FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Floor plans are scaled, two dimensional drawings, which show hoe the space will be defined from a bird's eye view.  A floor plan shows the locations of walls, windows, door, cabinets and plumbing fixtures, etc. but only as they relate to the floor.  Floor plans do not show vertical heights or architectural details.

As early as possible.  As soon as a lot is secured to be built-on or there is a thought of undertaking a large scope renovation, it's time.  It's never to early to start discussing a home renovation project and begin on spatial design layouts.  This allows time to digest and make any necessary tweaks prior to sharing plans with architect, builder/GC or town for permits.  You can estimate approx. 6 to 8 weeks for kitchen and bathroom renovations prior to obtaining labor costs.  Entire home layouts estimate approx. 2 to 3 months. 

Elevations are additional drawings that work in tandem with floor plans. These scaled, two dimensional drawings show what is happening in the vertical plane. Elevations depict vertical heights and architectural details. It is during the development of the elevations that floor plans go through a refinement process, where the interior architecture is developed and specifically defined. 

While it may be tempting to skip the preparation of interior elevations, starting a project with the expectation of finalizing details after construction has already begun, will assuredly create problems and disappointment, severely limiting design opportunities and will most likely cause costly mistakes, some of which will be irreparable without tear outs and rebuilds. 

This request would be outside the scope of a Floor Plan Review. The review's objective is to provide a stand-alone service aiding virtual clients in identifying spatial problems and exploring possible solutions for newly designed floor plans through small but significant changes.  Any type of redesign, sketches, etc. would fall under Full Service Projects.

Revised CAD drawings are not a part of the service (Only Full Service Projects). The intent of the review is to provide power packed, objective feedback to be used as a jumping off point in refining the plans with whomever you are currently working with.

Yes! Rachel can provide the expertise you need to improve your floor plan, no matter who designed it. Though this is a stand-alone service, it is one that can be repeated at almost any stage of the design process, which can be especially useful for those who are designing their own floor plans. Submitted floor plans must be drawn appropriately to scale.

No need to send anything ahead of time for a Design Consultation (unlike Floor Plan Reviews).  The entire service takes place during the one hour appt. Be prepared to walk me through your questions and images via screen share.

The purpose of the Floor Plan Review service is to provide suggestions for refining and perfecting the floor plans that are submitted, not redesigning them. The process is much like an editor proofreading a written document. Areas that are not working well or that need refinement are marked up and suggestions are provided about how to resolve problems.

Ensure all areas and rooms are clearly defined, including cabinets, plumbing fixtures, and essential appliances (stove top, oven, and refrigerator). These details must be incorporated into the floor plan, as the review focuses explicitly on it. If you provide additional information in note form, please ensure that the notes align with what is presented in the floor plan rather than listing potential changes. The review's objective is to troubleshoot and provide possible solutions to the problems noted in the redlines, not to develop space that has yet to be designed.

The review and consultation fees are one-time, non0refundable payments for each one-hour session.  A meeting may be rescheduled up to 72 hours in advance with an additional $150.00 rebooking fee, as long as the appt. is rescheduled within four weeks of the original appointment, and based on current availability.

This service is ideally suited for clients who are close to finalizing their floor plans, but still have the time and flexibility to make revisions. However, a review can also be conducted at almost any stage of the design process as a problem solving session. The submitted floor plans should include plumbing fixtures, appliance locations and cabinet layouts.

Please book a Design Consultation for all follow-up questions or request.

The floor plan review is designed to be a quick intensive where rapid-fire advice is given. Rachel specializes in spatial design, working between the intersection of interior design and architecture. Her 20 years of focused experience has given her the expertise to quickly evaluate the livability and functionality of the space depicted on a floor plan. Prior to the one-hour virtual meeting, Rachel will review the submitted floor plans, and prepare redline notes and overlay sketches, so that she is well prepared to share her findings with the client. If your floor plan is larger than 6,000 square feet, book two Full Floor Plan Reviews.

Yes! This is exactly what this service is intended for. One of the benefits of booking a floor plan review is receiving a second opinion on your floor plan, so you can have full confidence knowing your spaces will flow and function effectively.

The floor plan review is a stand-alone consultation service only. Rachel does not offer floor plan drawings with the reviews (Formal revisions for the floor plan an be completed upon request under Full Service Projects). However, follow-up Design Consultations can be scheduled to review any changes that were implemented to the floor plan. 

You'll need to book a Full-Floor Plan Review for anything over three rooms. The adjoining rooms and areas must be functionally related, like a kitchen, dining nook, and great room.

Yes!  it's your time, so you are welcome to invite whomever you choose.