FAQ
THERE IS A LOCAL MODEL HOME WE LOVE, BUT WE DON’T WANT TO LIVE
IN THAT SUBDIVISION, AND WE WANT TO RETAIN THE SERVICES
OF A DIFFERENT BUILDER. WILL YOU RE-DRAW THE SAME PLAN?No. It is illegal. Builders spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on the design and construction of distinctive
model homes. We are in the middle of this business, so we know personally that they find it very upsetting when
people copy their model home plan, and build it. And though we want to please our clients, we would not draw such
a plan even if it were legal. It is seen as very disrespectful to the builder’s livelihood, and it would (because of
copyright law) put our clients, and Ryker Design at legal risk. When such a plan DOES get copied and built, the odds
are surprisingly high that word will get back to the original builder, especially if the home is within the same city
or county. This is due to the fact that one or more sub-contractors in a local area will have either submitted a bid
or done work on both homes. Word will get around. Also, it is a complete fallacy to believe that copyright law does
not get enforced. It does! Frequently! We’ve been in deposition over a plan we declined to draw that later did get
drawn by a different designer. Penalties can be substantial. The fine for a private individual can run $150,000. Don’t risk it!
WHAT IF I AM UNSURE OF THE DESIGN OR I DON’T VISUALIZE WELL?
This is a common concern. It is also why Ryker Design is extremely advanced in the usage of 3-D imaging and presentation.
We are among a handful of cutting edge designers nationwide who have moved out of standard auto desk applications
(at great trouble and expense) and into more dynamic architectural software (our opinion). The response from clients,
sub-contractors, builders and even plan checkers has been spectacular. After your design is initiated you will begin to
see and enjoy all of the technological aids that we have implemented to help you walk through your future home. Our 3-D
applications are used extensively throughout the design process, and will also appear throughout your working drawings.
It is a “signature”aspect to the plans, and will also greatly aid the craftsman who will be working on your home. All of our
drawings can be saved into the AutoDesk format for the convenience of anyone utilizing AutoDesk.
How long will it take to prepare my plans?
Everyone wants to know the answer to this one! The bottom line is that undertaking a custom home design and construction
project is not for anyone in a big hurry. When one retains the services of a designer, there is the initial, sometimes
(depending on the client) lengthy process of nailing down the design. This is the beginning of the process, which is the
artistic phase. The second phase is the technical phase which is the actual preparation of the plans. Your designer is, in
essence authoring a complex instruction manual with detailed information that will direct a multitude of construction
trades. These instructions will address every square inch of the home. Ask yourself…, for which endeavors in life you would
be willing to sacrifice quality to save time. Probably not many and particularly not the set of working drawings that will be
used to construct YOUR home. Every set that leaves the office is of the highest detail, clearest communication to every
construction trade it will encounter, and designed to absolutely minimize or eliminate trouble, confusion, or even disaster
out in the field. It is also designed to please every county, city, or governmental eye which will be thoroughly scrutinizing it,
a critical scrutiny that can slow the project if it is kicked back for a compliance. You will be given a general time frame to
anticipate the final completion of your working drawings. When you receive them, your patience will be rewarded with
artistic and technical excellence.
WILL I RECEIVE THE ACTUAL SET OF WORKING DRAWINGS UPON COMPLETION?
Yes. Sometimes architectural firms (we are not architects) will not release the full builders set to the client. We operate
differently. After your drawings are completed and full payment has been made, you will take and keep the drawings for
one time use only. Ryker Design will continue to own and retain the copyright of the plan, A reasonable fee can be paid
to re-use the plan.
DOES RYKER DESIGN ACCEPT REMODEL AND ADDITION PROJECTS?
Unfortunately, we do not take on addition and remodel projects. We have found that time-wise it detracts from bigger,
more complex projects, and is a line of the business that makes more sense for a beginning designer to pursue.
Please contact our office if you would like to be directed to a designer who does pursue these types of projects.
COMMERCIAL PROJECTS?
We have designed banks, motels, church buildings and apartments, but only infrequently due to certain protocols in the
California Business and Professions Code which requires a more burdensome process to be in compliance due to the fact
that we are not licensed architects. We have the skill but not frequently the desire.