Not another do it yourself program! I have hesitated to write this simply because there is no substitute for an honest professional looking out for your interests. For those who would tell you that building a house is easy, do an about face and walk away quickly. Building a house requires considerable knowledge of building materials and methods, code requirements, scheduling, oversight and good old honest effort to accomplish your goals. So many people have asked for our help in building a house, my sense is that it is time to put pen to paper.
A little background will be helpful. I remember growing up in Illinois and riding with my mother in the car to my dad's job sites and watching him build houses. He did not use power tools. It was driven by human power in those days. Maybe that is why his forearms resembled Popeye's. "Measure twice-cut once" That was his motto. Every single stick of lumber had to be hand cut for installation. Rafters, joists, studs and sheathing were all custom, site-built components. His tool box was hand made and contained the instruments of his trade and each had its own specially designed storage space. Several different saws, hammers, chisels and myriad of other devices filled the box to capacity. He was never without the tools needed to accomplish his task. His drill was a hand brace with auger bits. You know you put your palm on the knob and turn the drill with your other hand. His hand saws were kept sharp and oiled, ready for the task. Sweat equity had a different meaning in those days. His measuring device was a folding rule which he seemed to have a multitude of uses for. Tricks of the trade were replete in dad's work day and it was like magic watching him perform. He is gone now but his legacy lives on in both my brother and myself. I'm quite sure dad did not think of his life in this way, but his impact was great and he will never be forgotten.
After observing my dad at work and then taking drafting during my journey through the long extinct "industrial arts" in high school in the 60's, I knew that some day I wanted to be an architect/designer/builder. Like many students, of all generations, my time of rebellion left many subsequent years until my focus returned once again to my earlier goals. Since 1972, when I completed my first project, remodeling my basement, that thirst began to be quenched. Since that time, I have designed and or built more that 1000 projects, from small renovations to very large custom homes. In that span of years, I have committed myself to giving my clients everything I can give and more.
On April 28, 1999. while building a custom home on Chucknut Crest in Bellingham, Wa, I experienced what I never thought could happen to me. I had a rollover accident with my backhoe and my building career passed into history. Word seemed to spread fast around town about what had happened and many contractors, suppliers, subcontractors, realtors and friends let me know how much they cared. To this I am eternally grateful. By caveat my career was transformed from design/build to design alone.
By June of 1999, Blueprint4u.com had opened its doors for business. My partner, Jim DeGolier and I have worked very hard to build a reputable design firm that exceeds the expectations of our clients. Within a short period of time not only did we create house plans, but many were asking for assistance in being an owner builder. They wished to act as their own general contractor to save money and to gain the experience. Our firm was transformed into Blueprint Design Consultants, Inc. offering custom home design, space planning, construction consulting, permit assistance and much, much more. We provide all the construction documents necessary for you to secure your construction loan and can provide our resume and portfolio to your lender. No matter the size of your project, we believe it is personal and deserves individual attention, timely service and honest assessments to make it successful.
It is with this sentiment that I write this introduction.
A little background will be helpful. I remember growing up in Illinois and riding with my mother in the car to my dad's job sites and watching him build houses. He did not use power tools. It was driven by human power in those days. Maybe that is why his forearms resembled Popeye's. "Measure twice-cut once" That was his motto. Every single stick of lumber had to be hand cut for installation. Rafters, joists, studs and sheathing were all custom, site-built components. His tool box was hand made and contained the instruments of his trade and each had its own specially designed storage space. Several different saws, hammers, chisels and myriad of other devices filled the box to capacity. He was never without the tools needed to accomplish his task. His drill was a hand brace with auger bits. You know you put your palm on the knob and turn the drill with your other hand. His hand saws were kept sharp and oiled, ready for the task. Sweat equity had a different meaning in those days. His measuring device was a folding rule which he seemed to have a multitude of uses for. Tricks of the trade were replete in dad's work day and it was like magic watching him perform. He is gone now but his legacy lives on in both my brother and myself. I'm quite sure dad did not think of his life in this way, but his impact was great and he will never be forgotten.
After observing my dad at work and then taking drafting during my journey through the long extinct "industrial arts" in high school in the 60's, I knew that some day I wanted to be an architect/designer/builder. Like many students, of all generations, my time of rebellion left many subsequent years until my focus returned once again to my earlier goals. Since 1972, when I completed my first project, remodeling my basement, that thirst began to be quenched. Since that time, I have designed and or built more that 1000 projects, from small renovations to very large custom homes. In that span of years, I have committed myself to giving my clients everything I can give and more.
On April 28, 1999. while building a custom home on Chucknut Crest in Bellingham, Wa, I experienced what I never thought could happen to me. I had a rollover accident with my backhoe and my building career passed into history. Word seemed to spread fast around town about what had happened and many contractors, suppliers, subcontractors, realtors and friends let me know how much they cared. To this I am eternally grateful. By caveat my career was transformed from design/build to design alone.
By June of 1999, Blueprint4u.com had opened its doors for business. My partner, Jim DeGolier and I have worked very hard to build a reputable design firm that exceeds the expectations of our clients. Within a short period of time not only did we create house plans, but many were asking for assistance in being an owner builder. They wished to act as their own general contractor to save money and to gain the experience. Our firm was transformed into Blueprint Design Consultants, Inc. offering custom home design, space planning, construction consulting, permit assistance and much, much more. We provide all the construction documents necessary for you to secure your construction loan and can provide our resume and portfolio to your lender. No matter the size of your project, we believe it is personal and deserves individual attention, timely service and honest assessments to make it successful.
It is with this sentiment that I write this introduction.
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