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Introduction
Introduction
I'm John Hart, a home designer with over 35 years of experience. I'm located in Charlotte, TN and typically interact with clients through emails, voice calls, and virtual meetings. The virtual meetings allow for collaborative discussions while viewing a full 3D model of the project. Some changes can be accomplished during meetings, while others may require additional time and meetings for review. Alternatively, 3D walkthroughs can be recorded as a video and posted to YouTube, where clients can review them at their leisure. When final plans are completed, I provide printable PDF files that clients can use to obtain physical prints at their discretion and cost.
Your Contractor
Your Contractor
To ensure a successful project, hire a licensed and insured contractor early in the design phase. They should be familiar with the local market, available materials, subcontractors, and site costs and restrictions.
Getting Started
Getting Started
In order to efficiently produce a custom plan you should be able to provide this information.
An single exterior photograph or home that represents the style you desire. The size and plan layout is not relevant.
A Primary Bedroom/Bathroom layout that has what you want. (closets, windows, shower size, counter space, privacy)
A Kitchen-Living layout that accommodates your needs, even if the size is not exact.
A written list of goals. All the wants, needs, and constraints. (total size, parking, room list, special features, HOA requirements)
The Site. Typically the recorded plat with easements, setbacks and the legal description (length/direction) of all sides of the property. Additionally a topographical survey for sloped building sites.
Suggestion
Suggestion
Find an existing plan that has all the rooms you want, and use the room sizes to set expectations for your new home. You can exchange space among the rooms to make some bigger, but you might discover that the only way to get the room sizes you want is to eliminate an entire room.
Fee / Costs
Fee / Costs
Following a project review, an estimate will be emailed. Generally, this is based on square footage for new constructions and on an hourly basis for additions and renovations. Each estimate includes a predetermined number of meetings, study sets, and hourly revisions. Exceeding these allocations may result in additional fees.
As each project is unique, an estimate will be developed once the scope of work is defined, taking into consideration the desired size and complexity. The final home size, encompassing both heated and unheated areas, garages, and porches, will be assigned a per-square-foot cost.
Payment Schedule
Payment Schedule
My design process is divided into three prepaid phases to keep the project clear, predictable, and efficient. Each phase corresponds to a specific milestone in the development of your plans.
1. Retainer – 35%
This payment secures your project on the schedule and covers the initial design work.
It includes up to two rounds of revisions during the concept and layout stage.
Work begins once the retainer is received.
2. Design Approval & Construction Drawing Phase – 35%
This payment is due when the second set of client revisions is complete and the layout is approved.
At this point, design changes stop, and the project moves into full construction drawings.
Any changes requested after this stage may require additional fees.
3. Final Plan Release – 30% (20% + 10%)
The remaining balance is split into two steps:
• 20% – To receive the digital Print‑Restricted Final Review Set
• 10% – To receive the download link to the printable Final Plan PDF
Only the Final Plan PDF is approved for printing and construction use.
No physical printed sets are included in the design fee.
Repeat Builder Discount
Returning builder clients are eligible for a preferred‑client discount.
About the Plans
About the Plans
The final plans are intended for use in Tennessee by licensed residential contractors or homeowners with a full understanding of the construction process and all building codes. Building codes will not be explicitly called out on the plan. However, code requirements such as sized fire egress windows/doors for all bedrooms, stair riser/run/rails, and headroom clearances are drawn into the plan. Details are not included in the basic set. If there is any discrepancy with any code, the code always supersedes anything shown on the plan. The goal of the plan is to provide what is needed to pull permits but does not include any engineering. Some locations require an engineered foundation, framing, or site plan, which is not included in our design work. We cannot provide material takeoffs, construction bids, or HOA submissions.
The "Basic Set" of plans is a 1/4" scaled PDF set that include these items.
Framing layout plans (floor plan)
Foundation
Exterior Elevations
Roof Framing Layout Plan
Sections
Window Schedule
Door Schedule
Cabinet Elevations
Site Plan
3d Perspectives
The final plans are provided in digital PDF format only.
Builders or Owners can obtain physical copies/prints from any print shop at additional costs based on their needs.
The production CAD files remain the property of the draftsman and are not sold or included as part of the plans.
"Basic Plan" sets do not include take-offs, finishes, trim details, electrical layout, heating/cooling design, plumbing layout, or site grading.
The plans provided do not include structural or mechanical engineering. These services must be obtained separately by the homeowner and may include additional costs beyond the plan design.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
Plan Production
Plan Production
Typical timeline
First Meeting / Emailed Proposal (payment to proceed)
1st Review Set (2 weeks)
2nd Review Set (1 week)
Final Design Review and Approval (payment to proceed)
Final Construction Plans Drawn (2 weeks)
Full Construction Set (payment to receive)
Office - By Appointment Only
7105 Bakers Bridge Ave
Suite 100
Brentwood, TN 37027
Contact Information
Contact Information
If you have any questions please contact me. This site is not intended to be any kind of agreement or contract. More FAQ and images in next update. Thanks for checking the site out. - John
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