FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

In addition to drafted plans, what else do I need to submit for a permit?

In the majority of all building plans you will need the services of a structural engineer.  We work closely with one in Valley Center, however clients can find their own engineer.  Additionally the fee for the structural engineer isn't included in our fee.  Many clients ask what the fee for the structural engineer will be, but that is a difficult question to answer.  The fee is based on the complexity of the design.  It usually runs between $1000-$4000.

Also, you will need a Title 24 Report.  This is required by the State of California for energy calculations.  We also work closely with a Title 24 person.  Once again, clients can feel free to pick someone else to do the report.  Their fee also isn't included with our fee.  Title 24 fees run about $350.00

How long does it take from start to finish to get a building permit?

We advise clients to plan at least 6 months to a year from start to finish.  The variables are how long it takes for the client to approve the plans I draft up, sometimes as little as 5 days and other times it can take a month or more.  Once my portion is completed usually 2-4 weeks, then it goes to Title 24 and structural at the same time.  Plan on 3-5 days for Title 24 and 3-4 weeks for structural engineering depending on their workload.  

Once it has been submitted it can take 4-8 weeks ( sometimes longer) for the governing agency to review, then it get returned for corrections or comments.  At that point depending on my current workload, it can take 1-2 weeks to complete the corrections/comments.  I advise my clients that I work on corrections in the order received, no client receives priority over another.  Then it is usually another 6 weeks for everything to be reviewed, sometimes they come back again with completely new corrections/comments and sometimes they will issue a permit.

Some government agencies are quicker than others in reviews. 

Do you submit the plans for a permit?

For an additional fee of $800  we will handle the submittal process depending on the current workload of Dream Catcher Drafting.  An additional contract will be signed for submittals and fee will be collected prior to submitting the plans.

What are your fees?

Our rates start at  $3.75-4.50 a square foot  for a custom home and detached ADUs. Depending on the complexity of the design it can go up from there.

Room additions start at $2800 and can increase from that point depending on the sizes and amount of rooms being done.  This fee includes drafting of the entire residence as required by government agencies in addition to the remodel or room addition.

There are other fees shown in the contract regarding meetings with contractors and other ancillaries services.  

How many stories can you draft?

The state of California only allows draftsmen to draft 2 stories plus a basement.

I bought plans off the internet, can you modify them?

Yes, we can but it can cost almost as much as if you started from scratch in most instances unless you were also provided with AutoCad files.  Without the files, the entire plan needs to be redrafted which is charged at $3.50 a square foot.  If you have the files and they can be used, the fee is based on the amount of modifications to be done.

I got a citation for an unpermitted room or ADU, can you help me?

Yes, we frequently get clients that have been cited.  Once we have been hired, we notify the agency that did the cite that we have been hired to draft the plans and ask for an extension.  We keep in close contact with the agency letting them know the status of the plans at each step. However we cannot guarantee the city will permit the room or ADU if a citation was received.

I once used another draftsman and the plans came back with corrections and he charged me for the corrections.  Do you charge extra for corrections?

We don't charge extra for corrections, they are included in the original cost.