Check out our latest Get-A-Sketch Designs:

Get-A-Sketch Design of a Porch and Entry

Get-A-Sketch Design of a Garage Addition

Get-A-Sketch Design of a House Addition

Get-A-Sketch Portfolio #1 - Addition to 1940s Style Texas Regional Home
Before: Front View of House Get-A-Sketch Design: Exterior Elevations of the Addition Larger View Get-A-Sketch Design: Floor Plan of the Addition		Design Dilemma: A Dallas, Texas resident needed an addition to his home (pictured left) and had a list of specific rooms that were to be included in the new construction. He wanted to create a new master bedroom, two children's bedrooms, a guest room and a utility room. Also, this client wanted us to update the look of his 1940s era, Texas regional home, and because of a new baby on the way, he requested this addition be completed quickly (and economically). The VirtualArchitect Solution: We incorporated all of the client's requests into a preliminary floor plan of the addition and a perspective sketch of the final product. This set of Get-A-Sketch designs provided the basis to develop a full set of remodeling plans through our Full Service Design Package for Remodels & Additions service. The top sketch represents the new addition to the back of the home. It consists of a big master bedroom on the top floor and three smaller bedrooms and a utility room on the bottom floor. The new addition is connected to the main house by a breezeway, which is roomy enough to accomodate a den/family room. A large courtyard serves as the centerpiece integrating the new structure with the existing one. To build this project economically, we used standard stock materials (like wood siding and basic windows) and low-cost construction methods, such as simple framing and massing. Even though we utilized basic materials in the design, we were still able to give the house a more contemporary look by, for instance, adding simple wood brackets to the exterior. Our goal with this project was not only to stay within budget, but at the same time, create a spacious, yet cozy living space for this growing family.
Get-A-Sketch Portfolio #2 - Front Porch Expansion
Before: Front View of the House Get-A-Sketch Design: New Porch Layout Larger View		Design Dilemma: This Michigan homeowner had two simple requests: 1. Replace the window box to the left of the front door 2. Make the front porch wider and deeper. The VirtualArchitect Solution: First, we told the client not to change the window box because it would cost too much and her money would be better spent on expanding the porch as a way to enhance the beauty and value of her home. The new porch (illustrated in the sketch on the left) incorporates the stone the client requested, exhibits some of the existing details of the home, adds depth and shadow to the street view, and creates a space large enough to use. As part of this client's Get-A-Sketch Design Package, she received an estimated cost of construction and a 3-dimensional sketch that she could give to her contractor to complete the project. The client said this about her Get-Sketch porch design: "I love the new porch look. I like how the existing walkway will come straight into the side of the porch without having to reroute it. My favorite part is the arched timbers work and the timber/stone posts." Thanks again, Lori.
Get-A-Sketch Portfolio #3 - Front Elevation Scheme for Apartment Building in West Africa
Get-A-Sketch Design: Front Elevation Scheme for Apt. Building Larger View		Design Dilemma: A Canadian client wanted VirtualArchitect to create a preliminary plan for a 600 sqm., 4-story, apartment building for bachelors that he intended to build in West Africa. Each apt. unit had to include 1 bedroom, 1 bath, and a small kitchenette. In addition, the client requested we design an attractive, yet cost-efficient building facade. The VirtualArchitect Solution: Because the client did not send us any photos of the proposed site (or even of similar projects), we had to develop a front elevation scheme from scratch, in addition to unit floor plans, which are not shown here. We took into consideration all the climactic, economic, and functional parameters to create an innovative, yet affordable building. We also provided the client with approximate costs of such a project and we offered to develop this sketch into a full set of plans through our New House Plans service.
Get-A-Sketch Portfolio #4 - Second Floor Addition to 1970s Ranch Style House
Before: Front View of the House Get-A-Sketch Design: 2 Design Schemes for the Addition Larger View		Design Dilemma: Laura M. was cramped for space and wanted to add an upstairs to her 3-bedroom home in Sacramento, CA. She requested the new upstairs addition consist of a bedroom for her young son, and, if possible, a storage room and playroom. The VirtualArchitect Solution: As part of the client's Get-A-Sketch Design Package, we gave her two different design schemes (see the plans at left). Both of these designs included an extra bedroom, which was the top priority for the client. We were also able to accommodate the client's request for a playroom and storage room in the new upstairs addition. With this project, our goal was not only to create more space for this client's family, but we also wanted to invigorate this 1970s ranch style home by creating more appealing massing with the addition as a way to break up the boring exterior look of the home. "The design is so simple yet it really helps to brighten things up", Laura wrote to us, "I showed the design to a contractor in my area and he said he could do the work without a problem. Thanks, VirtualArchitect."