How long does it take for house plans to be drawn?

First schematic drafts take three to fourteen days.  Final drawings sets take one to four months, depending on scope, size, changes.

 

Why are architectural drawings necessary?

For the homeowner to see what the house will be in all particulars of design, space, and use.

Because most municipal permitting agencies require building plans.

To keep the builder and the homeowner on the same page; to instruct builders, tradesman, craftsman; to reduce errors.

 

What is the difference between an architect and a designer?

An architect can draw plans, manage a project, by license stamp approvals, oversee a project.  A designer can draw plans, manage a project, oversee a project.  Both architect and designer most sometimes require that plans be certified by a licensed, structural engineer, for municipal approval.  There is little to no difference between architect and designer stock plans.  Custom plans often require a project architect (an architect assigned to daily oversight of a project) both of the designer’s and the architect’s office.

 

What are the home design phases?

  • Schematic Design: the initial consultation, preliminary design, proposed building program, and site analysis, including a site visit, consultation, and thumbnail drafts.
  • Design Development: after agreement of schematic concept, the creation of detailed floor plans, elevations, and technical details.
  • Construction Documents: the CAD (Computer Aided Design) and/or hardcopy blueprints for contractors in bid.

 

Are there other steps?

In “Custom Design”, The Beautiful Home might assist with, Bidding and Negotiation: sometimes the architect-designer or project architect will assist in seeking and accepting bids.

Construction Administration (architect-designer administration of the project) for a fee, because time consuming and specialized to each instance.  These phases might include the preparation of additional drawings, approving contractor requests for progress payments, overseeing changes made to the plans and contractor errors, negotiating disputes, resolving conflicts, adding detail or explanation of particulars in interior, landscape, et cetera.