Summer of 2014 is coming to an end - what a lovely summer it's been. It's hard to believe that school has begun and fall is right around the corner. Tim is gearing up for some half marathons, and I've had a great season competing with my riding and driving horses! Here at Sweeney, we've been busy with kitchen and bathroom remodels, screen porches and decks!
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DESIGN DOCUMENTS - THE BENEFITS OF DEVELOPING THEM
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In the past two newsletters, we've discussed the process of planning a project and the benefits of using a general contractor (GC) to help guide you. So, what's next? Well, it's determining if and why you need a set of design or construction documents or CD's. CD's detail the scope of the project. These documents can include some or all of the following: existing space or "as builts", site plans, demolition plans, proposed plans and elevations. They could also include sections and construction details, such as how a wall is constructed, 3D views, mechanicals, appliances, specifications and finishes.
Basically, these CD's are a recipe for the construction of your project. They detail your ideas, selections/finishes, the demolition and construction for the total project. Once completed, they will be used to develop a proposal/contract, apply for building permits, and do the actual construction of the project.
One of the challenging aspects of developing a set of CD's is aligning them to the clients' budget. Quality and type of finishes, labor and structural and mechanical elements are the main areas that drive the cost of a project.
Not all projects require a set of CD's, but here are some projects where you will need CD's to pull a building permit: moving walls, changing locations of fixtures (toilets, showers, bathtubs, etc.), changing the layout or footprint of cabinetry, adding on to the existing building, adding windows or doors, finishing unfinished spaces or converting attic space to living space. A building permit is required to ensure that the project meets local building codes and regulations.
If you are comparison pricing, this will ensure that each of the GC's are using the same products, square footage and construction techniques. Otherwise, one GC could be providing an allowance of $500 for a finish/product while the other GC uses the actual item that you selected, which is $3,000. If this scenario happens several times during construction, it quickly becomes over budget! The more detail the CD's have, the more accurate the proposal will be and the better chance of having that final project come in on time and on budget.
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Again, depending on the scope of the project, the design team may bring in several professionals for input. These professionals, such as structural engineers, interior designers, architects, surveyors and mechanical, plumbing and HVAC subcontractors collaborate to address their area of expertise.
Developing a quality set of CD's does require time, commitment and costs, but the benefits will save you money and time in the long run! Depending on the scope of the project, design costs through Sweeney are approximately 2-4 percent of the budget verses 8-15 percent with an architectural firm. Laying out the project on the computer/paper prior to the actual construction saves time and money. It's easy to move a wall on paper but expensive to move it when the project is underway.
There are several good architectural design computer programs on the market. Here at Sweeney Construction we use an AUTOCAD product called Revit http://www.autodesk.com/products/revit-family/overview. Revit builds in model space or 3D, verses paper space like Autocad drawing on a drawing board. All the components of a building, such as walls, doors, windows, floors, etc., contain the components, such as wood studs, shingles, hinges, glass, etc. So when you cut through a wall you, see the wood stud, drywall and insulation. Any design changes made in the Revit models are automatically updated throughout the model, keeping designs and documentation coordinated and more reliable. A simple key stroke can show what the back of a home would look like with options such as a sliding glass door, French door or a window, in every view and right down to every detail. It's a very powerful and fun program to work with! This software saves time, money and provides a 3D visual, which is more easily understood for most people than 2D. Our client's love to sit down in front of a computer and take a walk through their proposed project. Every detail, right down to the lights, furniture and mirrors, come to life before their eyes! |
Give us a call, or send me an email at [email protected], and we can begin bringing your project from a dream to reality! Sincerely, |
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