Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Drafting, SolidWorks modeling, steel shop drawings and permit drawing sets are all done remotely, so I take projects from anywhere in the U.S. You send the files, we talk by phone, email or video call, and I send the drawings back.

Residential permit drawings, steel shop drawings and CAD/SolidWorks modeling for clients anywhere in the U.S. Where a stamp is required, I coordinate with the client’s licensed engineer or architect.

The one exception is Project Guidance. It’s offered in Washington only, locally in the Kelso/Longview, Cowlitz County area. It isn’t offered in Oregon, California or anywhere else outside Washington at this time.

Whatever you have: sketches, photos, markups, PDFs or CAD files, plus the project location (city and state) and your timeline. For permit drawings, include the property address and the city or county you’re permitting with. For shop drawings, send the material, quantities and any shop standards. The quote form walks you through it.

It depends on the size of the project and how much information we’re starting with. I’ll give you a timeline with your quote. Keep in mind the building department’s review is a separate step, and review times vary by jurisdiction. My permit tips for Cowlitz County cover what helps a set go through smoothly.

Sometimes. Long spans, tall foundation walls, steep or hazard sites, wind and seismic bracing beyond the prescriptive code, and most structural steel usually call for engineering. Your building department makes the final call.

I’m a drafter, not an engineer or architect, and I don’t stamp drawings. Where a stamp is required, I coordinate with your licensed engineer or architect and work their design into your drawings.

Drawings come as PDF drawing sets, plus fabrication-ready exports when the job calls for them: STEP or DXF from SolidWorks work, and DWG or DXF for AutoCAD drafting work. Native SolidWorks models aren’t included by default; if you need them, we can talk about it case by case. Permit sets come as print-ready PDFs sized for your building department.

Well-defined jobs usually get a flat rate. Open-ended work, like ongoing changes or projects where the scope is still taking shape, is usually hourly. Either way you get a free quote with the scope spelled out before any work starts.

Yes. Napkin sketches, hand-drawn plans, old blueprints and photos with measurements are all fine starting points. I’ll ask questions to fill in the gaps and turn it into a clean CAD set or 3D model.

Project Guidance is advice for homeowners planning a new house, addition or remodel. I help homeowners understand their plans, permits and bids, and advocate for them. All construction is contracted directly between you and your licensed contractor.

What I do: work under a written scope limited to plan review, explaining permits and code, reviewing bids, and reporting to you, the owner.

What I don’t do: bid, contract, hire, pay, schedule or direct contractors or subs, or give instructions to the crew. You contract directly with a registered contractor. I’m not a contractor and I don’t do construction work.

Project Guidance is offered in Washington only, locally in the Kelso/Longview, Cowlitz County area. It isn’t offered in Oregon, California or anywhere else outside Washington at this time.

Yes. You get the drawings to review, mark up what needs to change, and I revise. Your quote spells out the review rounds included in the scope, so there are no surprises.

Yes. What you send me is used only for your project and isn’t shared with anyone without your permission. I don’t post client work online unless you’re OK with it, and I’m happy to sign an NDA if you need one.