Pre-Renovation: Design Plans,
Blueprints, and Estimates
Right At Home
Daily: Making It Right: Planning and Budgeting
Pre-Renovation: Design Plans, Blueprints,
and Estimates
By Lisa Skolnik for Right at Home Daily
Once you've decided on your renovation project, you're
ready to draw up preliminary plans, turn them into finished blueprints, and
get estimates for the work.
Everyone from your local building department
to contractor to subcontractors to material suppliers will use the finished
blueprints. Consequently, they must be comprehensive, precise, and most importantly,
accurate.
Design
Plans
List specific details such as size, shape, amenities,
materials, finishes, architectural details, and layout of the finished project.
This helps the architect, designer, or contractor create an (hopefully!) accurate
rough draft or schematic plans (usually done on a 1/8 to 1 foot scale).
Another set of plans (drawn in greater detail
on a larger, 1/4 inch, scale) should include your input, changes, and the advice
of other experts.
Blueprints
Once you are satisfied with the plans, the architect will create final working
drawings (in 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch to 1 foot scale), detailing every element
of the project, such as elevations, floor plans, wall placements, windows, heating
and electrical systems, plumbing, lighting plans, cabinetry, roof lines, and
all necessary specifications detailing materials, brands, colors and finishes.
These blueprints (named so because of the color
of the ink) are the roadmap for your renovation. Design details and specifications
should be listed on separate sheets and attached to the blueprints.
Estimates
As plans are being revised, the draftsman will run them by contractors, suppliers,
and tradesmen to get ballpark cost estimates. When the final blueprints are
complete, get three bids for your project from different general contractors
or builders.
If you're acting as your own general contractor,
you will need to submit a blueprint to three members of each trade you'll need,
including plumbers, electricians, painters, bricklayers, etc.
Each bid should be submitted in writing with
specifics on measurements, work steps, and materials (including brand names)
for every aspect of the task from preparation to completion, including how long
the project will take. Costs should be broken down by line item. And the contractor
should give you a total price for the entire project.
Bids are typically valid for 30 days, but can
sometimes go for 60 days, especially if they are high or the project is large.
TAKE IT AND RUN
1. The design plans are the central communication
device for all parties involved. Make sure every detail you want is included
in the final blueprint.
2. Architects and contractors make mistakes.
Carefully review your blueprints (more than once) to eliminate errors.
3. Gather estimates informally during the design
process to see if the costs match your budget.
