Chapter Fourteen

The Draftsman

Your next move is to meet with the draftsman. Show him the lot and tell him what you have in mind. He probably will have some suggestions. As the house begins to take shape in your mind, ask him to make a little sketch to show the arrangement and size of rooms.

If you feel comfortable with him and feel that you might employ him, suggest that you would like to drive by some of the houses that he has designed. Also ask for a reference or two, among the houses that he has shown you.

I hope that you have the names of two other draftsmen that you can bring into the picture. It may seem like a very involved process, but it is wise—you may be happy that you talked to three different people, because you may select number three.

After you have made your choice of draftsmen and have had a satisfactory relationship with him or her, you probably will continue with that person for other projects. But at the start, if you proceed after only one interview, you are trusting too much to luck for success.

Conduct the same type of interview with all of your prospective draftsmen. After you have reached the sketch stage, you will find there is a difference in plans. This of course is normal.

Now is the proper time to inquire about the cost of finished plans and specifications. Some hesitate to quote a firm price until the work has been completed. In that case, ask that an amount be named which they guarantee will not be exceeded.

If any of them decline to talk money, or definite amounts, you should beware. You certainly cannot afford to start in business by agreeing to "buy a pig in a poke".

You had better select a draftsman soon, or I shall run out of paper. In this instance, it need not be the person who submits the lowest price. Take all angles into consideration. Consider his apparent knowledge of the subject; the attractiveness of the houses he designed; the results of the references he submitted; his willingness to cooperate with you and among other things, the degree of confidence you have developed in him.

Copyright ©1995 Robert A. MacDonald, All Rights Reserved.
Last revised: May 10, 1998.