Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to find out is simply to have a conversation — and we make that easy with a free introductory call. But here are a few things that tend to signal a great fit:

You want someone who listens first. Our very first step isn’t drawing plans — it’s understanding your life, your family, and your goals. We want to know what you like and why you like it, how your home will serve your day-to-day, and what fits within your budget. If you’re looking for an architect who takes the time to truly understand your vision before putting pen to paper, you’ll feel at home with us.

You have a vision, but you’re not sure how to make it buildable. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you call us. Clients often come to us with inspiration, ideas, and a general direction — and that’s exactly what we’re here to help you sort through. We bring 25 years of design expertise to the table and develop a plan with you, one step at a time.

You want guidance through the entire process, not just the drawings. From early design sessions all the way through construction, we advocate for you. We make sure everything we’ve planned together gets translated exactly as we all imagined — so you’re never left wondering what happens next.

Your project is residential, commercial, or somewhere in between. We work on custom homes, additions, remodels, renovations, commercial projects, and multifamily housing across the Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus areas. If your project is a little outside the box, even better — we genuinely enjoy the challenge.

You value a smooth, low-stress process. Building can feel daunting. Our clients consistently tell us they appreciate our clear communication, attention to detail, and the way we help relieve the anxiety that often comes with a major project.

Still not sure? Browse our portfolio and client testimonials to get a feel for the work we do and the people we do it with. Then start a conversation — and let’s talk about your project.

We know that not knowing what to expect is one of the biggest sources of anxiety around building a custom home. Here’s how the journey unfolds when you work with Springhouse.

The First Conversation We start by getting to know you — your vision, your family, your budget, and your goals. This is our “client gut check,” and it helps us give you a realistic early read on fit and pricing before anything is formalized.

Schematic Design We develop early concepts that illustrate spatial relationships, scale, and form — and research any zoning or site restrictions that apply. This phase ends when you’ve agreed on a direction and an estimated construction cost.

Design Development We go deeper, laying out mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, and architectural details. Material types, window and door locations, and other key decisions get made here, ending with your formal approval before moving forward.

Construction Documents We produce a full set of detailed drawings and specifications — everything a contractor needs to accurately price and build your home.

Bid & Contractor Selection We help you evaluate bids and select the right builder for your project, guiding that decision alongside you.

Construction This is where your home comes to life — and where Springhouse’s involvement matters most. We attend site meetings, answer questions, and handle the surprises that inevitably arise during any build, so nothing derails your timeline or budget.

Move In A home designed around your life, built to your vision, delivered the way we all planned it.

Start a conversation and let’s talk about your project.

Our involvement doesn’t stop when the drawings are done — in fact, construction is one of the most important phases of our work together.

Once your builder breaks ground, we shift into what’s called Construction Administration. This is where we serve as your advocate on the ground, making sure everything being built matches what we designed together. That means attending on-site meetings, responding to questions from the contractor, reviewing shop drawings, and issuing clarifications when field conditions require a closer look.

No matter how thorough the construction documents are, surprises happen. Materials change, questions come up, and decisions need to be made quickly. Having your architect available and present during construction means those moments get resolved the right way — without derailing your timeline or budget.

We also document progress throughout the build, so there’s a clear record of decisions made and work completed. The goal is simple: fewer surprises, better quality, and a finished home that looks and feels exactly like the one we planned.

This phase is often underestimated, but for us it’s non-negotiable. The design process only delivers on its promise if someone is there to protect that vision all the way to the finish line.

Start a conversation to learn more about how we work.

With a design-build firm, the same company that designs your home also builds it. That can feel convenient — but it comes with a trade-off: the designer and the builder answer to the same bottom line. When questions or conflicts arise during construction, there’s no independent advocate in your corner.

Springhouse is different. We are your architect — focused entirely on your vision, your budget, and your best interests. We don’t build, which means we have no financial stake in construction decisions. When we’re at the table with your builder, we’re there representing you.

That independence matters throughout the entire process. During design, our only goal is to create the best possible plan for your project — not to steer you toward materials or methods that are easier or more profitable to build. During construction, we review work, respond to questions, and make sure what’s being built matches what we designed together. If something isn’t right, we say so.

You also retain more control over who builds your home. Rather than being locked into one firm’s construction arm, you can select a builder based on reputation, experience, and competitive pricing — with us helping you evaluate your options and negotiate on your behalf.

The bottom line: a design-build firm gives you one relationship. Springhouse gives you an advocate.

Start a conversation to learn more about how we work.

It’s one of the most important questions to ask, and one that catches a lot of people off guard. The builder’s quote is just one piece of the total picture. Here’s a realistic look at what else goes into the cost of a custom home project.

Land and site preparation Beyond the purchase price of your lot, expect closing costs, clearing, grading, and utility hookups — easily $20,000–$100,000 or more before a single wall goes up.

Site-specific fees Soil testing, surveys, permits, and impact fees all add up. Challenging lot conditions — rocky soil, steep grades, or a floodplain — can add further foundation or excavation costs.

Upgrades and finishes Builder pricing typically assumes mid-grade finishes. Upgrades to flooring, countertops, cabinetry, and architectural features can add 10–30% on top of the base build cost.

Soft costs Architectural fees, structural engineering, construction loan interest, and builder’s risk insurance are frequently overlooked in early budgeting — but they’re real costs that belong in your plan from the start.

Landscaping and outdoor features Driveways, walkways, decks, patios, and fencing are rarely included in a builder’s quote and need to be budgeted separately.

Contingency Always reserve 5–15% of total project cost. Change orders and unforeseen conditions happen on virtually every project.

Part of what Springhouse brings to your project is helping you see the full picture early — so your budget reflects reality from the start.

Start a conversation and let’s talk through what your project might realistically involve.