When you’re building your dream home or your commercial building, you probably want to avoid anything that would delay your project. The best way to keep everything on track and running smoothly is with a detailed set of drawings. For a successful project, it’s better to deal with issues in the design phase rather than living with them after they have been constructed.
As a professional architect, I can share that it’s much easier and cheaper to make changes to lines on paper (or on the computer) than to knock down walls after they’ve been built. Here are 3 reasons why detailed drawings lead to successful buildings and home designs in the Chicago area:
Comprehensive drawings make projects faster, a higher priority and budgets more realistic
Due to labor shortages and supply chain issues as a result of COVID-19, contractors are busy. To get your project to the top of their priority list, you’ll want to provide as much information as possible. When a contractor sees comprehensive drawings, they know that they won’t have to spend time asking you questions and second-guessing to meet your expectations for your dream home.
With detailed drawings showing exactly what type of stairs you want (14 open steps of wood with low-risers and a lovely trim handrail, for example), the contractor can give you a better estimate on the construction cost. Plus, you’ll avoid the back and forth information-gathering, saving you time and avoiding aggravation that would come with not properly planning ahead. And since the details are already available, the contractor can get started, giving your project a higher priority than others so that your project can progress with ease.
Catching issues early on with detailed drawings
Joe, a developer I’m working with, was building on a lot of land. Joe asked me to take his plans and create 3D drawings. Through this technology, prospective clients could virtually walk through the property. And by providing detailed drawings, I discovered that the house design was over the property line and ran right through the neighbor’s garage.
While this property issue should have been found earlier, problem-solving is one of the skills of a professional architect. The ability to step in, find a resolution and receive a building permit helped Joe move his project successfully forward.
3D drawings open opportunities and identify problems
Glen, the developer in Lake Bluff, was also pleased by the opportunity he saw with the detailed 3D drawings of his property. Instead of having the house so compact, he could broaden the width to take advantage of the whole lot. This would make the house more marketable, valuable and give it a better street presence.
On the flip side, Glen noticed that the retaining wall was much higher than he thought it was. Not only would this create an issue for the civil engineer to manage the stormwater, but the wall would be more visible. The detailed drawings helped identify this so that Glen could make informed decisions about the type of material to use to build and if the budget would be affected.
It’s much easier to see opportunities and deal with issues in design than wait and be surprised in construction when you may feel disappointed or spend money making changes. Plus, making the most of 3D virtual reality can add magic to your experience of working with a professional architect.
Detailed drawings lead to successful building and home design
By creating detailed drawings in the design phase, you’re saving yourself time and money. The drawings get a higher priority with the contractor since there’s less guessing and the budget range is more accurate. You’ll be able to identify issues upfront so you can make informed decisions. You can show exactly what materials you want so there won’t be any surprises and you’ll be pleased with the results of your finished home or building.
If you are ready to design your dream home or commercial property with the detailed drawings that ensure success, contact us at mebarchitect.com/contact-mark-eric-benner-architects/.
*Rendering by Mark Benner, AIA