Three Stages of Design
Project duration varies with design complexity, client decisions, workload and whether third-party engineering is required.
Preliminary Design
The conceptual stage: floor plans, room arrangements, doors, walls and alternatives are explored. Sunrise places no fixed time limit on this creative stage.
Realistic allowance: about 2–3 months on average, though projects may be shorter or considerably longer.
Production Design
After preliminary plans are approved, construction drawings are developed and energy/general code compliance is documented.
Typical allowance: about 2–4 weeks, depending on size, complexity and current workload.
Engineering
Certified engineering is performed by a third-party firm when required. Qualifying projects may use in-house prescriptive design instead.
Typical allowance: at least 8 weeks; 9–10 weeks is a more realistic planning figure for third-party engineering.
Plan for the Whole Process
Although some projects can move faster, Sunrise recommends allowing roughly 4–6 months for the design and planning of a home, depending on complexity. Permitting time is separate and depends on the reviewing jurisdiction.