Are you completely confident that your floor plan is perfect for you?

LAYOUT & DESIGN REVIEWS

Often homeowners are in a race to get their renovation or building floor plan design done, they don’t maximise the opportunity to get it right. Don’t miss the chance!

In addition to our usual design services we also offer one-off design reviews.

THIS MIGHT SOUND FAMILIAR TO YOU.

  1. You may feel uncertain about whether the rooms in your home are spacious enough to meet the needs of you and your family.

  2. You may not be completely confident in your builder, drafter, or architect’s proposal. It's not uncommon to have doubts about whether they have proposed the best floor plan for you and your needs.

  3. You feel like the layout of your home, kitchen, or bathroom isn't quite right and you can't shake the feeling that there may be better plan options. (you're not alone)

  4. You are investing a significant amount of money, so it's important to carefully consider the layout of your home before moving on to other aspects of the design process. It's essential to get the layout right to make the most of your investment.

As a Building Designer, I often see areas for improvement in floor plans that I review, and I have never met a floor plan that I can’t improve!

These improvements can range from small tweaks that transform spaces to layout changes that better utilise storage, furniture placement and flow throughout the home. Even the most well-thought-out designs can benefit from a fresh perspective. That's where I come in. I can offer another set of eyes to help identify any potential issues or opportunities and suggest ways to optimize the design before your new build. It’s much cheaper to change lines on a plan than walls on a building site.

Designing your perfect floor plan layout is not as straightforward as it may seem.

THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP IN THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

  • Have confidence that you are spending your money well.

  • Ensure that all your things will be in the right spot.

  • Have a design that is uniquely tailored to your needs and is there to serve you every day.

  • Maximise the resale value of your investment.

  • Make the most of the valuable space within your home.

THE PROCESS

STEP 1

Design Consultation

The process starts with an online briefing meeting to run through all of your concerns about your current plans and gain a clear understanding of what it is that you want from your spaces.

Prior to this meeting you’ll share with us your plans along with any other reference images, plans, links to Pinterest boards etc to help us understand what you are hoping to achieve.

STEP 2

Design Review

Now we get to work on reviewing the floor plans and re-working them to create smarter use of the available space along with unexpected additions, ‘must haves’ from your briefing meeting along with any extra value that we can find to add to your project.

We may come up with more than one option during this iterative process and check in with you as required in order to get the best outcome..

STEP 3

Delivery

Once the floor plan is finalised, we will mark up your existing plan and draft a proposed new version. We will present this to you via a virtual meeting so we can talk you through our recommendations.

The floor plan we provide to you can be passed on to your builder, architect or another designer to convey design intent and layout direction but is not a full set of construction drawings

The Value of Undertaking an Early Design Review

1. Fresh Perspective and Expertise

One of the primary benefits of seeking an early design review is the opportunity to gain a fresh perspective. As a homeowner or primary designer, it’s easy to become too close to the project, which can make it difficult to see potential issues or opportunities for improvement. An experienced building designer or architect brings a wealth of knowledge and an objective viewpoint to your design.

A professional review can highlight aspects of your design that might not be optimal. Perhaps there are overlooked design flaws, inefficiencies in layout, or even missed opportunities for sustainable building practices or energy efficiency. Having a second set of experienced eyes ensures that your design benefits from diverse insights that could lead to a better outcome overall.

2. Cost-Effective Problem-Solving

One of the most common reasons designs run into trouble is that they were not thoroughly assessed before moving into the construction phase. Small design flaws or inefficiencies may seem insignificant early on, but they can quickly snowball into costly problems once construction begins. By getting an early design review, you can identify these issues while they are still on paper and make adjustments before breaking ground.

For example, a design review might reveal potential issues with the flow of space, structural concerns, or inefficiencies in energy use that could increase costs later. Addressing these early can save you money by preventing expensive changes or repairs during the build process. It also allows you to prioritize more cost-effective, sustainable solutions, keeping your project on budget without sacrificing quality.

3. Refining the Design to Match Your Vision and Needs

Your home is an extension of your lifestyle, so the design needs to cater to both your current and future needs. During the design process, you may not always be able to foresee how certain choices will work in the long run, especially when it comes to aspects like functionality, aesthetics, and future flexibility. A professional design review can help fine-tune your design to ensure it fully meets your needs and matches your personal style.

For instance, a designer might suggest ways to maximize natural light, incorporate flexible spaces that evolve with your family’s needs, or improve the flow of the layout. These adjustments are typically easy to make early on but can be cumbersome or even impossible to implement later in the project. Having a design review ensures that your house will not only meet your immediate needs but will remain adaptable as your family or circumstances change.

4. Compliance and Regulatory Considerations

Building design is subject to local codes, zoning regulations, and planning requirements, all of which can vary by region. It’s easy for a homeowner or even a designer to overlook the intricacies of these rules during the early stages of a project, potentially leading to costly delays or required changes once construction begins.

An experienced architect or building designer can assess your design for compliance with local regulations, including setbacks, height restrictions, environmental standards, and more. They can also advise on the best way to navigate approval processes, saving you time and frustration. Early design reviews can prevent issues with permits, reducing the chances of having to make significant revisions to meet regulatory standards.

5. Identifying Opportunities for Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

As sustainability becomes a higher priority in residential design, incorporating energy-efficient solutions early on can have long-term benefits. A design review can identify opportunities to integrate passive design principles, use sustainable building materials, and incorporate renewable energy systems like solar panels or rainwater harvesting.

A review from an experienced professional ensures that your home is not only well-designed but is also energy-efficient and environmentally conscious. Whether it’s ensuring proper insulation, optimizing orientation for solar gain, or selecting energy-efficient systems, these adjustments can drastically reduce your home’s energy consumption and running costs over time.

6. Minimizing Risk of Delays and Setbacks

The design phase is critical in setting the tone for the entire project, and any mistakes made early on can have long-term consequences. Issues with structure, layout, or even the construction process can lead to costly delays, rework, or complications further down the line. A second opinion from an experienced designer can help you avoid these risks by identifying potential problem areas and suggesting fixes before the project moves forward.

Additionally, a design review can improve the communication and understanding between you and your builder or contractor. With a clearly defined and well-thought-out design, there is less room for misunderstandings or misinterpretations during the construction phase, which can help keep things on track and avoid unexpected delays.

7. Confidentiality and Tailored Advice

At ENV Design & Drafting, we offer a confidential design review service that allows you to maintain full control of your project while benefiting from the expertise and insights of an experienced professional. We understand that your design is a personal and important project, and we respect the need for privacy and discretion. Our goal is to provide helpful, impartial advice that helps you refine your ideas and make well-informed decisions, without pressure or conflict of interest.

A confidential review allows you to make adjustments and explore new ideas without worrying about the final design being made public or shared without your consent. This process gives you the freedom to make changes based on professional advice, all while maintaining ownership of the vision for your home.

8. Enhanced Confidence and Peace of Mind

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of seeking an early design review is the increased confidence and peace of mind it provides. Designing a home is a major investment—both emotionally and financially. With expert advice guiding the process, you can move forward knowing that you’ve considered all angles, taken proactive steps to mitigate risks, and maximized the potential of your design.

The reassurance that comes from knowing your design is sound, functional, and aligned with your goals can make the entire process smoother, more enjoyable, and ultimately more successful.

What does the layout & DESIGN review service cost?

Get an experienced residential designer to review plans for a fraction of price of full engagement!

We have our prices clearly listed below. For anything over 400sqm please contact us for a custom pricing package.

Under 100sqm = $790
Under 200sqm = $980
Under 300sqm = $1380
Under 400sqm = $2280
Over 400sqm = POA

All pricing includes GST. and is based on a new build with plans. If you require this service for an existing house, pricing will be based on an individual basis.

Book a review zoom chat now by emailing stephen@envdesign.com.au