Selecting a draftsman or architect
When selecting a draftsperson or architect to design my building project, who should I choose?
My experience over the years has varied. We have been involved with architectural firms. individual architects, draftsmen, and drafting firms. All have a place in the market, and many times the project itself dictates the firm or person that should be used.
If you are thinking of working with a building contractor, many times it is wise to get their counsel first.
If you have already decided to work with; lets say a draftsman, look at some plans he has finished in the past. Ask for references. Ask if he does work for builders. Ask those builders how they feel about that particular draftsman.
DO NOT BASE you final decision solely on price. Some draftsmen do not produce a good detailed sets of plans, and it becomes apparent when trying to obtain building permits. It also allows for interpretations in the field, that should be detailed for field crews. Much like a successful business needs a business plan, your building project needs a good set of building plans.
A good quick check is:
Are the beams sized and the dimensions detailed, or does the plan have the notation: “verify in field”, or “builder to verify”,or even notes like “lumber salesman to verify”. Obviously this draftsman does not know what he is doing, or does not want the responsibility of detailing the plans. Do you really want him designing your project?
Contact us to take your home from concept to completion today.
Share on FacebookPlanning and designing a room addition
Do I need a set of house plans to add the room on the rear of our house?
Planning is an integral part of any process, regardless of what it is. House additions and alterations are no different. Before investing in a set of building plans, you need to first see if you can do what you want. There may be restrictions that will not allow you to add the the addition the way you have it set in your mind.
Some restrictions may be utility easements, subdivision regulations, zoning issues, neighborhood association regulations, and many other types of stipulations. The planning phase starts way before building plans (blueprints) are started. You should always know where your house sits on your property which may require a land survey. This will identify any easements or items that may alter the way you design your addition or remodeling project. You can then get your builder to prepare a plot plan that will allow them to advise regulatory agencies of what your general plans are.
At this point you are finally ready to design the building plans. Your builder should direct you to a qualified draftsman/designer or architect to start the building plans. We highly recommend Pete Nusz Home Design for our projects.
The last step in the process is to turn those finished building plans into official “blueprints” so permits can be pulled and actual construction can take place.
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