Pricing, process, service area, software, and scope
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers explain how 3D Home Designs scopes residential planning, concept renders, project-team support, pricing, payments, timelines, measurements, files, and qualifying permit-plan work. A signed proposal controls project-specific terms.
Pricing review: Public figures were reviewed in July 2026 by Aaron Lytal, the pricing governance owner. Aaron updates them when business pricing changes.
Do you impose a particular design style?
No. We begin with your goals, preferences, existing conditions, budget context, and project constraints. Our role is to help develop and communicate a coherent direction—not to force every project into one house style.
What makes the design process interactive?
During scheduled meetings, we can review plans and place cameras in modeled spaces to compare layouts, relationships, and visual decisions. The contracted meeting count, approval points, and revised plan sets keep that collaboration controlled. See the residential design process.
What is the difference between schematic, construction, and permit plans?
A schematic set communicates the proposed scope and typically uses demolition, site, proposed, and roof plans, with electrical information and renders when useful. A construction-document set adds the agreed details and schedules. A permit set builds on those documents with jurisdiction- and project-dependent supporting information. The plan-set comparison explains the boundaries.
How much does residential design cost?
Current guidance is $1.25–$4.00 per conditioned square foot for new construction, typically $1,250–$1,500 for schematic design of one major interior remodel space, and a $2,000 starting point when a remodel requires qualifying permit documents. Smaller bathrooms may be lower. Complexity, location, information quality, project stage, and required deliverables affect the proposal. Review the full residential design pricing guide.
Is the budget field on Contact the design fee?
No. The optional Contact budget field asks about the approximate total project or construction budget. The design fee is prepared separately from the project scope, conditioned area, deliverables, meetings, permit requirements, consultants, and starting information.
How do deposits and project payments work?
A deposit is due when the project begins. Remaining payments follow the milestones stated in the agreement and may be tied to design meetings, document stages, or handoffs. The final draw is normally due at final-plan delivery. The contract—not this FAQ—sets the applicable deposit and draw schedule.
What happens if we need another meeting or change the scope?
Meetings included in the fixed design fee produce revised plan sets. A meeting beyond the contracted quantity is $250 and includes the revised set after that meeting. Material area growth, a new project component, a major redesign after an approval point, or a new required deliverable may need written additional scope and fee authorization.
How long does a project take?
Concept Renders are often prepared in about 2–5 days after complete plans and selections are received. A limited Home & Remodel Planning scope may take about two weeks, while complex work can span several months and sometimes roughly six months. Builder & Designer Support timing is proposal-defined. Scope, file readiness, complexity, workload, meetings, revisions, consultants, and jurisdictional requirements affect every schedule.
Where do you work, and do you measure projects in person?
3D Home Designs is based in Lakeway and works with clients in Austin, Houston, across Texas, and remotely when the process fits. In-person measurement and less-common in-person meetings are available by arrangement. Any applicable travel or measurement cost is stated in the proposal.
Can you use LiDAR or files supplied by my builder?
Yes, when the files are compatible and contain the needed existing-condition information. Builder-supplied LiDAR may be imported into Chief Architect X18 and can reduce reconstruction work. We review the file quality before assuming it replaces measurement or model cleanup.
Are conceptual renders included with plan design?
Yes. Plan-design contracts include scope-defined conceptual renders at no additional design fee. The proposal names the relevant spaces and fixed views. A project that is only rendering another designer's plans is quoted separately based on the supplied files, import or rebuild work, detail, views, revisions, and custom elements. See Concept Renders & Finish Studies.
What software do you use?
Aaron uses Chief Architect X18 and has worked with Chief Architect for more than 15 years. Common plan, image, and model formats can be exported for project-team use when included in scope. Compatibility and required file standards are confirmed before promising a specific handoff.
What makes Aaron qualified to design residential projects?
Aaron Lytal is a Certified Professional Building Designer (CPBD) through the National Council of Building Designer Certification (NCBDC). He has designed more than 100 kitchens, bathrooms, remodels, additions, and new-home projects and received National Kitchen and Bath Association 30 Under 30 recognition. Austin recognizes CPBDs in certain qualifying residential review processes. Project eligibility, jurisdictional review, and separately licensed professional work still apply.
Do you provide engineering, HVAC design, civil work, or permit approval?
Not automatically. Structural engineering, surveying, civil or floodplain work, energy documentation, Manual J/D, trade designs, sealed documents, and other professional services are prepared by the appropriate party when required. We coordinate or incorporate those documents as stated in the proposal. The reviewing jurisdiction determines completeness and permit approval.
How long is an estimate available?
An estimate is available for acceptance for six months. It does not reserve a production slot. The project schedule is established after the agreement is signed and the deposit is paid, and timing may change if other work is accepted first.
How do I start?
Use the structured Contact form to send the project location, type, current stage, approximate size, available plans or measurements, permit expectations, and the decisions you need help making. We normally reply to an initial inquiry within two business days with fit questions or the next scoping step.
Professional credential and project scope
Aaron Lytal is a Certified Professional Building Designer (CPBD) through the National Council of Building Designer Certification (NCBDC). For qualifying residential projects—typically single-family and two-family homes, additions, remodels, and related accessory structures—3D Home Designs can prepare residential building-design and permit-plan documents for jurisdictional review. Requirements vary by address and scope. Structural engineering, surveying, civil or floodplain work, energy documentation, trade designs, and architect- or engineer-sealed documents are coordinated separately when required. The reviewing jurisdiction determines completeness and permit approval.
Still have a project-specific question?
Send the starting information you already have. An initial inquiry does not create a services agreement, quote, engineering engagement, or permit approval.
Related permit and contractor preparation
Use these guides when the next step is clarifying jurisdiction requirements or preparing for contractor conversations.