What are the drawings?...really?
The drawings are not just a piece of paper that is used to reflect what the final product will look like, and how it will be built. The drawings are actually a summary of where the project is at the time the drawings were generated. A summary of the design process at that time. The design process is a series of decisions that need to be made, some before others, and the drawings therefor are simply a reflection of the timetable of those decisions.
The biggest mistake I see in projects is always the same. Clients/designers want to finish the drawings, then research additional input that ultimately will change the design. Why?
There are basically three things that go into each decision:
- What does it look like (aesthetics)
- How does it work (function)
- How much does it cost (reality)
...and the last one carries the most weight. It doesn't matter what it looks like, or if it works, if you can't afford it, don't design it...it will NEVER get built.
So to that end, I present my version of the Design Process that I have used of over 30 years. It has eliminated a number of "unrealized projects" over the years. There are many famous designers/architects that have books of unrealized projects.
Definition: Unrealized Project - A project where someone didn't realize there was a budget involved. (Sounds like a government project...doesn't it).
The Design Process
- Site acquisition. You can find your site later, but it will cost you.
- Preliminary construction/end financing loan qualification. Why design something to find out later you can't get the financing for it. This is a divorce waiting to happen.
- Starting Point. Basic floorplan and exterior style or features. This can come from many different sources, all at one time, and combined during the process. Check out my Catalog of Plan Page for a starting point.
- Layout Preliminary Floorplans. Take your starting point and develop your flow and function. We haven't gone outside (exterior/elevations) yet, but you want to keep in mind what the effects your floorplans will have on the elevations at all times. It's just easier to adjust the exterior to the interior than the other way around. You can start outside, but it will cost you.
- Make changes. This is a common step to the process. You will be making changes all the time. It is much cheaper on paper than while under construction.
- Gain pricing from floorplans. You can get pricing as you go on some of the items that have the widest range of prices at this time such as kitchens, baths, floors, pre-fab fireplaces, appliances, fixtures (plumbing and electrical), and more. It is critical that you do this now.
- Make changes to the floorplans...again. Notice a trend?
- Generate Preliminary Elevations and Sections. You know when to start this step based on a build up of questions during the floorplan steps that can't be answered without seeing the elevations and/or sections.
- Make Changes. Now you will have the elevations and floorplans to make changes to also...along with any more changes that need to be made to the floorplans.
- Price the rest of the job...complete. This will be a price range based on the options you have chosen. Price a high and low end for everything (maybe even some in between), and mix and match combinations until you find the combination of looks/function/price that works best.
"How are you doing so far with that budget from step #2"? - Make changes. Based on the bids you are getting and maybe even new ideas you come across while getting these bids, you may be making more changes..
- Specifications. Begin to compile your specifications for all of your finishes to include how much, who, where and when for each product and/or service.
- Decide on the construction techniques you will be using. By now you will have come across a number of different ways to build this house ranging from stick build to SIP's, Wood Basements, ICF's, Geothermal and more. Make decisions.
- Gain additional pricing if needed. Your budget may not be working out right with the decisions you made. Find more options either in products or better pricing to make it all come together.
- Make drawing changes as needed. Remember, the drawings are just a summary of where you are at the time in your decision making process. Get the drawings up to date.
- Repeat steps #10 - 15. Keep changing your mind now...it costs you so much more in the field, and if you wanted to make a change now but don't, chances are your will make it in the field. Don't do that.
- Total up the bids - verify everything.
- Now - complete the final plans. Now you have made the final decisions, thus the plans (final plans now) will reflect that.
- Schedule project. Contractors & suppliers need to be lined up, verified and scheduled.
- Compile blank forms. Have ready all the forms you will need during construction such as waivers of lien, sworn statements, etc...
- Apply for permits. You can't build it until the building department says OK.
- Make changes. The Building Department is now involved. All I can say is Building Departments have taught me that a dozen eggs does not equal 12.
- Gain Permits. Now the Building Department says OK.
- Make your prints. Contractors need a fresh set since the ones you gave them to make bids off of is either lost or messed up from the bid process.
- Invest in a Pharmacy. Pain reliever and antacids are your best friends.
- Put a shovel in the ground. Start your engines and enjoy. If you are very thorough in the design process, you should eliminate most of your problems and have a less stressful construction phase.
I describe the Design Process as really nothing more than another form of Construction...but on paper...where is is easier and much cheaper.
So enjoy the process and good luck with your project.
Joe Villeneuve, President
Concepts in Designs, LLC
www.conceptsindesigns.com
joe@conceptsindesigns.com
No comments:
Post a Comment