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FAQ

Questions worth asking.

Starting the home design process raises a lot of questions. Here are the ones we hear most often.

Not Sure Where to Start?

The first step is design — and that's where we come in. Before you talk to a builder, before you break ground, you need a plan. We start with a free consultation to understand your lot, your lifestyle, and your vision. From there we walk you through the process step by step. You don't need to have it all figured out before you call us — that's what the consultation is for.
Not necessarily. Many clients start the design conversation before they've finalized their lot. That said, your lot has a real impact on the design — topography, setbacks, orientation, and local requirements all shape the plan. The further along you are with your land, the more precise we can be. But if you're still in the early stages, we're happy to talk through what to look for.
Architects are licensed professionals who typically work on complex commercial or high-end residential projects — and charge accordingly. For most custom single-family homes, a qualified home designer delivers the same permit-ready plans at a fraction of the cost. Our plans are backed by 30 years of real construction experience, and include engineered truss and floor systems through our partnership with Northwest Truss — something most design firms don't offer at our price point.
It moves in three stages. First, we develop a preliminary 2D floor plan — this is where the big layout decisions get made. Once you approve it, we build a full 3D model so you can see your home before a single blueprint is drawn. Then, with your approval of the 3D rendering, we produce the complete permit-ready plan set. Nothing moves forward without your sign-off at each stage.

Already Have an Idea?

Absolutely. A rough idea, a sketch on a napkin, a list of must-haves — that's more than enough to start a conversation. We've worked with clients who had every detail mapped out and clients who just knew they wanted a three-bedroom with a big kitchen and a view. Both work. The free consultation is specifically designed for wherever you are.
No — most home plans found online, in catalogues, or from other homebuilders are protected by copyright. That means we cannot copy or redraw those plans. However, browsing plans online is actually a great way to better define what you want — the look, the feel, the flow. Bring those ideas to us and we'll create your plan from scratch.

Our pricing is straightforward and based on square footage. Finished living space is $2.90 per square foot. Garage square footage is $0.50 per square foot, and deck square footage with framing is $0.50 per square foot. Payment is structured in thirds — one third at project start, one third at completion of the 2D design, and the final third prior to plan release.

What you're getting for that price goes beyond a set of drawings. Our plans include an engineered truss system and engineered floor system through our partnership with Northwest Truss — which you'll need for permitting when you're ready to build. That, combined with 30 years of field experience, will enable you to receive high-performance plans that function during the build, and after.

Site plans are a flat fee of $460. To complete a site plan we'll need survey data and required site information from you — we'll walk you through exactly what that includes when you book your consultation.
Not at all. CDA Home Plans is an independent design firm. We produce plans — what you do with them is entirely up to you. Many of our clients build with Sullivan Homes because of the existing relationship and their track record in the region, but there's no obligation and no pressure. Ever.

Ready to start? It's a free conversation.

No commitment, no pressure — just a chance to talk through your project and see if we're a fit.

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