Newleaf Design-Build

MJ LlamaMama _{on Google}

Dec 7th, 2018

I asked Marie to help me draw plans for a permit for my new front porch. That was August, 2016. She said it was an easy job and would take about 20 hours. Nothing in January of 2017. In May, she thought she would submit. Nope. It was turned in In August. She brought me the paperwork with a bill and a permit after almost a year!
I was ever so pleased to finally be able to finish my project. Except I couldn't find anyone to pour concrete to what I needed, since her plan wasn't close. I actually hand drew a revision and submitted it to the county myself. There were issues with the county (personnel changes) that caused delay, which wasn't her fault. Finally, I spoke to the inspector. When he realized the scope of my project, the whole works was on hold until I submitted accurate drawings and had an engineered plan. I don't have a clue how they could have ever issued her a permit with the info she submitted. $3500 to a real architect and almost three years later, I have an accurate plan to build with.
Marie's plan had to be scrapped. She never responded to any calls or emails by me or the inspector. Her pencil drawings weren't functional. There were no specifics. There was no attention to setbacks. She knew I had engineering issues (existing trusses had been cut by a previous owner) and never disclosed that to the county. I wasted a year and almost $2000 with her. I should never have accepted her work, but I was SO ANXIOUS to get started.
Beware. She may be a fabulous designer, and she may be able to draw blueprints for new construction, but my kindergarten drawings from her for a remodel certainly don't reflect that.