1) Basements seem fairly inexpensive in houses. Why don't we add one to my commercial building? answer

2. Will it be more cost effective to build a multi-story commercial building? answer

3. How do I determine how to place my commercial building on my property and how big it can be? answer

4. What type of buildings has HMA designed and where have they been built? answer

1. The code requirements are different when it comes to commercial buildings. Any basement must have a minimum of two exits, and that usually means more first floor area will be needed for a second stairway. Additionally, there's a high probability that if the basement is over 1500 square feet, an automatic sprinkler system will be required. Also, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) does not allow retailing on any floor level that is not accessible, and other uses need to be carefully considered if there is not an elevator. All of these items as well as the desirableness of the space created must be considered to determine the cost effectiveness of a basement. top

2. Once again the answer depends on the conditions and use. Generally speaking multi-floor buildings represent some cost savings particularly when you consider the cost of commercially zoned land. The issues of access described with basements still apply, but the sprinkler requirement is less common, and above grade space is typically more desirable. It should be mentioned that there is often a greater price increase due to code requirements when a building becomes three stories or more in height. top

3. How a building is located is one of the most important decisions to be made, and it will affect every subsequent decision throughout the design and construction process. There are a number of factors to consider. What building setbacks and zoning regulations does your city or county have in place? What are the parking, green space and landscaping requirements? How will the traffic flow onto and within your site? What agencies must approve your site layout? Are there utility or drainage easements that you must avoid? What are the soil conditions - is there rock, is there fill that's unstable? Will the location affect the allowable area and construction materials required by building codes? How will your project alter drainage patterns, and will the changes affect adjacent properties? Are there storm water regulations that will require you to retain runoff on site? All of these issues must be considered in conjunction with the design of the building itself. The building structures and the site configuration are interrelated and must be designed as an integrated solution. top

4. Over the years since our firm was founded in 1969, we have been involved in a wide variety of multi-family residential, office, retail, religious, industrial, and public projects. Most of these projects have been in the northeast part of Kansas and largely concentrated in Lawrence. Over the past few our practice has become about 50% single and multi-family residential and 50% medium size private sector projects including office buildings, retail facilities, branch banks, auto service, and restaurants. top

1. What kind of house should I build? answer

2. Do I have to use an architect to design a house? answer

3. How do I determine how to place my house on my lot? answer

4. Are there some house types that cost more than others and why? answer

5. Do you really want to see all my sketches and magazine clippings I've saved? answer

6. Are there any regulations about what type and size windows I have in any rooms? answer

7. Can the builder give me a price or build from the plans I've drawn? answer

8. Why can't I just buy a set of plans mail order and build from those? answer

9. How can I decide what homebuilder would be the best choice for me? answer

1. Only you can answer this question. Although an architect can help you sort out issues of cost, suitability to the location, style, materials, orientation on the site (sun directions, views, etc.), it is first and foremost your home. You and your family must make the final decisions. top

2. In most cities the answer is no. Architects are required to design most multi-family structures and all public or commercial buildings, but the decision is most likely yours with a home. However, you don't have to be building a large, expensive home to make use of the skills and knowledge a good residential architect can offer. Even on modest sized home, we have found that we can often save a client more than the fee paid for our services. Knowledge, experience and good design are the keys. top

3. This isn't a question that has a single answer. How a house is sited can be one of the most important decisions made. There are a number of factors to consider. What building setbacks and zoning regulations does your city or county have? Are there utility or drainage easements that you must avoid? What are the soil conditions - is there rock, is there fill that's unstable? What is the drainage pattern across your property and how will your house alter it, and will the changes affect adjacent properties? How will the house relate to the street? These are some of the things that an architect can help you sort out. top

4. A number of things affect the cost of a new house. Size and quality of finish are obvious ones. However, the configuration and form of the house makes a considerable difference. Exterior walls are more costly than interior walls, so the amount of perimeter affects the total cost. Corners cost money. Long floor spans are expensive. Complicated roof configurations and dormers are expensive. Kitchens and bathrooms are by far the most expensive parts of any house. In general, multi-story homes are less expensive per square foot than single level homes. To put it simply, a rectangular full two-story house is one of the most cost efficient forms to build. Conversely, a busy one-story home with numerous offsets with a full basement and large garage would be the most expensive form. All of these things have to be kept in balance to get the home you want while staying within a budget. top

5. Absolutely! The most important issue is communication, and all those things help the architect understand your taste and wants. The final product may or may not look like the pictures and plans you bring in, but as the expression goes "a picture can be worth a thousand words". A good architect will help you sort out your priorities, reconcile conflicts, and design the home you want and can afford. top

6. Yes. There are building code-defined minimums based on size of the habitable room and the use of the room. All bedrooms must have windows that meet egress or escape requirements both in size and height from the floor. Most jurisdictions now mandate at least one egress window in all basements. top

7. Most builders we know will not give a price until they have accurate plans. Although you may feel you have worked out the details, you need to consider if you have accomplished the following at a minimum:

• Are the plans and elevations accurately drawn to scale and thoroughly dimensioned?
• Has proper allowance been made for wall thickness and door clearances?
• Do the stairs allow for minimum head clearances and acceptable rise and run as required by the building code?
• Are the windows sized to meet the requirements for light, ventilation and emergency egress?
• Are joists, rafters, and structural members of the house properly sized?
• Are you needlessly spending money due to overly long spans, wasted space, or other non-standard construction details? top

8. You might be able to do just that if you can find a plan that's exactly what you want to build. Many plan services will modify their stock plans, but the cost can become significant, and the result may or may not be the home you want. Additionally, most of these plans will carry a disclaimer that they are not responsible for local code compliance and structural requirements. top

9. Common sense is a good guide here. Talk to others who have recently built. Go to various open houses and find out who builds the type and quality of house you like and can afford. Many builders have a style and/or quality level they typically produce. Generally speaking, don't try to have one builder build in another's style or price range. When have made a short list of perhaps two or three builders, talk to them personally. Make sure you feel very comfortable that you are communicating well and have a mutual trust. You should look forward to doing business with the person or company you choose. And of course, ask your architect. top