Drafting & Residential Design Services

1. Scope of Services

The Designer provides drafting and residential design services including floor plans, elevations, sections, details, 3D models, and permit‑ready drawings within prescriptive residential code. Designer does not provide architectural or engineering services and does not seal drawings. Any structural elements requiring engineering must be reviewed and stamped by a licensed Professional Engineer or Architect.

2. Deliverables

Deliverables may include digital drawings (PDF, DWG, DXF), 3D models, renderings, or design documents as outlined in the project proposal. Designer may retain rights to preliminary concepts, sketches, and unused design iterations.

3. Project Timeline

Designer will provide an estimated timeline and milestones. Timeline may adjust based on client responsiveness, revisions, or discovery of unforeseen conditions. Delays caused by the Client extend the delivery schedule.

4. Client Responsibilities

The Client agrees to:

• Provide accurate information, measurements, and project requirements.
• Supply any existing drawings, surveys, or documentation necessary for the project.
• Review deliverables and provide feedback within the requested timeframe.
• Obtain all required permits and approvals from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
• Secure engineering review when required by code.

5. Revisions

The Agreement includes a specified number of revision rounds (typically 1–3). Additional revisions or design changes outside the original scope will be billed at the Designer’s hourly rate or require a new agreement.

6. Fees & Payment Terms

Fees are outlined in the project proposal. Payment schedule may include:

• Deposit due at project start
• Progress payments at milestones
• Final payment due before release of final files

Late payments may incur fees as stated in the proposal. Designer may pause work until outstanding invoices are paid.

7. Intellectual Property

Upon full payment:

• Client receives usage rights to the final approved drawings for the specific project.
• Designer retains copyright to all work products, including preliminary designs, and may use final work in portfolios unless otherwise agreed. Third‑party assets (fonts, stock images, manufacturer details) remain under their original licenses.

8. Accuracy & Verification

Designer prepares drawings based on information provided by the Client. Client is responsible for verifying all dimensions, site conditions, and compliance with local codes before construction. Designer is not liable for errors resulting from inaccurate or incomplete information provided by the Client.

9. Code Compliance

Designer follows applicable residential building codes to the extent possible within the scope of drafting/design services. Designer does not guarantee permit approval, as final acceptance is at the discretion of the AHJ. Any required engineering analysis must be performed by a licensed professional.

10. Changes During Construction

If conditions discovered during construction differ from the drawings, the Client must notify the Designer. Revisions required due to concealed conditions, contractor changes, or field modifications are billable as additional services.

11. Confidentiality

Both parties agree to maintain confidentiality of proprietary or sensitive information shared during the project.

12. Limitation of Liability

Designer’s liability is limited to the amount paid for the services. Designer is not responsible for:

• Construction defects
• Contractor errors
• Engineering omissions
• Code interpretations by inspectors
• Damages arising from misuse of drawings or deviations from the plans. This aligns with standard design‑service liability limitations.

13. Termination

Either party may terminate the Agreement with written notice. Client must pay for all completed work up to the termination date. Designer will deliver available files corresponding to completed work.

14. Governing Law

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the state where the project is located. For this business, this is North Carolina.

15. Entire Agreement

These Terms & Conditions, along with the project proposal, constitute the entire agreement between the Client and Designer and supersede all prior discussions.