Looking for draftsman in Lake Charles area (Cameron: home, contractor)

[BParks]

Trying to watch our budget for building in Cameron Parish, wanted to find a draftsman rather than an architect as a home "design" is not needed. We are from another state and do not know anyone in the area. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Anole]

If you succeed in finding a draftsman, make sure you and the draftsman are current with the new building codes. The state enacted the new codes where a whole host of regulations are now required.
It would be wise to check with the local building permit person so you won't be surprised later on. There may be elevation requirements, hurricane straps (simpson ties etc.), hurricane shutters or high impact glass, open wall inspections, electrical and plumbing inspections, etc. Get to know what you will be faced with before it becomes a problem. Good luck and have fun!!!!

[BParks]

There won't be any surprises for us, we're aware of ALL the new building codes for our zone, that's why we've decided to build, their application has been quite effective given the recent hurricane activity in that area. You can't even get a building permit until your plans have been submitted and approved. We've been told by the architect we always use here (I'm a residential contractor), that a draftsman customarily charges about 1/2 that of an architect. That's money that can be spent elsewhere. Thanks for your input.