FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our residential design and drafting services.

General Questions

What services does Design and Build Advisors offer?

We offer comprehensive residential design and drafting services including custom home design, remodel and renovation design, residential drafting and blueprints, as-built documentation, and general contractor advisory services. We also coordinate with licensed engineers for stamped structural plans.

How long have you been in business?

Design and Build Advisors has been serving the Tampa Bay Area since 1986 — over 37 years of residential design excellence. We are a family-owned and operated business run by father and son team Michael and Myles Harvey.

What areas do you serve?

We proudly serve the entire Tampa Bay Area including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Lakeland, Sarasota, Bradenton, Wesley Chapel, New Port Richey, Palm Harbor, and surrounding communities.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes, Design and Build Advisors is fully licensed and insured. We maintain all required credentials to provide residential design and drafting services in the state of Florida.

Custom Home Design

How much does custom home design cost?

Custom home design costs vary based on the size and complexity of the project. We offer competitive, accessible rates and provide a detailed quote after our initial free consultation. Most residential projects range from a few thousand dollars for basic plans to more for complex custom designs with extensive detail.

How long does the custom home design process take?

A typical custom home design takes 4-8 weeks from initial consultation to final construction documents. More complex projects may take longer. We keep you updated with regular progress reports throughout every phase.

Do I need an architect or a home designer?

For most residential projects in Florida, a licensed home designer can provide everything you need at a more accessible cost. We handle design, drafting, and engineering coordination. For projects specifically requiring an architect's stamp, we work with licensed architects in our network.

Can you design any style of home?

Absolutely. We have experience designing a wide range of architectural styles including modern, contemporary, Mediterranean, coastal, craftsman, farmhouse, and traditional. We work with you to capture your preferred aesthetic.

Remodel & Renovation

Do you handle kitchen and bathroom remodels?

Yes, kitchen and bathroom remodels are among our most popular services. We create detailed renovation plans that include demolition drawings, new layouts, elevations, electrical plans, and all specifications needed for permitting and construction.

Can you design room additions?

Yes, we specialize in room addition design. We assess your existing structure, create plans that integrate seamlessly with your current home, and coordinate with engineers for any structural modifications needed.

Do you do as-built measurements?

Yes, we provide precise as-built measurement services. We visit your home to document the existing conditions, which serves as the foundation for any renovation or remodel design work.

Drafting & Permitting

Do you handle permitting?

We prepare all construction documents needed for the permitting process and coordinate with engineers for stamped plans. While we don't submit permits directly, our plans are designed to meet all local building code requirements for smooth approval. We can guide you through the permitting process.

Are your plans code-compliant?

Yes, every set of plans we produce is designed to meet Florida Building Code requirements, including wind load specifications for the Tampa Bay region. We stay current with all code updates and local amendments.

Do you provide engineering services?

While we are not engineers, we coordinate directly with licensed structural engineers to provide stamped engineering plans when required. This seamless coordination saves you time and ensures consistency between design and engineering documents.

Process & Pricing

How do I get started?

Getting started is easy! Simply call us at 727-643-0341 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. During this initial meeting, we'll discuss your vision, budget, and timeline to determine the best approach for your project.

Do you offer free consultations?

Yes, we offer free initial consultations for all potential projects. This allows us to understand your needs and provide an accurate quote before any commitment.

What is your payment structure?

We typically work with a phased payment structure tied to project milestones. Details are discussed during the consultation and outlined in our project agreement. We strive to keep our rates accessible without compromising quality.

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help. Give us a call or schedule a free consultation.