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DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS
The decision to build a new home is the first of many decisions you will be making.
Choosing Architectural Designs, Inc. as your design partner is the one decision that can simplify all of the rest. Sometimes the choices can seem overwhelming, but you can depend on ADI to guide you through
this exciting process. In cooperation with many major manufacturers we have samples available in our office of the products
which will become a part of your new home. ADI can also refer you to local showrooms where you will work with trained
professionals. There are some choices you can start to consider as
soon as you make the decision to build. The following is a list of items to discuss. The experienced staff of ADI has the
product knowledge to explain the benefits and/or drawbacks of each of these choices. - Building Site - A lot in a planned development, acreage of your own, a waterfront
lot.
- Profile of Home - Ranch, 2-story, multi-level, walk-out
lower level.
- Style of Home - Traditional, contemporary,
transitional (an updated traditional), classic interpretation.
- Exterior Materials - Brick, stone, shake shingles, wood siding, vinyl or cement siding.
- Interior Materials
- Flooring - Carpet, wood, ceramic tile, marble, stone, vinyl.
- Walls - Paint, painted faux finishes, murals, wood, wallpaper.
- Countertops - Solid surface (i.e. Corian), quartz, granite, marble, concrete, wood, laminate.
- Cabinets - Kitchen, bath, laundry, den, etc. - door style, wood type or painted,
light or dark finish, hardware style.
At this point in the design
process you're not making final choices, but you can begin to clarify your general preferences by looking through magazines,
taking photos, and noting the choices made in homes you visit. You can start a file for magazine clippings and photos of ideas
that appeal to you. Over time, a pattern will probably become apparent in the variety of clippings and you will begin to focus
on certain styles, details, colors and finishes with which you feel comfortable. This will give you and ADI a starting point
in developing your dream design. Bringing your dream to life. . . . That is the goal of
Architectural Designs, Inc.
CHECKLIST FOR HIRING A DESIGNER
- How many years of experience?
- Mike has 25 years of design experience and over 40 years in the building industry; Darrell has
been a Registered Architect for over 35 years.
- Professional certification from a nationally recognized association?
- Mike is a Certified Professional Building Designer by the American Institute of Building Design;
Darrell is a Registered Architect in the State of Indiana.
- An active member of related trade associations?
- Members of Fort Wayne Homebuilders Association, Indiana Builders Association; National Association
of Home Builders, International Codes Council.
- Own, know and use the Building Codes book?
- ADI maintains a current edition of building codes; Mike sits on state and national committees empowered
to update current codes and write new codes to set standards of construction for the building industry.
- Maintain a library of reference materials and samples to assist
you in your selections?
- ADI provides
product catalogs and many samples to allow clients to review some of the multitude of choices available.
- Provide referrals from past clients?
- Please refer to the Client Referrals tab for just a few of
our client and professional recommendations.
- Attend trade shows, seminars, etc. for continuing education on new technology, materials and trends?
- ADI staff recently attended seminars on
fire sprinkler systems and spray foam insulation, and regularly attends national convention trade shows and workshops, and
training sessions at local building product distributors.
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