What are the fees for the services?

Fees are generally based on the square footage, complexity of the design and scope of work. Whether you have a very clear vision for your new home, or need assistance getting started, I welcome all and have a variety of techniques to assist you. Let's start with a complimentary consultation; from this I will provide a quote and time frame to design and plan your new home. My services are for homes of all shapes and sizes.

Please keep in mind, by hiring a design professional, you'll know what the home will look like and cost BEFORE you commit to a bank or construction professional. And that's the key, the peace of mind of having thorough vision and strategy prior to making what could be the largest investment of your life.

Do you have experience with energy efficiency and alternate construction methods?

Yes. I have designed several homes utilizing the insulated concrete form system. I am also experienced with structural insulated panels as a construction method. Plans generated are compliant with the construction method desired for your project. There are a variety of additional strategies and methods for construction an energy efficient home such as geothermal heating and cooling. We can discuss this and more during a complimentary consultation. Please visit the following links for additional information.

Insulated Concrete Forms (Click to visit.)

Structural Insulated Panels (Click to visit.)

Can you design to a specific style?

Absolutely...what's your flavor? Arts and Crafts, Federal, European influenced, neo-eclectic or perhaps something ultra modern and contemporary. I welcome them all and encourage you to think about design in its truest sense. Perhaps you are not sure. No worries, let’s set up a consultation and we'll examine different styles and discuss which category best suits your family, budget and lifestyle. I invite you to visit About.com for a fun guide to different architectural styles by clicking here.

How long does the process take?

The turnaround time is unique with each home, the scope of work and my current production schedule. It can be as quick as 2-3 weeks or much longer if extensive design development is needed. It is highly recommended to start designing and planning at least a year in advance of construction. Not only will this will allow for proper design and preparation but contractor review, bidding and scheduling as well.  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

How do we get started?

It starts with a free consultation. A comprehensive interview to learn about your desires for your new home; size, style, features and so on.  Information from this meeting will be used to generate a proposal for services, a plan of action and projected time line.

What should we bring to the meeting?

Any materials that convey – even loosely – a desired design direction for your home. This may include sketches you may have prepared or a written description of requested rooms and spaces, features and room sizes.

Can you assist with a design to finish our basement?

Definitely! I'm particularly fond of this type of work; basements tend to be the place for entertaining and recreation - we can stretch out creatively. Do you have a theme in mind? Maybe you want to create the ultimate party space for game day; themed out in your favorite team's color and decor. Perhaps you want to create a space that has the look and feel an aged pub; authentic masonry walls, maybe some exposed beams.

Or if you are simply in search of something a little more conservative and just want some ideas of how to disguise those pesky - but necessary - steel columns, we can generate a plan to bring it all together. The basement will transform from the dark dungeon to the main hang-out. I would be happy to set up a meeting to see your space and hear what you have in mind and let the ideas start flowing!

Do you build homes?

Simply put, no. Krouse Design Ltd. is only involved in design and planning; information link between you and your construction professionals. Every project is approached with 2 clients in mind; the home owner and the builder/construction trades.

Will Krouse Design Ltd. help us choose a builder?

I invite you to visit the related links page to view a list of the home builders I have had the pleasure of working with through the years. They welcome the opportunity to provide a free consultation on how they might assist you.

What are the average construction costs to build a home?

This is always a tricky question given the wide range of size, complexity and styles of homes. We can discuss very loose figures at the conclusion of the first consultation. Please keep in mind, there truly is not a 1-size fits all approach to price/square foot. It is unique to the size and style of your home.

Can you assist in designing a site plan?

Absolutely! Determining the location of pools, ponds, septic tanks, driveways and storage buildings can be challenging. Krouse Design Ltd. is happy to assist you in forming a comprehensive plan for these items relative to the site. Visit the site planning page for more information!

Do you assist with landscape design?

I am happy to assist with hard-scapes such as patios, fireplaces, pools, landscape bed shapes, but recommend consulting a landscape architect or planner for specific plant species. Visit the outdoor spaces page for more information.

Do you design additions or interior remodel?

Yes for both. I have extensive experience with both scenarios and welcome the opportunity to hear what you have in mind and assist you. Visit either the addition or remodeling pages for more information.

We want to build a duplex; will you assist the design of apartments?

I am qualified to assist on residential buildings up to a 3 unit dwelling or apartment. Commercial buildings or residential complexes exceeding 3 units (under the same roof) require an Architecture/Engineering firm. Visit the multi-unit dwelling page for more information.

What is your service area?

I provide residential design services, house plans or "home architect" to an area near Findlay, Lima, Dayton, Van Wert, Delphos, Ottawa, Bowling Green, Wapakoneta, Shawnee, Kenton, Napoleon, Defiance, North Baltimore, Ada and Celina Ohio.

I provide house plans, residential design, home plans or blue prints to an area in and near Putnam, Hancock, Allen, Van Wert, Auglaize, Mercer, Wood, Seneca, Wyandot, Henry, Defiance and Paulding county in Ohio to name a few.  I serve northwest Ohio and west central Ohio with home plans and residential design services - or commonly referred to as home design.

I welcome the opportunity to assist you no matter where you're from. There are methods for working long distance to provide you with the same care and attention to detail.