A Chronological List

Assess Zoning and Restrictions

Help identify all zoning, ordinance, and neighborhood regulations.  Determine property line setbacks, building height restrictions, zoning usage and occupancy, permissible roofed area to lot size coverage ratio, and any neighborhood or subdivision architectural covenants that will prescribe limits on the new project.

Evaluate Site Conditions

Walk the property to identify and understand the opportunities and constraints imposed by site conditions. Physically locate any features absent on the Survey, including structures, trees, and utilities. Evaluate primary and secondary views, slope topography, the solar window potential, driveway access and ways to preserve natural privacy.

Model As-Builts in 3D

For additions and remodels, measure the existing “as-built” structure within 1"-2” accuracy, including finish grade spot elevations, the home’s exterior footprint, room sizes, place and size of all door and window openings, floor transitions, ceiling and roof heights, plumbing fixtures and cabinet locations. All measurements are entered into CAD software to generate 2D drawings and the 3D model.

Design Schematic House in 3D

Present design concepts and massing diagrams to the owner as we begin to co-design the home according to the client’s program needs and vision. At this stage we focus on Function and Beauty. Through Floor Plan trials and 3D modeling, a unique home gradually emerges, to which we continue to refine its edges and details.

Upload for Mobile Devices

EDGEhouse offers leading edge architectural software to upload the 2D and 3D model via Building Information Model Export (BIMx). The owner and all other stakeholders can fully explore the virtual model on mobile devices for a much deeper understanding of the project throughout its design evolution.  This powerful feature helps prevent costly change orders.

Evaluate Preliminary Costs with Builder

To avoid the pitfall of runaway costs, we involve the owner’s select builder as an early creative partner and ensure the project will meet the owner’s budget. We avoid surprises by relaying critical energy-saving construction details to the builder while inviting the builder’s expertise and feedback. The builder gives preliminary and final cost estimates prior to permit drawings.

Design the Building Envelope

Through the Passive House approach we offer leading edge performance through building envelope design. As technology advances every year, we combine the best materials currently available to design your super-insulated and air tight building system, optimizing the aesthetic, health, structural, sustainability, longevity and cost variables of materials for selection.

Optimize energy modeling

As a Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC), we can provide up to 80% reduction in heating/cooling energy demand over standard homes. Through energy modeling with either WUFI or PHPP software, we optimize insulation levels as well as window sizing, brand selection and shading devices to balance free solar gains against risks of overheating.

Integrate Structural Engineering

Depending on the complexity of your project, we manage licensed structural engineers to advise load calculations and construction details at critical junctures, then stamp our permit drawings prior to delivery. We try to limit over-engineering, which engineers can be prone towards, and avoid thermal bridging, which engineers often ignore.

Integrate Service Systems

Incorporate all home systems into 2D drawings, and wherever possible into the 3D model to ensure collision free ducting. Energy recovery ventilation and lighting are two examples where 3D integration will inform the final design. We dovetail any third party consultants such as Solar PV, low-voltage electronics or water harvesting into our comprehensive drawing set.

Review Code Compliance

Carefully review our permit drawings to comply with the current International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC).  Our projects will easily exceed local energy code requirements. The local permitting governing body and their building inspectors will further examine the permit drawings and evolving construction site for code compliance.

Deliver the Permit Set and Construction Documents

A great drawing set reduces the risk of dreaded change orders down the road.

The permit and construction drawings describe the materials, dimensions and specifications to build the project. They describe the scope of work and the owner’s legal agreement with their builder. Concise drawings enable a smooth construction process for the multiple trades that convene to build your new home, and their delivery concludes the design process.