Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Straightforward answers to the questions we hear most often about custom home design, our process, and working with Daniel Allen Designs.
How much does it cost to design a custom home?
Design fees for a luxury custom home typically range from 2% to 10% of the total construction cost, depending on size, complexity, and scope. This investment covers everything from concept development through permit-ready construction documents — and prevents the expensive change orders that incomplete documents create during construction.
How long does the design process take?
A typical custom home project takes 8 to 16 weeks from initial concept to completed construction documents. We structure the process into four clear phases — Discovery, Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Documents — so you always know where you are and what comes next.
What is the Builder's Eye methodology?
The Builder's Eye is our proprietary design review process, developed from over 20 years of hands-on construction experience. Every design is evaluated across seven dimensions — structural feasibility, material availability, mechanical coordination, constructability, cost transparency, code compliance, and detail resolution — before documents go to bid.
Do I need land before hiring a designer?
Having land is not required to begin the conversation, but it is important before detailed design work starts. The lot's size, topography, orientation, setbacks, and codes directly influence the design. We can help you evaluate potential lots from a design perspective before you commit.
What areas does Daniel Allen Designs serve?
We are based in Metro Atlanta, serving Metro Atlanta including Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, and the greater North Metro area. We also serve clients nationwide through our structured remote collaboration process.
How do I avoid cost overruns?
Most cost overruns trace back to incomplete or ambiguous design documents. When builders receive unclear drawings, they pad bids with contingencies or generate change orders. The most effective cost control is investing in thorough, buildable construction documents created by a designer who understands construction realities.
What size homes do you typically design?
Our projects typically range from 4,500 to 12,000+ square feet, with construction values of $2 million to $8 million and above. We are experienced with the complexity, coordination, and level of detail that luxury-scale homes require.
Can you work with my existing builder?
Yes. We regularly collaborate with builders and welcome their input, especially during Design Development when preliminary pricing is most valuable. Our documents are formatted for builder clarity and follow construction industry conventions.
What is included in construction documents?
A complete package includes detailed floor plans, exterior elevations, building sections, roof plans, door and window schedules, finish schedules, interior elevations, electrical plans, structural engineering coordination, and specification notes. Everything a builder needs to price accurately and build with confidence.
How are you different from an architect?
Our founder spent 20+ years as a custom home builder before transitioning to design. This hands-on construction experience means every design decision is informed by real-world building knowledge — structural feasibility, material availability, mechanical coordination, and cost implications. Most architects and designers have not built what they draw.
Do you offer virtual consultations?
Yes. Our structured design process and comprehensive documentation make remote collaboration seamless. We use video calls, shared digital platforms, and detailed written summaries to ensure alignment at every stage. For key milestones, we travel to your project location.
What should I bring to a first consultation?
The most helpful items are your lot survey or plat, any HOA guidelines, inspiration images showing styles and features you love, a rough sense of your construction budget, and a list of rooms and spaces you envision. If you do not have all of these yet, that is perfectly fine — we can guide you.
Do you help select a builder?
We can recommend builders we have worked with and trust, or we can work with a builder you have already selected. We also assist with the bidding process — helping you evaluate bids, identify scope gaps, and ask the right questions before signing a construction contract.
Can you design in any architectural style?
Yes. Our portfolio includes modern, transitional, contemporary farmhouse, traditional, and mixed-material styles. The Builder's Eye methodology applies regardless of style — constructability, coordination, and document quality are universal requirements.
Custom design vs. buying a home plan?
Custom home design is a fully bespoke process tailored to your specific lot, lifestyle, and vision. A home plan is a pre-designed floor plan available for purchase, often with optional customization. Both receive our Builder's Eye review. Custom design offers maximum flexibility; home plans offer a faster timeline and lower design investment.
How do builder developer services work?
We offer design and documentation services tailored for builders and developers. This includes spec home plans optimized for your construction methods, subdivision plan collections with shared structural systems for cost efficiency, and ongoing partnerships where we function as your design department.
Do you provide interior design services?
Our focus is architectural design and construction documentation. We design interior layouts, built-in features, ceiling details, and architectural finishes. For furniture selection, decorating, and styling, we recommend partnering with an interior designer — and we collaborate well with interior design professionals.
What is your availability?
We intentionally limit the number of active projects to maintain personal attention and design quality. Current availability varies — we recommend reaching out early in your planning process. A brief initial conversation is always free and carries no obligation.