re: Draftsman/Home Designer in New Orleans

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I am not complaining, simply asking for recommendations. I know that many draftsmen charge anywhere from $.50 to a dollar a square foot. If you have any recommendations, architect, draftsman, whatever.

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I know, it just infuriates me when people refuse to pay for someone else skills fairly. I did not mean to stereotype you, but I have heard many stories of draftsman / architects having problems with people on how much they charge, when it is really just they going rate.

That said, I understand there are unethical people out there who will price gouge you if you aren't careful. So I see your concerns.

I would say that $1 SF is very reasonable. I would double check before hiring a draftsman fro .50 a SF. That is incredibly low. One thing to keep in mind is that draftsman did not go to design school. They are not designers and drawing a plan is completely different then actually experiencing the spaces. Whatever you do, see the house in 3D before you approve it. I have moonlighted with a few clients to help them visualize in a 3D walk through exactly what they were building and they were able to make changes and then send them to the draftsman so they got exactly what they wanted. Remember, this is one of the biggest investments you will ever make make sure it is done right.

Also, that pricing could have been from a few years back when draftsman / architect were in the tank because nothing was being built. The construction industry is heating up now so if you find something of that price for a good draftsman that's phenomenal.

Personally, if I were you, I would try and find an Architect or an Intern Architect (with a degree just not licensed yet) to do moonlight the work for you. They would do it around the same price as a draftsman, and you would get the best product for your money.

I can ask around some new Orleans contacts I have for you, both draftsman and architects