your questions are welcomed!
Designing and building a home can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of your life, but it can also be a somewhat daunting journey to embark on if you don’t know what to expect. As a residential architect with many years of experience, I can offer some helpful tips that will help eliminate some of the stress and hopefully make the process easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of residential design do you specialize in?
JMA,LLC is a full service residential architecture and interior design firm specializing in residential design, from small additions to new custom homes. My design services include: Custom Homes, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Home Remodeling, New Home Construction, Space Planning, Construction Drawings, House Plans, Kitchen Design, Kitchen Remodeling, Basement Remodeling, Bathroom Design, Building Design & Interior Design.
Designing a home is an overwhelming process. Where do we start?
Based on an ongoing dialogue with my clients, I strive to develop an understanding of the lifestyle, budget, and site-specific needs of each individual client and project. It's helpful for me to get a quick "snapshot" at the beginning of this process, starting with a few simple questions. Some of the questions I will be asking include:
- What type of home design project are you looking to do? (renovation, addition, new home)
- Can you give us a brief description of the design project?
- Where is the home design project located?
- What is your projected budget for the project?
- What is your project schedule for the home design project?
- Have you researched your property/project with the town in which it's being built?
- Do you have a sense of what general style and/or function you're looking for?
- Have you made a priority list of wants and needs for your project?
- Do you have a builder or contractor in mind for this project?
- Have you ever worked with an architect before?
- Would you like to set up a design consultation meeting with Jennifer?
What Areas do you serve?
JMA,LLC is based out of Newington, CT and serves the greater Hartford, Connecticut area. The towns served include, but are not limited to the following: Avon, Berlin, Cromwell, Farmington, Glastonbury, Kensington, Manchester, Middletown, Newington, Plainville, Portland, Rocky Hill, South Glastonbury, Hartford, South Windsor, Southington, Unionville, West Hartford, Wethersfield.
Licensed in both Connecticut and Massachusetts, I do occasionally take on projects in MA.
How does your pricing work?
Price is certainly important when designing a new home. That’s why I like to keep things transparent and simple. I don’t believe in hidden fees & I definitely don’t like beating around the bush trying to upsell anyone. Every project is billed on an hourly rate and I will provide a detailed cost estimate at the start of the project to establish an architectural fees budget.
How long will the design Process Take?
That varies from project to project, and client to client, but if you have a clear idea of what you want and if the design is finalized in a timely manner, the whole design process can be completed as quickly as 6-8 weeks. This includes the full set of architectural construction documents that include everything needed to build the home, get accurate builder pricing and get a building permit from the city.
Do you also do commercial design?
Yes. The majority of projects are residential, but about 20% are commercial. They include: retail stores, offices, nail salons, hair salons, daycare centers, chiropractor offices, yoga studios, and restaurants including Birdcode, Ben & Jerry's, Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Noodles & Co. I'm always open to commercial projects and enjoy the variety.
Design Process at a Glance
Designing and building a home can be a somewhat daunting journey to embark on if you don’t know what to expect. In this step-by-step summary, I break down the process of designing & building a home, so it doesn't feel as scary & daunting. Click HERE for a more detailed summary.