09/04/2026
Hiring a draftsman or architect for the first time? Five questions to ask before you sign, so there are no surprise add-ons later.
1. What sheets are included in the permit set? A complete residential set usually means site plan, floor plans (existing and proposed), elevations, sections, foundation and framing plans, electrical, and energy compliance (Title 24 in California). If any of those are extra, ask now.
2. Is structural engineering included or separate? Additions, wall removals, and ADUs almost always need stamped calcs. Know whether that's in the price.
3. Who handles city corrections? Most permits come back with comments. Ask how many revision rounds are included and whether they submit through the city portal for you.
4. What do you need from me? Existing plans, a survey, measurements, photos. The less they have, the more field time is involved.
5. What's the turnaround, and is the price fixed? A fixed price per set with a stated timeline protects you far more than an hourly estimate.
Archi Partners Design produces permit-ready plan sets across Arizona and California, structural included through our licensed engineer, with fixed pricing and city corrections handled. Questions about your project? Message the page.
