Residential Design FAQs

G&M has two phases within its’ design system: 

Phase I. Preliminary Design. At the beginning, G&M will meet with you to discuss your vision for your project.  Your basic concept will be developed through sketches.  Upon your approval of the sketches, we develop the preliminary design using Auto CAD. Please note that the preliminary design drawings are not detailed enough to build from, and any budget given off the preliminary design drawings would only be an estimate.

 Phase II. Construction Documents.  After the Preliminary Design drawings are approved and signed by you, the construction documents are then created. Please note the construction drawings are the build drawings and your General Contractor will provide the final budget off the construction drawings.

G&M is available to respond to any questions from your General Contractor. G&M also offers Construction Administration services to assist you through your construction phase.

G&M’s contracts clearly state under each Scope of Work exactly what will be Included and what will be Excluded specific to your project.

G&M will provide you with a list of subcontractors, General Contractors, and other vendors that we have worked with; however, we do not make any “recommendations.” 

No. You will need to hire a Geotechnical Engineer.  A “Geotech” is an individual that deals with the “dirt.” They research and examine soil by using rock and soils mechanics to investigate the subsurface geologic conditions.

A smaller, independent residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as a stand-alone single-family home.  Sometimes referred to as a “Granny Unit.”  You must be the owner of the property.  It is important that you conduct your research by contacting your local municipality’s Planning and Building Departments to fully understand what their development standards are.  For example, they will give you information regarding size allowed (square footage + height), number of bedrooms allowed, kitchen requirement, parking space required, set-backs, fire sprinklers, upstairs/downstairs, use of garage, required fees, etc. Refer to “The advantages you can experience with an ADU”

Senate Bill-9 (SB9) is a newly enacted California State law that became effective on January 1, 2022. The intent of this bill is to address the mounting housing crisis in California.  Refer to “Buried Treasure in Your Own Back Yard.”