Frequently Asked Questions

A large white house with a metal roof by the water, featuring a dock leading to a sandy beach, with palm trees and other greenery around it.
Front view of a white building with black lettering that reads 'Mobile Bay Magazine,' with signs for media and events, and a black sign on the right side, with large windows and greenery outside.

HOW WE WORK

  • Every WAV project is custom designed for the individual client and its unique site. When clients come to us with plans from an online service, they want to make changes because the purchased plans do not fit their needs or the size and shape of their property.

  • WAV typically operates within a three-hour driving radius of Fairhope, Alabama, and collaborates with many contractors in this area. While we sometimes work with contractors beyond this region, we recommend those we have prior experience with. Recommendations are tailored to each project, considering the client's specific goals and the contractor's ability to meet them.

  • WAV is a full-service design firm that stays involved throughout every stage of a project, from picking the initial site to the final move-in day. Many design decisions occur during the construction phase of the project. We love to work closely with the client and contractor during construction to resolve any issues and ensure custom interior features are implemented correctly.

    In addition, our interior design team works with clients and contractors to ensure many of the custom interior features are implemented correctly during this phase.

  • Of course. A large percentage of our clients are “out of town” and with current technology, we are able to have remote meetings and share ideas long distance without impacting the design process. Although the majority of our projects are within a three-hour driving radius of Fairhope, we have worked on projects all over the United States.

  • We recommend starting with an architect for guidance. It also helps if you can do some research to help define your vision. First, make a list of all the rooms and features you want in your home, such as a dog-washing station in the garage. Next, gather visual inspiration using tools like Pinterest to share your aesthetic preferences. Lastly, be sure to have a survey of your property available for review.

    Once you contact WAV, we will meet with you to review your ideas and provide a project-specific proposal that outlines the design process. 

  • WAV typically provides concept designs for the outdoor spaces in relation to our architectural projects. We even select outdoor hardscape materials and associated outdoor furniture. However, WAV is not a landscape architecture firm. We do not select landscape materials or provide landscape plans for a contractor.

    On many projects, we do collaborate with the landscape architect/designer to ensure the overall project is cohesive and meets our client’s vision.

  • The final cost of a construction project is influenced by many factors beyond the building's construction, such as the expense of land, design and engineering fees, site development, and owner-furnished items like furniture and art.

    Building costs themselves vary widely, ranging from $250 to $1,000 per square foot depending on elements like the project's purpose (e.g., residential vs. commercial), the construction material (e.g., wood vs. concrete), and the desired quality of finishes. For an accurate budget, a detailed discussion is needed to account for these specific project variables.

  • Yes. Approximately half of WAV’s projects are renovations or additions for residential and commercial properties. Although these can be challenging, this type of project can also be the most exciting. We love seeing the “before” and “after” transformation. Do you have an existing building that you want to see transformed? Please contact us here.

Do you have a project in mind and want to discuss how we could help? Please contact us here.

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