What to Expect When You Contact RDS
Your Residential Design Journey Starts Here
At Residential Designed Solutions (RDS), we understand that designing or renovating a home is a deeply personal and exciting journey. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible while fulfilling your vision. Here’s a step-by-step look at how we work with you and what to expect when you work with us.
1.Initial Contact
The journey begins with a simple conversation. You can reach out to us via phone or email to discuss your project, inspiration, and budget range. This helps us determine if we are the right fit for your needs and set expectations for the process ahead.
2. First Meeting
Next, we schedule an in-person meeting tailored to your project type:
For a custom home: You’ll visit our office to share your vision and preferences.
For a remodel: We meet at your home to assess the existing space, take measurements, and discuss potential modifications.
This first step allows us to understand your design goals. It’s helpful if you provide:
Lot/site details
Inspiration photos (see our blog on where we gather inspiration)
Any specific requirements or concerns
3. Proposal & Questions
After our initial discussion, we prepare a proposal outlining the scope of work. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and request adjustments to confirm everything aligns with your expectations before moving forward.
4. Contract Signing
Once all details are finalized, the contract is signed and deposit is paid, officially beginning the design phase.
5. Design & Budget Goals
We gather detailed information about your needs and desires to develop a “Design Program”, which serves as a roadmap for your project. We also conduct:
Site analysis, considering views, sun angles, and home placement
Research area zoning and architectural review requirements
6. Sketching & Refinement
Our design process includes:
Creating 2-3 initial conceptual designs for review.
Gathering your feedback and refining the design.
Finalizing a plan that meets your needs before it moves to the construction phase.
Using hand sketching techniques, we generate multiple ideas efficiently. Your input is critical at this stage, allowing us to refine the sketches into a conceptual design that gives your builder an initial cost estimate.
7. Design Development
Once you’re comfortable with the design and estimated costs, we move to digital refinement. This stage includes:
Foundation and floor plans
Exterior elevation views
Initial electrical and lighting plans
Optional 3D renderings for a more detailed visual representation
8. Construction Documents
We finalize the plans with all necessary details for permit applications and construction, including:
Structural engineering coordination
Collaboration with mechanical, landscape, and interior professionals
9. Construction & Observation
Once construction begins, our involvement can vary based on your needs. At a minimum, we ensure the design is clearly understood by all parties, offering site visits and additional assistance as needed to keep the project on track.
Our Design Philosophy
Your home should reflect your personality, lifestyle, and functional needs. For over 37 years, we’ve been designing homes in a range of styles and sizes, creating spaces that are beautiful, efficient, and tailored to each family that calls it home. Whether we are creating a new build or modifying an existing home, our focus remains on seamless integration, character, and functionality.
Customizing Online Home Plans
Many clients find home plans online that appear to fit their needs but require modifications to comply with local building codes and personal preferences. We assist in fine-tuning these plans before you purchase to confirm they are optimized for your family and site requirements.
Pre-Designed Home Plans
To accommodate various schedules and budgets, we offer a collection of ready-to-build home plans developed to meet local standards. These can be customized quickly to reflect your specific requirements and personal touches.
Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life!
At Residential Designed Solutions in Columbus, Ohio, your vision is our inspiration. Whether you’re building from scratch or transforming an existing home, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Ready to get started? Contact us today to begin your journey toward a beautifully designed home that meets your needs and lifestyle.