Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Choosing A Draftsman

Congratulations! You are planning to build a new home. You may have outgrown your present home, or you may be building the retirement house of your dreams. Whatever the reason you are building you will need to find a draftsman or architect to prepare your plans. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a draftsman.

1) Experience - Does your draftsman have the experience needed to draw the plans for your home? With today's computer programs nearly anyone can draw a floor plan. A draftsman needs to take the plans beyond a simple drawing. He, or she, needs to be able to prepare the plans needed to succor the building permits and include the information needed for all the contractors, from the framers to the millwork installers. You will need a floor plan of each level of the building, complete with all dimensions, notes, and details. You will need elevation drawings of all sides of the exterior of the building, and maybe even a few of the interior. You will also need wall sections and other structural details.

2) Structural Knowledge - Does your draftsman have an understanding of structural bearing and loading? Does he understand floor loading, or how your roof trusses will be supported down to the footings? Where will posts and bearing walls be needed? Over the years I have seen several plans drawn by someone who knew how to draw a floor plan, but obviously had not given the plan any consideration as to how the floor and roof loads were to be supported. It is tough to tell people that changes have to be made to the plan so that the roof will not fall in on them during the first snow storm.

3) Codes and Zoning - There are few things more frustrating for a homeowner then to have plans for a new house drawn and then find out it does not meet local building codes, or fit on your lot. A house designed for Florida will probably not meet building codes for Minnesota. Choose a draftsman that is familiar with local building codes and zoning ordinances, or at least willing to find out what they are and draw your plans according to them.

4) Listening Skills - I have lost track of how many times people have come to me because their previous draftsman would not listen to their ideas and needs. A draftsman should be designing the house to your specifications, not the way he wants it to be. Of course, structural considerations must be taking into account. You the homeowner will be living in the house, not the draftsman. The draftsman should also be able, and willing, to make suggestions to make your plan better. There needs to be good communication between the homeowner and the draftsman.

Lastly, do not be afraid to ask questions and for references if you happen to be working with someone new to you. A good draftsman or architect should be willing to give you several references.