I later went into doing concrete before pursuing Welding and Fabrication where I did stainless installs and custom equipment, before finally settling in on Machining, as to further pursue my life's passion of designing and gunsmithing.My wife and I bought a house a few years ago and are looking to do a refinance soon, drop the PMI, and use some of the money to do some repairs and possibly finish an apartment on to our detached garage. 

Very tough to get 3 or 4 designs per room if you’re paying a local designer $50-$100/hr.This is how I get around my lack of design skills without overpaying.

@Ellie Ryan Hi Ellie, although I am not currently in need of design help, I will be looking for a vacation home in Maine in the future (maybe within the next year).

@Aaron McGinnis is there an average cost you pay per type of design?

Doing any kind of design work?

Construction cost vary depending on location and type of design and finishes.  

You might try doing a quick look around.There are entities out there like Linwood Homes that offer a wide variety of "pre-constructed" homes in a wide variety of style.Obtain the land, do the site work, have a general contractor do the assembly on site...You might be quite surprised at pricing and diversity of designs.

The quality just wasn't good and even though the samples they have posted seem to depict the level of creativity and quality of design, the end product was nothing like it.

Hi BP Community, I'm looking to add both space and value without developing into the yard.Can anyone provide a referral or recommend a professional remodeling contractor whom specializes in the construction and engineering of design/build homes?

I suggest making your rental just a tad bit better in terms of design and finishes in your local market.