Frequently asked design questions.
WHO DO I SPEAK TO FIRST, THE DESIGNER OR THE BUILDER?
A very common question! You need to speak with a building designer / draftsman first before engaging a builder for a quote.
Whilst a builder can give you some vague costs without plans, many prefer not to quote or even discuss a building project until they can at least view some concept plans.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST FOR DESIGN PLANS AND DOCUMENTS?
At Live Best we provide a fully itemised upfront fixed cost per design project.
This detailed quote will outline each step of our process along with a timeline which highlights important invoice dates.
There won't be any suprise invoices or additional hidden fee's with our team, we pride ourselves on our transparency and value for money.
An old school rule in our industry was to allow between 3-10% of build costs for a building design fee.
We do not subscribe to this theory (especially since material costs have sky-rocketed) and you will find our quotes are both extremely competitive and offer great value for service, leaving you pleasently suprised.
We will also provide you with accurate estimates regarding site surveys, engineering, certification and town planning if required.
HOW LONG DOES THE ENTIRE DESIGN PROCESS TAKE?
Whilst no two design projects are the same, the Live Best team will aim to have your complete design and documentation finalised within 4-5 months.
Many projects are finished quicker than this, however some take longer which is often down to owner in-decision, hold ups with engineering and certification or town planning requirements.
WILL YOU MEET WITH OUR BUILDER?
Absolutely!
We insist on incorporating your builder into the design meetings and process so you get the best advice and most accurate quotes possible.
This also ensures that consistent communication is upheld to help the project run smoothly and without any hiccups.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DESIGNER AND AN ARCHITECT?
Not as much as you may be thinking, we are cut from the same cloth.
Our designers share many of the same skills as architects. You will find that modern building designers have an expansive design skillset that applies to creating highly functional, efficient and elegant houses and renovations.
Whilst not always degree qualified in architecture, many building designers have qualifications as architects as well as qualifications in a number of different design fields.
If your not sure about a designers capabilities, ask them for a list of their qualifications, capabilities and project experience.
DO I DEAL WITH THE SAME DESIGNER FROM START TO FINISH?
Yes you do!
Whilst we have an extensive support team, once you engage a Live Best designer that same person will develop your plans from start to finish which includes all liason with builders, engineers, planners, certifiers and other experts as required.
I DON'T KNOW ANY GOOD BUILDERS, CAN YOU RECCOMMEND ANY?
If you are referred to our services from a builder then we will always reccommend using that builder in question.
Should you need reccommendations however, we work closely with a team of highly experienced builders here in Brisbane and SE QLD and on average, have known these builders for at least 5 years.
We are more than happy to provide their details as required.
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE LIVE BEST?
Great question. As our name suggests, we believe in living your best life and a part of this is living in your dream home. This is why we only recruit experienced and reputable building designers who know our market initmately and provide exceptional client services.
Many other design companies simply provide you with floor plans and some 2D drawings, however at Live Best we use the latest technology to ensure you can walk through your design options in 3D and really get a feel for your new home.
