than 5% and for large jobs, the fee may be lower than 5%.

 Why should I use an Architect?

 While it is true that an Architect is not required by law for most residential jobs, an Architect is usually a good investment. The difference between the higher sale or resale value of the Architect designed house and the similar house where no design professional is involved can be more than the Architect’s fee.

     Also, when the house is designed correctly before starting construction, construction is quicker and smoother. The first change order can cost more than the Architect’s fee would have been. Making changes on paper is much cheaper than making changes during construction. Even the process of obtaining permits is smoother when an Architect is involved.

     In a situation where a homeowner builds a house for himself, he may only build one or two houses for himself in his lifetime. Any lesson learned by the “trial and error” method will either have to be lived with or changed at great cost. He may get only one chance in his lifetime to get it right on the next house. An Architect, on the other hand, has seen many solutions tried and will be able to steer the client clear of many pitfalls that are sure to yield unpleasant results.

     Typically, the house designed by an Architect will not only be more aesthetically pleasing, but will also function better. A person can often get away with building a smaller house that he thought was needed if that house is well designed. Sarah Susanka has written a series of books (starting with “The Not So Big House”) that explores that concept in depth. To go to her website, click here.

     For more about the value an Architect adds to a project, click here to go to the website of the Georgia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

 Couldn’t I save money by buying a set of stock plans from a book?

Only if you can find a plan that fits you and your lot perfectly as drawn. If you need to make modifications to suite your needs, your savings diminish or even disappear.

 Should I remodel the house I live in now or would it be better to move into either an existing house or a house I have custom designed to meet my needs?

After soul searching, your answer may ultimately be based on emotions. But there are a few rational questions you can ask yourself to help with the decision. If you like your current location, one question to ask is, “How much can I spend to remodel my house without pricing myself out of the neighborhood?” It can be risky to let the price you paid for your house plus the cost of the remodel get too far above the value of the houses around it. Or, you may feel safe spending up to the price you think you can get after appreciation when you get ready to sell in the future. If you can accomplish what you want within that budget, then remodeling is a viable option. To help determine the values of property in your area, click here. You may also explore whether or not you can find what you want in an existing house and how that price compares with either remodeling or building custom. With building custom, you are sure to get what you want. Once you find a lot you can afford in the right location, you can compare the cost to build with the other 2 options. You can enter other factors such as construction time into the equation. Ultimately though, the decision need not be dictated by rational concerns.

What is the process of working with HLP? How do we get started?

 First, you call us to set up an initial meeting at which we discuss your needs. Typically, this meeting is at no charge. At or soon after this meeting, we can determine what fee HLP would require to do your design work. Once hired, our first step for a remodel is to measure and draw the existing house if no such plans exist. The first step for a new house (and the next step for a remodel) is to have a meeting where we sketch possible solutions. We call this the Schematic Design Phase. Once we have determined the solution we will pursue, we move into the Design Development Phase. We draft plans based on the sketches. We meet as many times as necessary to reach your goals. Once we have the drafted plans, we often get estimates from contractors to be sure we are within budget before going forward to produce the Construction Documents (the full-blown plans to be used for permitting and construction). If it looks like the design can be built within your budget, we proceed to the Construction Documents Phase. If not, we revise and then proceed. After we deliver the Construction Documents, we review bids from contractors during the Bidding and Negotiation Phase, if necessary. We include up to 6 hours during the Contract Administration Phase, which could be anything from answering contractor questions over the phone to actual job site visits during the construction. In the rare event that more time is required, we bill hourly to continue.

Once my plans are ready for pricing and building, how do I go about finding and choosing a contractor?

 We can recommend some that we have used. Also, you can ask friends, neighbors, and coworkers who they have used that they were pleased with. And, there are websites such as servicemagic.com, atlantahomebuilders.com, and handymanonline.com that will help you find a contractor. Once you have found 3 or more contractors you feel might fit the bill, they will meet with you, see your project, and review the plans. They will submit bids. We can help you review the bids. The apparent low bid is not always the best choice. You may want to evaluate past projects the contractor has done and interview his past clients. Even intangibles such as personality may play a part in the decision.

Where can I get information about ways of saving energy, reducing maintenance, and building in an environmentally responsible and healthy way?

 A good starting place would be at southface.org, the website of the Southface Energy Institute. We delight in incorporating such features into our designs.

 Could I better communicate what I like and dislike by finding photos in magazines and books to show to you in our early meetings?

 Yes. The magazine racks are filled with good sources. Some of these include: Atlanta Magazine Home, Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles, Architectural Digest, Custom Home, Dwell, Elle Décor, Fine Homebuilding, Home, Metropolitan Home, Residential Architect, and Traditional Home. Bookstores are a good source too.