"Very honest engineer. He performed a mandatory seismic inspection that was required for the city of Hayward. There was no foundation issue whatsoever. Before Mr Padir did the inspection I had a retrofit company look at my building and they told me it would cost $58k to fix the problem and I almost fell for it. It turns out that one joist was rotten from a sewer leak that was repaired. It is hard to find honest people these days. I am so glad it is only a cosmetic fix and a sister joist installed next to it to relieve the pressure on the building. Thank you once again Mr. Padir. Excellent job and quick turnaround."
"Rich knows his business. He's thorough, very reasonable in pricing, and follows up until the job is complete. He's easy to work with, and responds instantly to questions. If you need building plans for permits or design, Rich will get it done."
"It is always a pleasure to work with Arthur. He is a skilled individual that takes close attention to detail. Due to his experience, he is able to revert quickly on cycle revisions to help get plans approved in a timely manner. I would highly recommend working with Arthur."
"Fred is a God send. His work is amazing he is the definition of professional. This is the best architect in Sacramento he helped me build Daddy Os Smokehouse the best bbq on Sacramento. I'm forrver grateful and I'd recommend Fred to anyone looking for architectural services. I've sent him to my close friend to help build his restaurant and he's doing a great job as well for them."
GEM Drafting provides professional Drafting, 3D Laser Scanning, Existing-Condition documentation, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) services for homeowners, contractors, designers, and property professionals.\n\nWhether you are planning a remodel, addition, renovation, tenant improvement, or residential/commercial construction project, we help you start with accurate information and clear, detailed drawings.\n\nGEM is a U.S.-based, veteran-operated company committed to responsive communication, dependable service, and high-quality deliverables. Every project is approached with attention to detail and a practical understanding of what homeowners, designers, and contractors need to move forward confidently.\n\nContact GEM Drafting today to discuss your project and receive a customized proposal.\n\nDraft. Scan. BIM. Build with confidence.
"Our kitchen remodel with McCormick Home Builders went beyond our expectations. Leoni and her team took the time to understand exactly what we wanted. The open layout design changed the way we use the space, and it’s been perfect for family gatherings. They were prompt, courteous, and genuinely invested in making sure we were happy. Really impressed!"
"Michael and his team were incredibly professional. They remodeled two of our bathrooms, including doubling the square footage in our master suite. Michael stood behind his work and insured. We were fully satisfied with the product. Throughout every stage of the process, he kept a clean and tidy, worksite, and was respectful of our families time and space. We’ve referred Michael to many of our friends because of the great work and professionalism he exuded on the job. We plan on using Michael and his team for our kitchen makeover later this year."
You likely need to hire an architect for your new house design and build, unless you have the design skills and experience with building regulations and standards needed to get your plans approved. If you are able to meet the design requirements, you can hire a draftsperson to create the blueprints for the builders to follow.
When planning a new build, meet with an architect as your first step. Architects will often work with specific contractors and can ensure the contractor on your project is qualified and experienced to handle your build. Both the architect and the contractor should be involved with the project from the early stages, but the process may be smoother when you start with an architect.
The cost to draw house plans typically ranges from $800 to $2,700, with standard blueprints averaging around $1,800. For a custom home, the cost is higher, with blueprints often falling between $5,000 and $20,000, and potentially more for very complex designs. Several factors influence the total price, including the project's size, the number of rooms, the type of drawings required, and the architect's experience level. You may also need to pay a structural engineer to ensure building safety, particularly for custom homes.
Regular meetings, reviewing drafts, and providing input on materials help align the project with your vision.
Many drafters go on to continue their education and become architects. Drafting is a necessary skill for architects, so learning drafting is often the first step on a path toward becoming a licensed architect. Drafting can also be a career on its own, with plenty of drafters choosing to specialize and focus solely on drafting.
The Shingle Springs, CA homeowners’ guide to architectural services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Wondering how much hiring an architect cost? Discover architect prices, cost factors, and money-saving tips to help you plan your home project with confidence.
Floor plans can help you visualize a space and are useful in home construction and design. Learn how much a floor plan costs and what affects the price.
