Many builders have an “in-house” design team that will draw up your building plans as a service to a client. However, ownership of the plans remains with the builder meaning you will be locked in to that builder if you want to use that design.
For one-off designs, consumers can also choose architects or independent draftspeople or designers, who are usually able to design house plans to a budget. You can then seek quotes from builders based on the draft plans.
Architects can often offer the added service of project management and supervision of construction, which is not generally available through a draftsperson.
Cost and ownership of the plans are also considerations. Architectural fees can be expensive. Also, an architect retains copyright in the drawings unless the contract under which the architect was engaged specifically states otherwise.
To find builders, designers or architects you can visit the Master Builders website.
There are many more questions you may have, so check out Master Builders A to Z at their website, mbawa.com
Recorded broadcasts: 23 June 2012; 24 November 2012.
