Scope of Services
It can be a confusing and difficult process selecting a design professional to work on your project. One of the most confusing steps in this process is determining what the design professional’s scope of services will be, and whether or not it will meet your needs.
The building department for your jurisdiction should be able to help you assess what your needs are, at least in part. They typically have a checklist available that spells out what they will need from you prior to issuing your project a permit.
Some questions to ask the design professional include (depending on the level of service you are requiring):
- Will you be providing a complete architectural plan set, including floor plans, a roof plan, four elevations, two sections, architectural notes and architectural details?
- Will you be providing a site plan?
- Will you be providing a complete structural plan set, including a foundation plan, floor framing plans, roof framing plans, structural notes and structural details?
- Will you be providing energy calculations?
- Will you be providing structural observation (if required for the project)?
- Will you be providing a 3-D rendering? What level of detail will be provided?
- Will you be providing green building / energy consulting services? What is included in those services?
The NorthStar Engineering Building Design Department can provide you with all of the services listed above, under the same roof. This helps expedite the process and removes many of coordination problems that exist with using multiple design professionals on the same project.