Terms & Conditions

These Terms & Conditions outline the general policies, service expectations, and professional standards for Cornerstone Residential Design. By scheduling a consultation, requesting an estimate, or engaging in design services, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms.

For full legally binding terms, clients receive a complete Service Agreement, Design Services Agreement, and Quote Estimate Agreement during the Consultation Process.

1. Nature of Services

Cornerstone Residential Design provides residential drafting and design services, including:

  • Custom home designs

  • Additions & remodels

  • ADUs

  • General consulting

Services include design development, working drawings, and coordination with engineering or permitting offices when requested.
Construction supervision, contractor oversight, site inspections, and interior design services are not included.

2. Consultation Fee

All projects begin with a $100 non-refundable consultation, which includes up to one hour of professional review, feasibility discussion, and project guidance.
No design work begins until the consultation is completed and the client confirms intent to proceed.

3. Billing Rate & Payments

  • All services are billed at $100 per hour, tracked in fifteen-minute increments.

  • Time spent on design, communication, revisions, permitting, and coordination is billable.

  • A 50% non-refundable deposit of the estimated project cost is required before any design or drafting work begins.

  • The remaining balance is due upon completion of services prior to release of any drawings.

  • Payment is accepted by check unless written approval is provided for another method.

Cornerstone Residential Design does not release drawings, PDFs, or plan sets until all outstanding invoices are paid in full.

4. Preliminary Design

During this phase, Ted develops conceptual layouts, floor plans, roof plans, and initial design elements.
Clients must provide:

  • All required site information and surveys

  • Design preferences and layout needs

  • Budget parameters and project goals

Written approval of the preliminary design is required before working drawings begin.

5. Working Drawings

Once the preliminary design is approved, working drawings are created for construction and permitting, which may include:

  • Foundation plans

  • Framing plans

  • Cross-sections

  • Elevations

  • General notes

  • Site plans (if applicable)

Changes made after this stage begins may result in additional hourly charges.

6. Engineering

If structural engineering is required:

  • Cornerstone Residential Design coordinates with a licensed third-party engineer.

  • Engineering fees must be paid in full before coordination begins.

  • Any cost increases from the engineer are the client’s responsibility.

Ted is not responsible for engineering timelines, calculations, or performance.

7. Permitting

Permitting is the responsibility of the client or contractor unless specifically requested.

If permitting assistance is requested:

  • All permitting work is billed at the standard hourly rate

  • Permit fees must be paid directly to the city or county

  • Approval timelines are determined solely by the jurisdiction

Cornerstone Residential Design does not guarantee permit approval.

8. Ownership & Copyright

All drawings and design documents remain the property of Cornerstone Residential Design until all invoices are paid in full.

Upon full payment, clients receive a one-time-use, non-transferable license to use the drawings for the specific project and address identified.

Clients may not:

  • Copy or reuse drawings for multiple projects

  • Sell, modify, or distribute drawings

  • Transfer drawings to another party

  • Request CAD (.dwg) or editable files

Unauthorized use violates U.S. Copyright Law.

9. Client Responsibilities

Clients are responsible for:

  • Providing accurate information, measurements, and site details

  • Ensuring compliance with zoning, HOA rules, and property restrictions

  • Hiring qualified contractors

  • Verifying construction accuracy

Cornerstone Residential Design does not supervise construction or perform field verification unless specifically contracted.

10. Limitations of Liability

Cornerstone Residential Design is not liable for:

  • Contractor errors or construction defects

  • Field changes made without approval

  • Inaccurate information from the client or third parties

  • Delays from engineers, suppliers, or permitting agencies

  • Changes in building codes after plans are completed

Total liability shall not exceed the total design fees paid.

11. Late Payments

Invoices are due upon receipt.
Payments older than 10 days may incur:

  • 1.5% monthly interest

  • Work suspension

  • Withholding of deliverables

Clients are responsible for all collection fees if applicable.

12. Termination

Either party may terminate services in writing.
Upon termination:

  • The client must pay for all work completed up to the termination date

  • Consultation fees and deposits are non-refundable

  • All licenses to use drawings are revoked until payment is made in full

13. Governing Law

All services and agreements are governed by the laws of the State of Washington.
Disputes will be resolved in Whatcom County through mediation or arbitration.

14. Complete Agreements

For active projects, the signed:

  • Terms & Conditions

  • Design Services Agreement

  • Quote Estimate Agreement

take precedence over this general website summary.

Questions?

For clarification on any policy or to ask about your project:

Email: Ted.crdesign@gmail.com

Cornerstone Residential Design is committed to clear communication and professional service at every stage of your project.